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 growth resumes in spring.

pests/diseases:

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

controls:

Handpick slugs and snails from foliage, or spread diatomaceous earth around plants. To control gray mold and powdery mildew, remove and destroy infected flowers and foliage. Increase spacing between plants to improve air circulation, and reduce watering.

how to sow/plant:

Choose a sunny site with well-drained soil in spring or fall and amend with well-rotted manure or compost. Set out young plants at a distance just shy of mature spread, being careful to plant at same depth they were in container. Water after planting. Or direct sow in spring after threat of frost has passed.

water and fertilize:

Monitor 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 younger, more vigorous outer portions of plant.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Attracts Butterflies
• Native

garden uses:

• Containers
• Flowerbed borders

other uses:

• Cut Flower

combine with:

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