When to plant Coreopsis in Wayne County, IA
In Wayne County, plant Coreopsis in spring between May 3 and May 24, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Wayne County's last frost averages April 26, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 60–80 days before the first frost on October 13.
When to Plant Coreopsis in Wayne County, IA
July in the garden — Wayne County, Iowa
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this July, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Basket week: coreopsis
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Coming up in August — start thinking about
- 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.
Wayne County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 901 feet, Wayne County receives approximately 36.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Coreopsis during the growing season.
Wayne County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.9
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 Wayne County
How your county's soil matches Coreopsis's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.9) is within Coreopsis's preferred range (5.5–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Wayne County is excellent for Coreopsis — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — Coreopsis will thrive.
How to Plant Coreopsis
Succession Planting Coreopsis
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 25 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Wayne 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 — Wayne County, IA
Coreopsis Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | May 3 | May 3 – May 24 |
| Bloom | July 19 | Jul 19 – Nov 1 |
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 | Bloom |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Wayne County
Growing Tips for Coreopsis in Wayne County
Direct sow Coreopsis outdoors after April 26 in Wayne County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Wayne County, IA?
Wayne County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Coreopsis planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wayne County, IA?
Wayne County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 13.
When should I plant Coreopsis in Wayne County, IA?
In Wayne County, IA, plant Coreopsis after the last frost (around April 26) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Wayne County, IA for Coreopsis?
Wayne County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Coreopsis grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Coreopsis grow in Wayne County's climate?
Yes — Coreopsis grows well in Wayne County's temperate climate. Wayne County averages a 170-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 13.
Your Wayne County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Wayne County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.