Coreopsis Seeds,
Incredible Dwarf Mix

Incredible Dwarf Mix coreopsis should be planted after the last frost in warm weather. For early blooms, seeds can be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. Alternatively, they can be directly sown outdoors in late spring when the soil has warmed and there is no longer a risk of frost. If you're not sure how to determine your last frost date, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

Incredible Dwarf Mix seeds need light to germinate, so they should be surface-sown. When starting indoors, use a seed-starting mix and lightly press the seeds onto the soil surface. Keep the soil consistently moist and at a temperature of about 70 F. When sowing outdoors, prepare a sunny, well-drained garden bed and scatter the seeds evenly on the soil surface, pressing them lightly into the soil. Thin seedlings or transplant them to a spacing of around 10 inches apart once they are established. Be sure to harden seedlings off before transplanting.

The plants prefer sandy or loamy soils that drain well but are tolerant of poor soil conditions. Water regularly while the plants are young. Once established, they become drought-tolerant and only require watering during extended dry spells. Fertilizer is not necessary, as over-fertilizing may reduce the number of blooms. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming, and cut back burned-out plants after the first flush of blooms to encourage a second bloom cycle. Coreopsis is generally resistant to pests and diseases but may occasionally attract aphids or suffer from powdery mildew in humid conditions.

• Coreopsis are insect-pollinated and there may be some crossing between varieties in the garden. You can enjoy the mixing or use caging techniques and hand pollination to avoid crossing.
• Saving seed from coreopsis is easy: simply allow the heads to brown and dry on plants and collect seeds. Store in a cool, dry, dark place over winter.