When to plant Coreopsis in Scott County, MS
Scott County gardeners should plant Coreopsis between March 8 and March 29 in spring. With Scott County's Zone 8b climate (last frost March 22), Coreopsis needs 60–80 days to mature — plant by August 18 for a full harvest.
When to Plant Coreopsis in Scott 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.
Scott County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 229 days.
At an elevation of 344 feet, Scott County receives approximately 61.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92°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.
Scott County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Coreopsis Planting Timeline — Scott County, MS
Coreopsis Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 25 | Jan 25 – Feb 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Direct Sow | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 29 |
| Bloom | May 24 | May 24 – Oct 18 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
229 days in Scott County
Growing Tips for Scott 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 →
Coreopsis in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Coreopsis in Scott County, MS?
Scott County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Coreopsis planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Scott County, MS?
Scott County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 6.
When should I plant Coreopsis in Scott County, MS?
In Scott County, MS, plant Coreopsis after the last frost (around March 22) and before the first frost (around November 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Scott County, MS for Coreopsis?
Scott County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Coreopsis grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Coreopsis grow in Scott County's climate?
Yes — Coreopsis grows well in Scott County's temperate climate. Scott County averages a 229-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 22 and first frost around November 6.
Your Scott County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Scott County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.