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When to Plant Coreopsis in Natrona County, WY

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.

Natrona County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is September 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 127 days.

At an elevation of 6,332 feet, Natrona County receives approximately 13.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Coreopsis to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Coreopsis successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Perennial Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting
Natrona County, WY (Zone 5a) Short season
127 days
Last Spring Frost May 19
127 growing days
First Fall Frost September 23

Natrona County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Coreopsis Planting Timeline — Natrona County, WY

Coreopsis Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 17 Mar 17 – Mar 31
Transplant Outdoors June 2 Jun 2 – Jun 16
Direct Sow May 26 May 26 – Jun 16
Bloom August 11 Aug 11 – Nov 17

Plant 0.1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April
May Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July
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 5a

📆 Growing Season

127 days in Natrona County

Growing Tips for Natrona 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Coreopsis in Natrona County, WY?

Natrona County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Coreopsis planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Natrona County, WY?

Natrona County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is September 23.

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Your Natrona County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Natrona County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Natrona County, WY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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