How to Grow Tickseed Zagreb
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Tickseed Zagreb
Coreopsis tinctoria 'Zagreb'
flowerTickseed Zagreb is a compact cultivar of annual coreopsis known for its vibrant red and gold bicolor flowers that bloom prolifically throughout the growing season. This cheerful, low-maintenance plant produces masses of daisy-like flowers on bushy, mounding plants, making it excellent for borders, containers, and cut flower arrangements.
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Example Tickseed Zagreb timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Tickseed Zagreb
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 Tickseed Zagreb blooms
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Tickseed Zagreb dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives as an annual in zones 2-11; may self-seed and return in zones 5-9
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Germination & Seedling
10-14 daysTiny seedlings emerge with fine cotyledons and develop their first true leaves within 1-2 weeks.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have true leaves.
Vegetative Growth
25-35 daysPlants develop bushy, compact foliage with fine, thread-like leaves. Multiple stems branch from the base, creating a mounding habit.
Water moderately and allow soil to dry between waterings. Pinch back early growth if desired to encourage bushier plants. No fertilizer needed for healthy soil; use low-nitrogen fertilizer if needed.
Flowering
6-10 weeks from first flowersSmall, daisy-like flowers with red/burgundy petals and golden yellow centers (or bicolor patterns) cover the plant. Blooms appear in clusters at branch tips.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Water during dry spells. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer which reduces flowering. Cut stems for bouquets promote more blooms.
Seed Development & Decline
Variable; through season endIf flowers are not deadheaded, seeds develop and mature as the growing season ends. Plants may self-seed for next year in appropriate zones.
Leave some flowers undeadheaded if you want self-seeding plants. In frost-prone zones, plants decline after first frost. Allow seed heads to mature fully for collection.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Increase humidity around plants.
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Use sulfur dust or baking soda spray (1 tbsp per gallon water with soap).
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryTickseed flowers are edible and add bright color and a slightly tangy flavor to salads and garnishes. They can be used fresh or crystallized for decoration on desserts. [source]
Cut Flower & Arrangements
CraftTickseed Zagreb is excellent for fresh and dried flower arrangements, bouquets, and floral displays due to its long vase life and prolific blooming. The compact size and bicolor flowers add visual interest to arrangements. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe abundant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it valuable for supporting pollinator populations in gardens. [source]
Garden Color & Bedding
HouseholdPerfect for containers, borders, massed plantings, and cottage gardens, providing season-long color with minimal maintenance. Its compact, mounding habit makes it ideal for front-of-border placement. [source]
Traditional Herbal Uses
MedicinalCoreopsis species have been used traditionally in herbal medicine and dye-making. The name 'tinctoria' refers to its historical use as a dye plant. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers in early morning when stems are turgid for longer vase life. Harvest stems just as flowers open or are fully open. Deadhead regularly (every few days) to extend bloom period throughout the season. For seed collection, allow final flowers to fade on plant, then harvest dried seed heads and store in cool, dry conditions.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Tickseed' comes from the appearance of the seeds, which resemble ticks or small insects.
- 🌱 Coreopsis tinctoria is native to North America and was traditionally used by Native Americans and early settlers for natural dyes and medicine.
- 🌱 Zagreb is a compact dwarf cultivar, typically growing only 12-18 inches tall, making it more manageable and ideal for smaller gardens and containers compared to taller coreopsis varieties.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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