When to plant Coreopsis in Marshall County, MS
Marshall County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Plant Coreopsis between March 27 (after last frost on March 27) and April 17.
When to Plant Coreopsis in Marshall County, MS
This month in Marshall County, Mississippi
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Marshall County, Mississippi this August and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
-
Bring in the coreopsis
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Before September arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Marshall County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 218 days.
At an elevation of 255 feet, Marshall County receives approximately 52.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Coreopsis during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Coreopsis, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Coreopsis root diseases.
Marshall County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.3
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 Marshall County
How your county's soil matches Coreopsis's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.3) is within Coreopsis's preferred range (5.5–7.5).
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Marshall County is excellent for Coreopsis — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Coreopsis.
How to Plant Coreopsis
Succession Planting Coreopsis
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 12 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 | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Oct in Marshall 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 — Marshall County, MS
Coreopsis Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 23 | Jan 23 – Feb 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Bloom | June 5 | Jun 5 – Oct 23 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
218 days in Marshall County
Growing Tips for Coreopsis in Marshall County
Direct sow Coreopsis outdoors after March 27 in Marshall County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Marshall County's clay soil (34% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Coreopsis. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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 Marshall County, MS?
Marshall County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Coreopsis planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Marshall County, MS?
Marshall County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is October 31.
When should I plant Coreopsis in Marshall County, MS?
In Marshall County, MS, plant Coreopsis after the last frost (around March 27) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Marshall County, MS for Coreopsis?
Marshall County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Coreopsis grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Coreopsis grow in Marshall County's climate?
Yes — Coreopsis grows well in Marshall County's temperate climate. Marshall County averages a 218-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 27 and first frost around October 31.
Your Marshall County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Marshall County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.