When to Plant Coreopsis in Ellis County, OK
June to-do list for Ellis County, Oklahoma
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Ellis County, Oklahoma.
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Time to start coreopsis inside
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
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Pick coreopsis
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
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.
Ellis County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.
At an elevation of 968 feet, Ellis County receives approximately 28.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Coreopsis during the growing season.
Ellis County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.7
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 Ellis County
How your county's soil matches Coreopsis's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.7) overlaps with Coreopsis's range (5.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Ellis County is excellent for Coreopsis — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Coreopsis.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (4.0%). Annual compost additions will help Coreopsis.
How to Plant Coreopsis
Succession Planting Coreopsis
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 03 to harvest before frost.
Coreopsis Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Ellis 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 — Ellis County, OK
Coreopsis Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 12 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Bloom | June 25 | Jun 25 – Nov 5 |
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 | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | Bloom |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
189 days in Ellis County
Growing Tips for Coreopsis in Ellis County
Direct sow Coreopsis outdoors after April 16 in Ellis 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 Ellis County, OK?
Ellis County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Coreopsis planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ellis County, OK?
Ellis County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 22.
Your Ellis County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ellis 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.