Blog

When to plant Coreopsis in Perry County, AL

Plant Coreopsis in Perry County, when soil hits 50°F — usually February 28. Continue planting through March 21 for the spring crop.

When to Plant Coreopsis in Perry 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.

Perry County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.

At an elevation of 61 feet, Perry County receives approximately 49.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°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.

Perennial Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting
Perry County, AL (Zone 8b) Long season
244 days
Last Spring Frost March 14
244 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Perry County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.7

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 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Coreopsis Planting Timeline — Perry County, AL

Coreopsis Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 17 Jan 17 – Jan 31
Transplant Outdoors March 14 Mar 14 – Mar 28
Direct Sow February 28 Feb 28 – Mar 21
Bloom May 16 May 16 – Oct 10

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April
May Bloom
June Bloom
July Bloom
August Bloom
September Bloom
October Bloom
November
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 8b

📆 Growing Season

244 days in Perry County

Growing Tips for Perry 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 Perry County, AL?

Perry County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Coreopsis planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Perry County, AL?

Perry County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 13.

When should I plant Coreopsis in Perry County, AL?

In Perry County, AL, plant Coreopsis after the last frost (around March 14) and before the first frost (around November 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Perry County, AL for Coreopsis?

Perry County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Coreopsis grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Coreopsis grow in Perry County's climate?

Yes — Coreopsis grows well in Perry County's temperate climate. Perry County averages a 244-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 14 and first frost around November 13.

🌱

Your Perry County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Perry County (Zone 8b). 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 Perry 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.