Blog

When to plant Coreopsis in Jackson County, AL

Plant Coreopsis in Jackson County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 7. Continue planting through April 28 for the spring crop.

When to Plant Coreopsis in Jackson County, AL

Coreopsis (Tickseed) is a cheerful, long-blooming native perennial that produces a continuous flush of bright yellow, gold, or bi-colored daisy-like flowers from early summer well into fall. One of the most reliable cut-and-come-again bloomers in the perennial garden, it thrives in hot, dry, sunny conditions and poor soil where many competitors struggle. An invaluable nectar source for native bees and butterflies, and a butterfly host plant for several species.

Jackson County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.

At an elevation of 302 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 59.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Coreopsis during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Coreopsis, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Coreopsis root diseases.

Perennial Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting
Jackson County, AL (Zone 7b) Long season
205 days
Last Spring Frost April 7
205 growing days
First Fall Frost October 29

Jackson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Coreopsis

Coreopsis needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Coreopsis Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 5.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Jackson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Coreopsis Planting Timeline — Jackson County, AL

Coreopsis Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 3 Feb 3 – Feb 17
Transplant Outdoors April 14 Apr 14 – Apr 28
Direct Sow April 7 Apr 7 – Apr 28
Bloom June 16 Jun 16 – Nov 3

Plant 0.1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June Bloom
July Bloom
August Bloom
September Bloom
October Bloom
November Bloom
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

60–80 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

📆 Growing Season

205 days in Jackson County

Growing Tips for Jackson County

Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost or direct sow after last frost. Seeds germinate easily without stratification. Thrives in poor to average, well-drained soil — rich soil promotes foliage over flowers. Drought tolerant once established; overwatering is the most common mistake. Deadhead spent blooms to maintain continuous flowering through the season. Shear plants by one-third in midsummer for a fresh flush of late-season blooms. Year 2+ plants bloom most heavily. Divide every 2–3 years in early spring to rejuvenate crowded clumps.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Coreopsis in Jackson County, AL?

Jackson County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Coreopsis planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jackson County, AL?

Jackson County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 29.

When should I plant Coreopsis in Jackson County, AL?

In Jackson County, AL, plant Coreopsis after the last frost (around April 7) and before the first frost (around October 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Jackson County, AL for Coreopsis?

Jackson County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Coreopsis grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Coreopsis grow in Jackson County's climate?

Yes — Coreopsis grows well in Jackson County's temperate climate. Jackson County averages a 205-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 7 and first frost around October 29.

🌱

Your Jackson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jackson County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Jackson County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.