When to plant Coreopsis in Fayette County, GA
In Fayette County, plant Coreopsis in spring between March 21 and April 11, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Fayette County's last frost averages March 28, so most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 60–80 days before the first frost on November 3.
When to Plant Coreopsis in Fayette County, GA
Your July planting checklist for Fayette County, Georgia
July is a pivotal month for Fayette County, Georgia gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Basket week: coreopsis
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
August prep starts now
- 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.
Fayette County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.
At an elevation of 268 feet, Fayette County receives approximately 61.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92°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.
Fayette County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.7
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 Fayette County
How your county's soil matches Coreopsis's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.7) overlaps with Coreopsis's range (5.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Fayette County is excellent for Coreopsis — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
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 (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Coreopsis.
How to Plant Coreopsis
Succession Planting Coreopsis
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 15 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 | — | 5.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Fayette 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 — Fayette County, GA
Coreopsis Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 31 | Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Direct Sow | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 11 |
| Bloom | May 30 | May 30 – Oct 24 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
220 days in Fayette County
Growing Tips for Coreopsis in Fayette County
Direct sow Coreopsis outdoors after March 28 in Fayette County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Fayette County's clay soil (34% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Coreopsis. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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 Fayette County, GA?
Fayette County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Coreopsis planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fayette County, GA?
Fayette County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 3.
When should I plant Coreopsis in Fayette County, GA?
In Fayette County, GA, plant Coreopsis after the last frost (around March 28) and before the first frost (around November 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Fayette County, GA for Coreopsis?
Fayette County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Coreopsis grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Coreopsis grow in Fayette County's climate?
Yes — Coreopsis grows well in Fayette County's temperate climate. Fayette County averages a 220-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 28 and first frost around November 3.
Your Fayette County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Fayette County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.