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Plains Coreopsis Seeds – Native Annual Wildflower with Bicolor Yellow & Red Blooms for Pollinators and Meadows

Heirloom - Non-GMO - Reliable Germination

$4.99 USD
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Size: 1 Packet

What Makes Survival Garden Seeds Different - non-GMO heirloom seeds

Add bold color and effortless beauty to your garden with Plains Coreopsis Seeds, also known as Calliopsis or Golden Tickseed. This native North American annual produces striking bicolor blooms—bright yellow petals with rich burgundy-red centers—from early summer through fall. Its long flowering season and airy, graceful form make it a standout in both formal and naturalized plantings.

Plains Coreopsis is exceptionally easy to grow, making it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. Reaching 1–3 feet tall in a single season, it establishes quickly from direct seeding and thrives in a wide range of climates and soil types. Known for its resilience, this adaptable wildflower performs well in poor or sandy soils, tolerates drought once established, and continues blooming until frost with very little maintenance.

Beyond its ornamental appeal, Plains Coreopsis plays an important ecological role. It provides abundant nectar for pollinators throughout the growing season and produces seed heads that attract songbirds. Historically valued by Native Americans for natural dyes, teas, and other traditional uses, this versatile annual combines beauty, heritage, and ecological benefit in one dependable plant.

Bright, Resilient, and Long-Blooming:

  • Bicolor flowers bloom continuously from early summer through fall
  • Upright, branching plants reach 1–3 feet tall in one season
  • Graceful stems create movement and texture in mass plantings
  • Performs well in full sun to partial shade

Why Customers Love Plains Coreopsis:

  • Fast-growing native annual with reliable, season-long blooms
  • Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects
  • Deer resistant and tolerant of challenging growing conditions
  • Thrives in poor, sandy, or dry soils where other flowers struggle
  • Produces seeds for songbirds and natural reseeding

How to Use / How to Grow:
Direct sow Plains Coreopsis seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed, or in fall for earlier spring emergence in mild climates. Sow seeds on the soil surface and lightly press in—do not bury deeply. Plant in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil. Water lightly during establishment; once growing, plants require minimal care and will bloom continuously until frost. Allow some flowers to go to seed to support birds and encourage natural reseeding.

Heirloom Native Plant Seeds

All of our seeds are open-pollinated, non-GMO, heirloom varieties with tested germination rates

Specifications

  • Botanical Name
    Coreopsis tinctoria
  • Seasonality
    Annual
  • Planting Zones
    2-11
  • Light
    Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Soil Temp for Germination
    60-75 Degrees F
  • Germination Time
    7-21 Days
  • Planting Depth
    Surface
  • Plant Size
    1-3 feet tall, 12-18 inch spread
  • Growing Instructions
    Direct sow in the fall to early spring after the last frost. Surface sow; seeds need light to germinate. Keep moist until sprouted, then thin to 12-18 inches. Deadheading can extend bloom season
  • Seed Saving Instructions
    Nutlets mature 4-6 weeks after flowers wither; collect when inner bracts begin to darken. Remove chaff & store in a cool, dry place for up to 2-3 years.
  • Seed Count (approximate)
    826 to 1000

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Diagram showing the growth stages of a native perennial plant over three years.

Native Perennials Are Worth The Wait!

Native perennials may not bloom in their first year. When planted from seeds, perennials put almost all of their energy into establishing strong, healthy root systems in the first year of growth. In the second year, you should see larger plants and some blooms. After the third year, you will be able to enjoy a bounty of beautiful blooms. Trust us! It will be worth the wait!

Cold Stratification Aids Germination

  • Yellow bowl with moist clean sand

    Step 1

    Lightly moisten some clean sand. Make sure it is not too wet.

  • Yellow bowl with moist sand and flower seeds

    Step 2

    Mix your seeds with the moist sand.

  • Moving moist sand with flower seeds to a labeled storage bag

    Step 3

    Store your sand in an airtight container like a zip-top bag. Make sure to label and date your container.

  • White refrigerator with a gold handle against a gray wall

    Step 4

    Refrigerate your sand and seeds for 2 to 4 weeks (or more, depending on the information on your seed packet)

Final Step

Sprinkle your sand with the seeds on the surface of prepared soil and gently press in. Most perennial seeds require light to germinate. Keep soil moist until germination occurs.

Support Native Habitats

  • Supports Local Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Native plants are uniquely adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, forming the foundation of healthy ecosystems. They provide essential food, shelter, and breeding grounds for a wide array of native wildlife, including pollinators like bees and butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects, which helps to maintain and enhance local biodiversity.
  • Requires Less Maintenance and Resources: Once established, native plants typically require significantly less water, fertilizer, and pesticides compared to non-native ornamental plants. Their deep root systems improve soil health and water penetration, reducing runoff and erosion, and their natural resistance to local pests and diseases minimizes the need for chemical interventions, saving time, money, and environmental impact.
  • Contributes to Climate Resiliency and Conservation: By supporting a healthy native plant community, you are helping to create more resilient landscapes that can better withstand the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events. Growing native plants also plays a crucial role in conserving local plant genetics, preserving the natural heritage of a region, and providing critical habitat corridors for wildlife facing habitat loss.
  • Detailed Growing Information: Paper seed packets include clear planting instructions, germination tips, and seed-saving info, great for beginner or experienced gardeners growing vegetables, herbs, flowers, or native plants.
  • Trusted USA Seed Company: Family-owned business providing heirloom, non-GMO, open-pollinated seeds; always fresh, untreated, rigorously tested, and expertly packed for long-term storage and gardening success across all experience levels

Why Choose Survival Garden Seeds

At Survival Garden Seeds, we believe in preparing today for tomorrow’s peace of mind. That’s why we offer only heirloom, non-GMO, and untreated seeds you can trust to nourish your family and support a sustainable lifestyle. As a family-owned American company, we’re committed to providing seeds that grow strong and true—helping you cultivate health, resilience, and beauty in your garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are your seeds heirloom and open-pollinated?

Yes. All of our seeds are heirloom, open-pollinated varieties, which means they can produce seeds that grow true to type and are suitable for seed saving.

You can learn more about open-pollinated, heirloom, and non-GMO seeds in our Survival Garden Training blog.

Are your seeds non-GMO?

Yes. All Survival Garden Seeds are 100% non-GMO. Our seeds are open-pollinated heirloom varieties and are never genetically modified.

Are your seeds treated with chemicals?

No. Our seeds are completely untreated and free from chemical coatings, fungicides, or synthetic treatments.

How do I know my seeds are fresh?

Every seed packet includes a packed-for date, and we germination-test each seed lot before packaging to ensure high viability.

What is the shelf life of your seeds?

Most seeds remain viable for 3 to 5 years or longer when stored properly in a cool, dry place away from light and moisture.

In what USDA hardiness zones can I grow your seeds?

Our varieties are selected to grow successfully across USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 10. Each packet includes variety-specific planting guidance and germination tips.