When to plant Coreopsis in Macon County County,
Macon County County gardeners should plant Coreopsis between April 24 and May 15 in spring. With Macon County County's Zone 6a climate (last frost April 17), Coreopsis needs 80 days to mature — plant by July 29 for a full harvest.
When to Plant Coreopsis in Macon County, MO
Your June planting checklist for Macon County, Missouri
Each item below is timed to Macon County, Missouri's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Indoor seed-starting week for coreopsis
Give them 6–8 weeks indoors before the last frost and you'll transplant into warm soil with seedlings that are already leaping.
Get ahead of July
- 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.
Macon County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 974 feet, Macon County receives approximately 37.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Coreopsis to ensure they mature before fall.
Macon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.9
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 Macon County
How your county's soil matches Coreopsis's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.9) overlaps with Coreopsis's range (5.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Macon County is excellent for Coreopsis — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Coreopsis.
How to Plant Coreopsis
Succession Planting Coreopsis
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 29 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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Macon 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 — Macon County, MO
Coreopsis Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Direct Sow | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 15 |
| Bloom | July 3 | Jul 3 – Oct 23 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
183 days in Macon County
Growing Tips for Coreopsis in Macon County
Direct sow Coreopsis outdoors after April 17 in Macon 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 Macon County, MO?
Macon County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Coreopsis planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Macon County, MO?
Macon County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Coreopsis in Macon County, ?
In Macon County, , plant Coreopsis after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Macon County, for Coreopsis?
Macon 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 Macon County's climate?
Yes — Coreopsis grows well in Macon County's temperate climate. Macon County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 17.
Your Macon County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Macon 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.