Does Tickseed Attract Ticks? What To Know Before Planting

If you are a gardener who doesn't like bugs, the name tickseed (Coreopsis tinctoria) might scare you. After all, who wants to grow a plant in their garden that will attract more insects? Most people want to grow plants that work as natural pest control. So, the name of this flower alone is enough to spark unease. But don't worry. Tickseed plants don't attract ticks. Instead, the name comes from the appearance of its seeds.

Small and black, the seeds resemble ticks so closely that even botanists couldn't help but note the similarities. As such, the plant's scientific name Coreopsis is derived from the Greek words koris, meaning "bug"; and opsis, meaning "like." The result is a literal Greek definition of "bug-like." However, these flowers are far from being ticky or icky. Instead, tickseed is the kind of plant you want in your yard. It is low-maintenance withcolorful blooms, and if anything, tickseed will attract good insects to your yard and garden.

Tickseed is one of those flowers that even the most inexperienced gardeners can grow. It just asks for a few basics, and if you get them right, it will reward you with weeks of wonderful blooms. When it comes to planting tickseed, you need to make sure you grow it in a spot that gets six hours or more of direct sun daily. It helps the plants grow strong and fuels abundant flowers. Planting tickseed in the shade is not a good idea as it will result in poor blooms. 

Also, tickseed is among the plants that thrives in sandy soil. Loamy, gritty, or any well-drained soil mix also works and will support healthy growth. Their water needs are just as straightforward. You have to water them consistently until they establish themselves in the ground. Then you can just sit back and relax knowing tickseed is among the hardy, drought-resistant plants that will thrive without much water. They will only need a drink during long periods of extreme heat to prevent the flowers from wilting. Butterflies also love this plant and will flock to it. 

Variety selection brings added interest and flexibility to growing tickseed in a garden. It comes in a range of colors and forms and will make a perfect fit for pretty much every garden. For instance, large-flowered tickseed (Coreopsis grandiflora) has big, yellow blooms that fit perfectly in sunny borders. Tickseed produces cheerful yellow-and-red self-seeding flowers that effortlessly fill your yard with color. Put it all together—charming, immense variety, thriving in poor soil, and not having to worry much about watering your plants, tickseed ticks all the boxes.