When to Plant Coreopsis in Jackson County, NC
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, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 2,044 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 45.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 89°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.
Jackson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Coreopsis Planting Timeline — Jackson County, NC
Coreopsis Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Direct Sow | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| Bloom | June 29 | Jun 29 – Nov 9 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | Bloom |
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
182 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 →
Coreopsis in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Coreopsis in Jackson County, NC?
Jackson County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Coreopsis planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jackson County, NC?
Jackson County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 19.
Your Jackson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Jackson County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.