Tickseed Companion Plants: The Ultimate Guide

If you're looking for a way to brighten up your garden, look no further than tickseed and its companion plants. Tickseed (Coreopsis) is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that produces bright yellow, orange, or red flowers. It's perfect for adding a pop of color to your garden, and it pairs well with a variety of other plants.

In this guide, we'll take a closer look at some of the best tickseed companion plants, as well as some tips for planting and caring for them.

Best Tickseed Companion Plants

Here are some of the best plants to pair with tickseed:

1. Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) is a hardy perennial that pairs well with tickseed. It produces bright yellow or orange flowers that complement the colors of tickseed. Black-eyed Susan is also a great choice for attracting pollinators to your garden.

Planting and Care Tips:

Black-eyed Susan prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Plant it in the spring or fall, and water it regularly until it becomes established.

2. Coneflower

Coneflower (Echinacea) is another great companion plant for tickseed. It produces pink, purple, or white flowers that contrast nicely with the bright colors of tickseed. Coneflower is also known for its medicinal properties and is used to boost the immune system.

Planting and Care Tips:

Coneflowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Plant them in the spring or fall, and water them regularly until they become established.

3. Salvia

Salvia is a beautiful flowering plant that pairs well with tickseed. It produces spikes of blue, purple, or pink flowers that add height and interest to your garden.

Planting and Care Tips:

Salvia prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Plant it in the spring or fall, and water it regularly until it becomes established.

4. Russian Sage

Russian sage (Perovskia) is a hardy perennial that pairs well with tickseed. It produces lavender-blue flowers that complement the colors of tickseed. Russian sage is also known for its aromatic foliage.

Planting and Care Tips:

Russian sage prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Plant it in the spring or fall, and water it regularly until it becomes established.

5. Butterfly Weed

Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a great companion plant for tickseed. It produces bright orange flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators to your garden.

Planting and Care Tips:

Butterfly weed prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Plant it in the spring or fall, and water it regularly until it becomes established.

Tips for Planting and Caring for Tickseed Companion Plants

Here are some tips for planting and caring for tickseed and its companion plants:

1. Choose the Right Location

Tickseed and its companion plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Choose a location that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day and has good drainage.

2. Prepare the Soil

Before planting, amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.

3. Water Regularly

Water your plants regularly, especially during dry periods. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.

4. Mulch Around Plants

Mulch around your plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

5. Deadhead Regularly

Deadhead your tickseed and companion plants regularly to encourage more blooms and prevent them from becoming too leggy.

FAQs

1. Can I grow tickseed in a container?

Yes, tickseed can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough and has good drainage.

2. How often should I fertilize my tickseed and companion plants?

Tickseed and its companion plants don't require a lot of fertilizer. You can fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once per month during the growing season.

3. Do tickseed and its companion plants attract pests?

Tickseed and its companion plants are generally pest-resistant. However, they may attract aphids, spider mites, or other insects. If you notice an infestation, treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

4. When should I divide my tickseed and companion plants?

You can divide your tickseed and companion plants in the spring or fall every few years to keep them healthy and prevent overcrowding.

5. Can I propagate my tickseed and companion plants?

Yes, you can propagate tickseed and its companion plants by taking stem cuttings or dividing the plant.