When to plant Coreopsis in Highlands County, FL
For Highlands County, gardeners: plant Coreopsis January 8 through January 29 once soil reads 50°F.
When to Plant Coreopsis in Highlands County, FL
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.
Highlands County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 29 and the first fall frost is December 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 325 days.
At an elevation of 111 feet, Highlands County receives approximately 57.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Coreopsis may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Coreopsis will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Coreopsis root diseases.
Highlands County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.9-5.8
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 | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Feb | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 9.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Highlands County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Coreopsis Planting Timeline — Highlands County, FL
Coreopsis Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 4 | Dec 4 – Dec 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 15 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 |
| Direct Sow | January 8 | Jan 8 – Jan 29 |
| Bloom | March 12 | Mar 12 – Aug 13 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | — |
| 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
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
325 days in Highlands County
Growing Tips for Highlands 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 →
Coreopsis in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Coreopsis in Highlands County, FL?
Highlands County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of January 29. Plan your Coreopsis planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Highlands County, FL?
Highlands County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 29 and first fall frost is December 20.
When should I plant Coreopsis in Highlands County, FL?
In Highlands County, FL, plant Coreopsis after the last frost (around January 29) and before the first frost (around December 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Highlands County, FL for Coreopsis?
Highlands 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 Highlands County's climate?
Yes — Coreopsis grows well in Highlands County's temperate climate. Highlands County averages a 326-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 29 and first frost around December 20.
Your Highlands County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Highlands 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.