When to Plant Coreopsis in Mason County, WA
What to do in July
A quick July briefing for Mason County, Washington gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Basket week: coreopsis
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Coming up in August — start thinking about
- 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.
Mason County, Washington is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 230 feet, Mason County receives approximately 36.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Coreopsis during the growing season.
Mason County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.7
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 Mason County
How your county's soil matches Coreopsis's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.7) overlaps with Coreopsis's range (5.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Mason County is excellent for Coreopsis — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.3%) — Coreopsis will thrive.
How to Plant Coreopsis
Succession Planting Coreopsis
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 10 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 | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 0.6" | 1.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 0.7" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 6.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Mason 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 — Mason County, WA
Coreopsis Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Direct Sow | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 25 |
| Bloom | June 20 | Jun 20 – Nov 14 |
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 |
| 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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
194 days in Mason County
Growing Tips for Coreopsis in Mason County
Direct sow Coreopsis outdoors after April 18 in Mason 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 Mason County, WA?
Mason County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Coreopsis planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mason County, WA?
Mason County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 29.
Your Mason County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Mason County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.