When to plant Coreopsis in Clinton County, MI
Plant Coreopsis in Clinton County, when soil hits 50°F — usually May 7. Continue planting through May 28 for the spring crop.
When to Plant Coreopsis in Clinton County, MI
This month in Clinton County, Michigan
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Clinton County, Michigan.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- Starting indoors: coreopsis
- 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.
Clinton County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.
At an elevation of 519 feet, Clinton County receives approximately 34.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Coreopsis to ensure they mature before fall.
Clinton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.7
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 Clinton County
How your county's soil matches Coreopsis's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–6.7) is within Coreopsis's preferred range (5.5–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Clinton County is excellent for Coreopsis — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Coreopsis.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — 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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Clinton 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 — Clinton County, MI
Coreopsis Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 7 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Direct Sow | May 7 | May 7 – May 28 |
| Bloom | July 16 | Jul 16 – Nov 5 |
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 6a
📆 Growing Season
166 days in Clinton County
Growing Tips for Coreopsis in Clinton County
Direct sow Coreopsis outdoors after April 30 in Clinton 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 Clinton County, MI?
Clinton County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Coreopsis planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clinton County, MI?
Clinton County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 13.
When should I plant Coreopsis in Clinton County, MI?
In Clinton County, MI, plant Coreopsis after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Clinton County, MI for Coreopsis?
Clinton 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 Clinton County's climate?
Yes — Coreopsis grows well in Clinton County's temperate climate. Clinton County averages a 166-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 13.
Your Clinton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Clinton 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.