What Do Coreopsis Seeds Look Like? An In-Depth Guide

Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, is a beloved flower known for its bright and cheerful blooms that come in shades of yellow, red, pink, orange, white and bicolors. But while the daisy-like flowers of coreopsis may be familiar to most gardeners, the seeds are more mysterious. In this article, we’ll take a close and comprehensive look at coreopsis seeds—their size, shape, texture, color and more. Read on to gain a deeper understanding of this key part of the coreopsis life cycle.

Coreopsis produces small seeds within seed heads located at the center of spent flowers The seeds are ready for harvest once the petals have dropped and the seed head turns completely brown and dries out,

Coreopsis seeds are typically oval round or elliptical in shape. They are diminutive in size averaging around 1/8 inch in diameter. Their color ranges from light tan to dark brown or even black, sometimes with a reddish or burgundy tint. The seeds have a hardened outer coat and a slightly bumpy, textured surface.

When numerous coreopsis seeds are clustered together inside a dried seed head, their appearance resembles tick insects, hence the nickname “tickseed.” Now let’s examine the size, shape, texture, color and other traits of coreopsis seeds more closely

The Size and Dimensions of Coreopsis Seeds

Coreopsis seeds are minuscule, usually spanning 1-2 millimeters or about 1/16 to 1/8 inch wide. Some specific varieties, like the Lemon Drop coreopsis, produce slightly larger seeds reaching 1.5 millimeters in diameter. Moonbeam coreopsis generates especially tiny seeds, typically measuring less than 1 millimeter across.

The minute dimensions of coreopsis seeds can make them challenging to handle when planting. Gardeners often sprinkle the seeds over the soil rather than planting them individually. The oval or round shape of the seeds allows them to nestle nicely into the soil when watered in. Their hardened outer coat also protects the inner embryo.

Coreopsis Seed Color Variations

While coreopsis flowers showcase vibrant yellow, red, pink, white and multicolored blooms, their seeds are more subdued in coloration. The seeds are usually tan, brown or black. Sometimes a hint of maroon, dark red or reddish-brown comes through. Variegated varieties like Strawberry Swirl coreopsis yield seeds flecked with deep reds or browns.

Seed color indicates the level of seed maturity and ripeness. Light green seeds are immature, while dark brown to black shows full maturity. When harvesting your own coreopsis seeds, look for those rich, dark mature hues.

Examining the Texture and Surface of Coreopsis Seeds

Under magnification, coreopsis seeds reveal an irregular, bumpy surface texture. They lack a perfectly smooth, beaded appearance. The seed coat has a matte finish rather than a shiny gloss.

When rubbed between your fingers, coreopsis seeds feel hard and solid. Their outer coating is quite dense and resilient in order to withstand soil conditions and temperature fluctuations while dormant. Yet, when the right germination environment occurs, the seed coat splits open to allow the inner embryo to emerge.

The Various Shapes of Coreopsis Seeds

While shapes can vary a bit between different coreopsis species and cultivars, the seeds typically manifest as oval, elliptical or circular. Some may have a more oblong or elongated form. Their overall silhouette is plump rather than flattened or disc-like.

The oval shape displays a slight taper at both ends, with the embryo nestled in the center. Remember that even though coreopsis flowers exhibit flashy daisy forms, their seeds are very small and plain by comparison.

Storing Your Harvested Coreopsis Seeds

Once you’ve harvested mature, dry coreopsis seeds directly from your own plants, proper storage is vital for maintaining viability. Place seeds in labeled envelopes or glass jars marked with the variety name and year.

Keep containers in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. The refrigerator is ideal, as coreopsis seeds can stay viable for up to 5 years when refrigerated. For best results, use harvested seeds within 1-3 years before germination rates decline.

Coreopsis Seed Facts and Key Takeaways

• Coreopsis seeds are tiny, averaging 1-2 millimeters wide.

• Seed color ranges from light tan to dark brown/black.

• The seeds have a hard outer coat and bumpy texture.

• Shapes include oval, elliptical and round.

• Proper storage keeps seeds viable for up to 5 years.

With their small stature, dark pigments, durable outer coating and oval silhouette, coreopsis seeds may seem unremarkable compared to the plant’s bright floral display. However, these seeds hold the promise of future coreopsis for your garden, so familiarizing yourself with their anatomy is crucial for growing success.

A Closer Look at Coreopsis Seed Characteristics

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take an even more detailed look at coreopsis seeds. We’ll explore subtle nuances in size, color, texture and shape that make each seed unique.

Subtle Size Variations

While coreopsis seeds generally measure 1-2 millimeters across, subtle variations exist. For instance, American Dream seeds are on the smaller end at 1-1.5 millimeters, while Uptick Gold seeds are larger at 1.5-2 millimeters. Moonbeam seeds are exceptionally tiny at less than 1 millimeter wide. Understanding these subtle size differences helps with planting depth.

The Spectrum of Seed Colors

Coreopsis seeds span the color spectrum from very light tan or ivory to deep chocolate brown or black. American Dream seeds are pale tan, Brown Eyed Susan are mid-brown, and Uptick Gold are nearly black. Some like Strawberry Blonde display a mix of dark browns and reds. Knowing seed color indicates ripeness for harvesting.

Distinct Surface Textures

Under a microscope, the bumps, ridges and grooves of each coreopsis seed coat are as unique as a fingerprint. American Dream seeds have fine dot-like bumps, while Brown Eyed Susan is deeply pitted. Uptick Gold seeds appear smoother and less textured. Texture impacts how easily the seed coat absorbs water to trigger germination.

The Shape Story

While coreopsis seeds are generally oval or elliptical, there are subtle shape variations. Moonbeam seeds are perfectly round like tiny beads, American Dream seeds have pointy ends and Sienna Sunset seeds are slightly elongated and oblong. The shape supports the embryo inside and allows the seed coat to split open when conditions are right to sprout.

A Guide to Harvesting and Saving Coreopsis Seeds

If you’d like to collect seeds from your coreopsis plants, follow these simple steps for successful harvesting and storage:

• Allow seed heads to mature and dry out completely on the plant after petals drop.

• Clip dried seed heads off the plant and place in a paper bag.

• Crush the seed heads to separate and collect the tiny seeds.

• Spread seeds out on a screen or paper plate to finish drying for about a week.

• Place thoroughly dried seeds in labeled envelopes or jars.

• Store containers in a cool, dry spot like the refrigerator to maintain viability.

• For best germination rates, use harvested seeds within 1-3 years.

With a little practice, you’ll be harvesting and preserving coreopsis seeds like a pro!

Frequently Asked Questions About Coreopsis Seeds

How can you tell when coreopsis seeds are ripe and ready to harvest?

Coreopsis seeds are ready for harvesting when seed heads turn brown and become completely dry. The seeds will appear dark brown or black when fully mature.

What’s the best way to plant tiny coreopsis seeds?

Sprinkle coreopsis seeds on prepared soil and lightly press them in. Water gently with a fine mist to avoid displacing the tiny seeds. Cover pots or seed trays with plastic to maintain moisture.

How long do harvested coreopsis seeds stay viable in storage?

Stored properly in a cool, dry location, coreopsis seeds remain viable for 1-5 years. For best results, use refrigerated seeds within 1-3 years. Viability declines over time.

Do coreopsis seeds need light or darkness to germinate?

Coreopsis seeds require light for germination. Once sown, they should remain uncovered or only lightly covered on the soil surface to receive light. Darkness inhibits germination.

Can you transplant coreopsis seedlings?

Yes, coreopsis seedlings can be carefully transplanted once they grow their first true leaves. Transplant on a cloudy day or in evening to reduce wilting. Water seedlings well and provide shade until established.

Final Thoughts