When to plant Coreopsis in Clare County, MI
In Clare County, Coreopsis is a spring-only crop. Plant May 21–June 11 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Coreopsis in Clare County, MI
What to do in June
Here's what deserves your attention in Clare County, Michigan this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 5a and timed around your local frost dates.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- Starting indoors: 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.
Clare County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.
At an elevation of 1,150 feet, Clare County receives approximately 41.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Coreopsis during the growing season.
Clare County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.1
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 Clare County
How your county's soil matches Coreopsis's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.1) is within Coreopsis's preferred range (5.5–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Clare County is excellent for Coreopsis — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Coreopsis will thrive.
How to Plant Coreopsis
Succession Planting Coreopsis
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 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 | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Clare 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 — Clare County, MI
Coreopsis Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 28 | May 28 – Jun 11 |
| Direct Sow | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 11 |
| Bloom | August 6 | Aug 6 – Nov 12 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
142 days in Clare County
Growing Tips for Coreopsis in Clare County
Direct sow Coreopsis outdoors after May 14 in Clare 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 Clare County, MI?
Clare County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Coreopsis planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clare County, MI?
Clare County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is October 3.
When should I plant Coreopsis in Clare County, MI?
In Clare County, MI, plant Coreopsis after the last frost (around May 14) and before the first frost (around October 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Clare County, MI for Coreopsis?
Clare 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 Clare County's climate?
Yes — Coreopsis grows well in Clare County's temperate climate. Clare County averages a 142-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 14 and first frost around October 3.
Your Clare County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Clare 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.