How to Collect Seeds From Tickseed Plants

The tickseed plant (Coreopsis) is a type of flowering herb found throughout the Americas. The flowers are commonly seen growing wild in fields and prairies. Some gardeners choose to plant the wildflower in their garden or landscape because it is relatively low-maintenance and produces an abundance of yellow flowers. Individuals who want to grow tickseed from seed can collect the seeds from established tickseed plants.

Things You'll Need

• Established tickseed plants
• Airtight container

Instructions

1. Observe the tickseed plant for flowers. Although gardeners typically choose to trim off dying flowers to encourage new flower production, leave several flowers on the plant.

2. Wait for the flowers to wilt and die. The petals will fall off and leave behind the seed head. Let the seed head dry on the plant. Test its dryness by pressing its sides. The seed head is ready for collecting if it crackles and splits easily.

3. Pluck the seed head away from the flower stalk. Dry seed heads will break off with little resistance.

4. Hold the tickseed seed head over an open airtight container. Roll the seedhead between your palms to break it apart. Empty the seeds into the container. Close the container to store the seeds until you are ready to plant the them.

5. For best results, sow the seeds directly into the ground after the last frost. The plants enjoy full to partial sun and should be spaced a minimum of 24 inches apart.

Tips & Warnings

• Tickseed plants are popular among some species of butterflies and make excellent additions to a butterfly garden.

References

• "Saving Seeds: The Gardener's Guide to Growing and Storing Vegetable and Flower Seeds;" Marc Rogers and Polly Alexander; 1991
• "National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers;" National Audubon Society editors; 2001
• University of Texas: Growing Coreopsis tinctoria

Resources

• Natural Life Magazine: Tips on Growing Wildflowers