Coreopsis 'Early Sunrise' Seeds

Coreopsis grandiflora 'Early Sunrise' is a robust Short-Lived Perennial (H4). While it is hardy and will survive the winter to bloom for 2-3 years, it is often treated by professional growers as a high-performance annual because it expends so much energy flowering in its first season.

The "Tickseed" Origin: You may notice the name "Tickseed" on the packet; this refers to the unique shape of the seeds (derived from the Greek kris for bug), which resemble tiny beetles. Rest assured, this is purely botanical and the plant does not attract ticks!

Award-Winning Performance: This variety is a Fleuroselect Gold Medal Winner and an All-America Selections (AAS) Winner. These prestigious accolades confirm that 'Early Sunrise' is one of the most reliable and high-performing perennials available to grow from seed in the UK garden.

To achieve flowers in the very first year, 'Early Sunrise' requires an early start indoors to maximize the growing season.

How to Sow:
Sow indoors from February to April. Surface sow the seeds onto moist seed compost and cover with only a very fine sprinkling of vermiculite; the seeds require light to germinate and must not be buried. Maintain a constant temperature of 20°C. Germination typically occurs within 14-21 days.

Where to Plant:
They demand full sun and thrive in poor, well-drained, or sandy soil. While they are remarkably drought-tolerant once established, they cannot survive in heavy, waterlogged clay over the winter. If your garden has heavy soil, we recommend growing them in containers or adding plenty of grit to the planting hole.

Ongoing Care:
Deadheading is vital for this variety. Regular removal of faded flower globes will stimulate the plant to produce fresh buds continuously from June through to October. If allowed to set seed, the plant will drastically reduce its flower production to focus its energy on the "tickseeds."

The bright golden-yellow of 'Early Sunrise' acts as a warm solar anchor that pairs spectacularly with cool or structural partners from our range:

• 💜 Salvia viridis 'Oxford Blue': The Colour Contrast. This is a classic complementary pairing. The deep violet-blue spikes of 'Oxford Blue' provide a brilliant structural counterpoint to the mounded golden globes of the Coreopsis. The blue tones make the yellow appear even more vibrant and saturated.
• 🌸 Echinacea purpurea: The Daisy Duo. Recreate the look of a North American prairie meadow by pairing these two. The stately magenta petals and coppery cones of the Echinacea create a natural, layered display when planted behind the more compact, abundant Coreopsis. Both are exceptionally drought-tolerant and magnetic to bees.

Sow indoors in early spring for a spectacular harvest of golden ruffled globes from early summer until the autumn frosts.