When to Plant Coreopsis in Refugio County, TX
June to-do list for Refugio County, Texas
Your Refugio County, Texas garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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Basket week: coreopsis
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in 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.
Refugio County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 16 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 293 days.
At an elevation of 1,000 feet, Refugio County receives approximately 68.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 103°F, so Coreopsis may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Coreopsis root diseases.
Refugio County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.2
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 Refugio County
How your county's soil matches Coreopsis's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.2) is within Coreopsis's preferred range (5.5–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Refugio County is excellent for Coreopsis — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.0%). Annual compost additions will help Coreopsis.
How to Plant Coreopsis
Succession Planting Coreopsis
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 17 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 | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 8.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 9.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 11.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 9.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Refugio 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 — Refugio County, TX
Coreopsis Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 22 | Dec 22 – Jan 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 2 | Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Direct Sow | January 26 | Jan 26 – Feb 16 |
| Bloom | March 30 | Mar 30 – Aug 31 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Bloom |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
293 days in Refugio County
Growing Tips for Coreopsis in Refugio County
Direct sow Coreopsis outdoors after February 16 in Refugio County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 103°F in Refugio County, provide afternoon shade for Coreopsis and water deeply in the morning.
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 Refugio County, TX?
Refugio County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 16. Plan your Coreopsis planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Refugio County, TX?
Refugio County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 16 and first fall frost is December 6.
Your Refugio County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Refugio County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.