How to Grow All Summer Beauty
Wikimedia Commons
All Summer Beauty
Coreopsis tinctoria 'All Summer Beauty'
flowerAll Summer Beauty is a vibrant annual coreopsis (tickseed) cultivar known for its prolific blooming throughout the growing season. It produces cheerful, daisy-like flowers in warm shades of red, orange, and yellow, often with contrasting bicolor patterns. This low-maintenance plant is a favorite for cottage gardens, borders, and cutting arrangements.
When should you plant All Summer Beauty in your zone?
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Example All Summer Beauty timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant All Summer Beauty
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First All Summer Beauty blooms
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact All Summer Beauty dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-11; grows as annual in all zones, perennial in warmer climates
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with fine cotyledons emerge and develop thread-like true leaves. Growth is relatively slow initially.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright indirect light. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops a bushy mound of feathery, finely-divided foliage. Stems elongate and branch profusely.
Maintain moderate soil moisture. Begin fertilizing with balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Pinch tips early to encourage branching.
Budding & Early Flowering
1-2 weeksFlower buds appear at stem tips. Initial blooms open in warm, red, orange, and yellow hues with characteristic contrasting markings.
Continue regular watering and feeding. Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Provide full sun.
Peak Flowering
8-12 weeksPlant covered in numerous flowers blooming simultaneously. Continuous succession of new blooms from mid-summer through frost.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly for maximum blooming. Reduce fertilizer frequency if plant becomes too lush. Water during dry spells.
Late Summer to Frost
Until frost or season endFlowering continues steadily. Plant may appear slightly less full but maintains good bloom production until first frost.
Continue deadheading. Minimal fertilizer needed. Allow some flowers to remain for seed production if desired.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning or use row covers. Neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe.
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Increase humidity with misting. Use neem oil or miticide if infestation is heavy. Avoid over-fertilizing.
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for persistent infestations.
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Ensure good air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicide spray if needed.
Uses
Edible Flower Garnish
CulinaryCoreopsis flowers are edible with a slightly citrusy flavor and are used as colorful garnishes for salads, cocktails, and desserts. [source]
Fresh and Dried Arrangements
CraftAll Summer Beauty's cheerful blooms are excellent for fresh bouquets and cut flower arrangements. Flowers dry well for pressed flower crafts and dried arrangements. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeAbundant nectar and pollen attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects throughout the growing season, making it valuable for pollinator gardens. [source]
Cottage Garden & Borders
HouseholdIts compact, bushy habit and continuous blooming make it ideal for informal gardens, flower borders, containers, and mixed plantings. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalCoreopsis species have been used in traditional herbal medicine, though modern medical applications are limited. Primarily valued ornamentally. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For cut flowers, harvest in early morning when blooms are fully open but still fresh. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle and place immediately in water. Deadhead spent flowers regularly by pinching just below the flower head to encourage continuous blooming. Allow some late-season flowers to set seed if you want self-sown plants next year.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The genus name 'Coreopsis' comes from Greek words meaning 'bug-like seed' because the seed resembles a small insect.
- 🌱 All Summer Beauty lives up to its name—the continuous blooming from early summer through frost is exceptional, and deadheading encourages even more flowers.
- 🌱 Coreopsis tinctoria is native to North America and was traditionally used by Native Americans, earning it the common name 'Plains Coreopsis.'
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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