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When to plant Coreopsis in Solano County, CA

Coreopsis planted in Solano County between January 19 and February 9 matures in 60–80 days — well before the December 3 first frost.

When to Plant Coreopsis in Solano County, CA

Solano County, California Zone 9b June

June in Solano County, California — your action list

Your garden in Solano County, California is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.

Avg. last frost February 9
Avg. first frost December 3
Soil temp (4") 85°F
Watering Critical
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.6 hrs
  1. Pick coreopsis

    This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.

Before July arrives, get these ready
  • First harvests: coreopsis

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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.

Solano County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and the first fall frost is December 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 297 days.

At an elevation of 376 feet, Solano County receives approximately 40.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Coreopsis may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat.

Perennial Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting
Solano County, CA (Zone 9b) Year-round
297 days
Last Spring Frost February 9
297 growing days
First Fall Frost December 3

Solano County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Coreopsis Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (109 days to spare)
Start indoors: Nov 30 Transplant: Jan 11 🌸 Bloom: Mar 8 – Aug 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (101 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 15 Transplant: Jan 26 🌸 Bloom: Mar 23 – Aug 24
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (85 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 16 Transplant: Feb 27 🌸 Bloom: Apr 24 – Sep 25

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Soil Compatibility in Solano County

How your county's soil matches Coreopsis's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.8–7.3) is within Coreopsis's preferred range (5.5–7.5).

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Solano County is excellent for Coreopsis — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Coreopsis.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Coreopsis.

How to Plant Coreopsis

0.1"
Planting Depth
18"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Coreopsis

5
successive plantings in your 297-day season

Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 14 to harvest before frost.

Coreopsis Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 257 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Monthly Watering Guide for Coreopsis

Coreopsis needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Coreopsis Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 8.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.2" 8.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Mar 2.2" 6.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 2.2" 2.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 2.2" 1" 1.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 2.2" 0.2" 2" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 2.2" 0" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 2.2" 0" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 2.2" 0.4" 1.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 2.2" 1.9" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.2" 3.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 2.2" 7.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient

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

Coreopsis Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Coreopsis needs ~1,488 GDD — county provides 6,332 GDD Excellent fit

Coreopsis Planting Timeline — Solano County, CA

Coreopsis Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 15 Dec 15 – Dec 29
Transplant Outdoors January 26 Jan 26 – Feb 9
Direct Sow January 19 Jan 19 – Feb 9
Bloom March 23 Mar 23 – Aug 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

0.5"/week · Only during dry spells

📅 Days to Maturity

60–80 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: ideal

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

📆 Growing Season

297 days in Solano County

Growing Tips for Coreopsis in Solano County

Direct sow Coreopsis outdoors after February 09 in Solano County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Common pests for Coreopsis in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

General growing tips

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 Solano County, CA?

Solano County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 9. Plan your Coreopsis planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Solano County, CA?

Solano County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and first fall frost is December 3.

When should I plant Coreopsis in Solano County, CA?

In Solano County, CA, plant Coreopsis after the last frost (around February 9) and before the first frost (around December 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Solano County, CA for Coreopsis?

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

Can Coreopsis grow in Solano County's climate?

Yes — Coreopsis grows well in Solano County's temperate climate. Solano County averages a 298-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 9 and first frost around December 3.

🌱

Your Solano County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Solano County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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

Sources & credits

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