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When to plant Coreopsis in Johnson County, IN

Johnson County's climate puts the Coreopsis spring window between April 19 and May 10. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.

When to Plant Coreopsis in Johnson County, IN

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.

Johnson County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.

At an elevation of 1,324 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 36.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Coreopsis during the growing season.

Perennial Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting
Johnson County, IN (Zone 6a) Moderate season
193 days
Last Spring Frost April 12
193 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Johnson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Coreopsis Planting Timeline — Johnson County, IN

Coreopsis Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 8 Feb 8 – Feb 22
Transplant Outdoors April 19 Apr 19 – May 3
Direct Sow April 19 Apr 19 – May 10
Bloom June 28 Jun 28 – Oct 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

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 6a

📆 Growing Season

193 days in Johnson County

Growing Tips for Johnson 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 Johnson County, IN?

Johnson County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Coreopsis planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Johnson County, IN?

Johnson County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 22.

When should I plant Coreopsis in Johnson County, IN?

In Johnson County, IN, plant Coreopsis after the last frost (around April 12) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Johnson County, IN for Coreopsis?

Johnson County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Coreopsis grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Coreopsis grow in Johnson County's climate?

Yes — Coreopsis grows well in Johnson County's temperate climate. Johnson County averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 12 and first frost around October 22.

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Your Johnson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Johnson County (Zone 6a). 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 Johnson County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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