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When to plant Coreopsis in Nez Perce County, ID

Plant Coreopsis in Nez Perce County, between May 12 and June 2 — the only viable window. Zone 7b's short season (137 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.

When to Plant Coreopsis in Nez Perce County, ID

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.

Nez Perce County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.

At an elevation of 4,819 feet, Nez Perce County receives approximately 16.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Coreopsis during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Coreopsis successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Perennial Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting
Nez Perce County, ID (Zone 7b) Short season
137 days
Last Spring Frost May 12
137 growing days
First Fall Frost September 26

Nez Perce County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-8

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 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Coreopsis Planting Timeline — Nez Perce County, ID

Coreopsis Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 10 Mar 10 – Mar 24
Transplant Outdoors May 19 May 19 – Jun 2
Direct Sow May 12 May 12 – Jun 2
Bloom July 21 Jul 21 – Dec 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

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 7b

📆 Growing Season

137 days in Nez Perce County

Growing Tips for Nez Perce 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 Nez Perce County, ID?

Nez Perce County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Coreopsis planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Nez Perce County, ID?

Nez Perce County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is September 26.

When should I plant Coreopsis in Nez Perce County, ID?

In Nez Perce County, ID, plant Coreopsis after the last frost (around May 12) and before the first frost (around September 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Nez Perce County, ID for Coreopsis?

Nez Perce County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Coreopsis grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Coreopsis grow in Nez Perce County's climate?

Yes — Coreopsis grows well in Nez Perce County's temperate climate. Nez Perce County averages a 137-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 12 and first frost around September 26.

🌱

Your Nez Perce County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Nez Perce County (Zone 7b). 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 Nez Perce County, ID. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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