When to plant Coreopsis in Tama County, IA
Plant Coreopsis in Tama County after April 28; the prime window is May 5–May 26.
When to Plant Coreopsis in Tama County, IA
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.
Tama County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.
At an elevation of 1,268 feet, Tama County receives approximately 38.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Coreopsis during the growing season.
Tama County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Coreopsis Planting Timeline — Tama County, IA
Coreopsis Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | May 5 | May 5 – May 26 |
| Bloom | July 21 | Jul 21 – Oct 27 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
163 days in Tama County
Growing Tips for Tama 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 Tama County, IA?
Tama County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Coreopsis planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Tama County, IA?
Tama County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 8.
When should I plant Coreopsis in Tama County, IA?
In Tama County, IA, plant Coreopsis after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 8). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Tama County, IA for Coreopsis?
Tama County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Coreopsis grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Coreopsis grow in Tama County's climate?
Yes — Coreopsis grows well in Tama County's temperate climate. Tama County averages a 163-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 8.
Your Tama County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Tama County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.