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When to plant Coreopsis in Jackson County, MS

Jackson County's climate puts the Coreopsis spring window between February 16 and March 9. aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting.

When to Plant Coreopsis in Jackson County, MS

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.

Jackson County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 2 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 269 days.

At an elevation of 182 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 57.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Coreopsis during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Coreopsis will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Coreopsis root diseases.

Perennial Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting
Jackson County, MS (Zone 9a) Long season
269 days
Last Spring Frost March 2
269 growing days
First Fall Frost November 26

Jackson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Coreopsis Planting Timeline — Jackson County, MS

Coreopsis Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 5 Jan 5 – Jan 19
Transplant Outdoors February 16 Feb 16 – Mar 2
Direct Sow February 16 Feb 16 – Mar 9
Bloom April 13 Apr 13 – Sep 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Bloom
May Bloom
June Bloom
July Bloom
August Bloom
September Bloom
October
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 9a

📆 Growing Season

269 days in Jackson County

Growing Tips for Jackson 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 Jackson County, MS?

Jackson County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 2. Plan your Coreopsis planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jackson County, MS?

Jackson County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 2 and first fall frost is November 26.

When should I plant Coreopsis in Jackson County, MS?

In Jackson County, MS, plant Coreopsis after the last frost (around March 2) and before the first frost (around November 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Jackson County, MS for Coreopsis?

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

Can Coreopsis grow in Jackson County's climate?

Yes — Coreopsis grows well in Jackson County's temperate climate. Jackson County averages a 269-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 2 and first frost around November 26.

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Your Jackson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jackson County (Zone 9a). 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 Jackson County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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