Coreopsis- Picta Tickseed (Coreopsis nuecensis) (Florida Native)

This wildflower's common name of "tickseed" comes from the resemblance of the seeds to that particular bug; the genus name Coreopsis, derived from the Greek "koris," makes a similar reference to bedbugs. Hardiness and love of dry soil make the flowers in this family especially valuable to citizens of the state of Florida, who appointed Coreopsis as their official state wildflower in 1991. This plant likes almost any soil type. Save the well amended areas for the fruits and veggies. Coreopsis needs regular watering throughout it's early days, but is very drought tolerant when established. Direct sow in the Fall to let the seeds over-winter for a Spring and Summer bloom. If planting seeds in the late winter, the seeds need 2-4 weeks of cold/wet stratification.