did you know?

The genus name, is derived from the Greek meaning bug, and meaning like, and refers to the buglike appearance of the small, rounded seeds. The common name, tickseed, refers to the same characteristic.

general maintenance:

Shear plants after first wave of blooms to promote flowering. Deadhead spent flowers as they fade. Remove old foliage after frost or before new growth in spring.

pests/diseases:

Slugs, snails, gray mold and powdery mildew may occur.

controls:

Handpick slugs and snails from foliage, or spread diatomaceous earth around plants. To control gray mold, remove and destroy infected flowers and foliage. Increase spacing between plants to improve air circulation, and reduce watering. To discourage powdery mildew, increase space between plants and avoid wetting leaves when watering. Pick off diseased leaves where practical and remove and destroy severely infected plants.

how to sow/plant:

Start indoors, 1/2 inch deep, 6 weeks before last frost. Or begin with new plants or divisions. Choose a sunny site with well-drained soil amended with well-rotted manure or compost. Plant at a distance equal to their mature spread. Water upon planting. Or direct sow after danger of frost has passed, covering seed with 1/2 inch of soil. In frost-free areas plant outdoors from fall to early spring. Thin to 18 inches apart.

water and fertilize:

Maintain soil moisture all season. Apply a balanced, soluble fertilizer biweekly, following label instuctions.

garden hint:

Divide tickseed in spring every 3?5 years. Compost woody centers and replant the younger, more vigorous outer portions of plant.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Native

garden uses:

• Containers
• Flowerbed borders

other uses:

• Cut Flower

combine with:

delphinium, 'Caesar's Brother' iris, and wormwood ('Valerie Finis').