When to plant Coreopsis in Phelps County, MO
Spring Coreopsis in Phelps County goes in April 9–April 30, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.
When to Plant Coreopsis in Phelps County, MO
This month in Phelps County, Missouri
Here's what deserves your attention in Phelps County, Missouri this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Indoor seed-starting week for coreopsis
You're about 17 weeks out from your last frost — the perfect window to get these germinating indoors.
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Harvest coreopsis as they ripen
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- 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.
Phelps County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 1,057 feet, Phelps County receives approximately 40.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Coreopsis during the growing season.
Phelps County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-7
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 Phelps County
How your county's soil matches Coreopsis's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–7.0) overlaps with Coreopsis's range (5.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Phelps County is excellent for Coreopsis — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Coreopsis.
How to Plant Coreopsis
Succession Planting Coreopsis
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 05 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Phelps 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 — Phelps County, MO
Coreopsis Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 5 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Bloom | June 25 | Jun 25 – Oct 22 |
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 | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
198 days in Phelps County
Growing Tips for Coreopsis in Phelps County
Direct sow Coreopsis outdoors after April 09 in Phelps 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 Phelps County, MO?
Phelps County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Coreopsis planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Phelps County, MO?
Phelps County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 24.
When should I plant Coreopsis in Phelps County, MO?
In Phelps County, MO, plant Coreopsis after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Phelps County, MO for Coreopsis?
Phelps County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Coreopsis grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Coreopsis grow in Phelps County's climate?
Yes — Coreopsis grows well in Phelps County's temperate climate. Phelps County averages a 198-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 24.
Your Phelps County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Phelps County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.