Li'l Bang™ Riding Hood TIckseed

Coreopsis is a natural addition to any cottage, prairie, or meadow garden, but it can be a bit of a nuisance due to its high rate of self-seeding. Li’l Bang™ Riding Hood Tickseed solves that problem with nonstop blooming of sterile flowers. This tickseed produces nectar to entice beneficial pollinators, hummingbirds, and butterflies but does not produce pollen and seed. The shorter size of the plant also makes for a more dense upright shape that is less prone to falling flat. The deep reddish-copper flowers add to this perennial’s list of pros.

Li’l Bang™ Riding Hood has finely cut foliage, complementing large-leaved perennials and shrubs perfectly. Try planting it with Maiden Grass, Shasta Daisies, and Riding Hood Tickseed for a dazzling early summer combination. Deer are not often attracted to the foliage or flowers, although slugs and snails may be a problem for newly emerging shoots in the spring. The flowers are wonderful for indoor arrangements and are often dried for wreaths and winter decorating. 

Li’l Bang™ Riding Hood Tickseed Care

Plant Tickseed in a spot with full sun or at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. Free-draining, average-texture soil is a must. Fertilize with an all-purpose, balanced, granular fertilizer once in the early spring. Lightly scratch it into the soil for continued feeding throughout the growing season. This perennial is cold and heat tolerant and can be grown in USDA zones 3-8 with little winter protection. 

Container-grown coreopsis will require more watering and regular fertilizing through the growing season. Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. Fertilize with liquid seaweed or fish emulsion once a month from April to August. Deadhead pot-grown plants as the flowers fade. Deadheading is not necessary for large clumps in the garden. Cut back any spent foliage in early spring just as the plant emerges from dormancy and new green shoots appear. 

Li’l Bang™ Riding Hood Tickseed Spacing

The compact size of the Li’l Bang™ series makes it great for growing in containers as the ‘filler’ or for edging a smaller garden. The mature height and spread are a restrained 8-12 inches. Space the plants 10 inches on center when growing in the garden. A container with at least an 8-inch diameter is required for pot growing.

Li'l Bang™ Riding Hood Tickseed Information