Coreopsis Mayfields Giant

🧺 Sowing: Trays vs. Direct

✔️ Sowing in Trays (Best for Seedlings or Controlled Starts):

• When: Late winter to early spring
• Depth: Lightly press into soil; seeds need light to germinate.
• Germination: 5–14 days at 12–21°C
• Potting mix: Use a fine seed-raising mix.
• Transplanting: Once seedlings have 2–3 sets of true leaves, harden off and transplant.

🌼 Tip: Trays give you more control and a head start on the season—especially helpful in cooler zones.

✔️ Sowing Direct (Great for Wildflower Patches or Larger Areas):

• When: After danger of frost
• How: Scatter seeds thinly, rake lightly to cover. Water gently.
• Spacing: Thin seedlings to 20–30 cm apart.

🌼 Tip: Best for naturalistic plantings or meadow-style beds.

---

🌞 Soil & Position

🌿 Soil Requirements:

• Well-drained, average soil is ideal.
• Avoid heavy clay or overly rich soils, which can cause leggy growth and fewer flowers.
• Slightly sandy soils are perfect.

☀️ Position:

• Full sun is best (6+ hours daily).
• Tolerates part shade but flowering may reduce.
• Choose an open, breezy spot to reduce mildew risk.

🌼 Tip: Poorer soils often yield more flowers—less is more with Coreopsis!

---

🌼 Care & Maintenance

Task	Tips
Watering	Moderate; drought-tolerant once established. Let soil dry between watering.
Feeding	Not needed in most soils. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers.
Deadheading	Prolongs bloom season. Snip faded flowers regularly.
Staking	Taller varieties may benefit from light staking.
Mulching	Helps retain moisture and reduce weeds, especially in hot climates.

🌼 Tip: If plants get leggy in late summer, give them a light prune to encourage fresh growth and blooms.

---

🌿 Companion Planting Guide

Companion Plants	Benefits
Cosmos	Similar needs; together they create a pollinator magnet.
Zinnias	Complementary colours and blooming time.
Lavender	Also drought-tolerant and attracts beneficial insects.
Herbs (like Dill or Basil)	Attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.

🌼 Avoid planting near: Water-hungry plants or heavy feeders that may outcompete them.

---

✂️ Harvesting Flowers

For Bouquets:

• Pick in the morning when blooms are just opening.
• Strip lower leaves and place stems in water immediately.
• Lasts 5–7 days in a vase.

For Drying:

• Choose fully open blooms.
• Hang upside-down in a dark, dry, airy space.

🌼 Tip: Regular harvesting = more flowers!

---

🐛 Common Issues & Fixes

Issue	Symptoms	Fix
Powdery Mildew	White powdery coating on leaves	Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering
Aphids	Sticky leaves, distorted tips	Blast off with water; use neem oil
Slugs & Snails	Chewed seedlings	Use barriers or bait; sow in trays
Leggy Growth	Tall, floppy stems	Too much shade or overfeeding; cut back for bushier growth
Poor Flowering	Lots of leaves, few blooms	Too much nitrogen; stop fertilising

🌼 Tip: Most issues are minor—Coreopsis is generally very tough!

---

🌾 Seed Saving Guide

Saving seeds from Coreopsis is simple and satisfying!

Step-by-Step:

1. Wait until flower heads dry and turn brown on the plant.
2. Snip off seed heads and place in a paper bag.
3. Label with variety and date.
4. Once fully dry, crush gently to release seeds. Separate from chaff using a fine sieve or by hand.
5. Store in a cool, dark, dry spot in a paper envelope or airtight container.

🧺 Viability: 2–3 years if stored well.

🌼 Note: Coreopsis readily self-seeds! You might find volunteers next season.

---

🌼 Final Thoughts

Coreopsis is one of those wonderfully rewarding flowers that asks for very little and gives so much. It lights up a patch with cheery blooms for months on end, bringing colour, pollinators, and a soft cottage garden feel. Whether you’re planting for cut flowers, wild borders, or just to fill a sunny spot with joy, Coreopsis is a brilliant choice.

If you’re just starting out, don’t stress too much—sow a few seeds, watch what happens, and enjoy the process. That’s okay—it’s all part of the learning!

🌼 In my own garden, I let them self-seed around the veggie patch edges. They’re lovely mingled with herbs and nasturtiums, and they always seem to find just the right place to grow.

---

---

Delivery Guarantee

We take great care to make sure your seeds arrive safely. If your order is lost or damaged in transit, we’ll happily send a replacement. Unfortunately, we can’t replace or refund orders that arrive later than the estimated delivery date, as delays can sometimes occur that are outside our control.

Please note that all dispatch and delivery times listed are estimates only. While we do our best to post promptly, delivery timeframes can vary due to postal service delays, weather events, or other unforeseen circumstances. We’re unable to take responsibility for any loss, damage, or cost that results from a late delivery.

An order is not considered missing until at least 20 business days have passed from the postage date. You’ll receive an email once your seeds have been posted, letting you know they’re on their way. If you don’t see it in your main inbox, please check your Spam or Promotions folders as sometimes our emails like to hide there.