When to plant Coreopsis in Chatham County County,
Chatham County County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Plant Coreopsis between February 19 (after last frost on March 5) and March 12.
When to Plant Coreopsis in Chatham County, GA
June in the garden — Chatham County, Georgia
Your Chatham County, Georgia garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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It's harvest week for coreopsis
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: coreopsis
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.
Chatham County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 263 days.
At an elevation of 398 feet, Chatham County receives approximately 51.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Coreopsis during the growing season. 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.
Chatham County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5-6.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Coreopsis Planting Risk Windows
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 Chatham County
How your county's soil matches Coreopsis's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.1) overlaps with Coreopsis's range (5.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Chatham County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Coreopsis will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Coreopsis prefers dry conditions but your soil drains poorly. Use raised beds or mounded rows to prevent root rot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Coreopsis.
How to Plant Coreopsis
Succession Planting Coreopsis
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 04 to harvest before frost.
Coreopsis Water Budget
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 | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Chatham 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 Planting Timeline — Chatham County, GA
Coreopsis Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 8 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Direct Sow | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 12 |
| Bloom | April 16 | Apr 16 – Sep 17 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
263 days in Chatham County
Growing Tips for Coreopsis in Chatham County
Direct sow Coreopsis outdoors after March 05 in Chatham County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Chatham County dries quickly — mulch Coreopsis with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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 →
Coreopsis in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Coreopsis in Chatham County, GA?
Chatham County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Coreopsis planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Chatham County, GA?
Chatham County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 23.
When should I plant Coreopsis in Chatham County County, ?
In Chatham County County, , plant Coreopsis after the last frost (around March 5) and before the first frost (around November 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Chatham County County, for Coreopsis?
Chatham County County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Coreopsis grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Coreopsis grow in Chatham County County's climate?
Yes — Coreopsis grows well in Chatham County County's temperate climate. Chatham County County averages a 263-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 5 and first frost around November 23.
Your Chatham County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Chatham County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.