Calhoun County, AL – Tickseed, often called an old-fashioned pollinator seed, carries both beauty and purpose in the garden. Its name comes from the dried seeds, which resemble tiny insect legs. To improve germination, it’s best not to sow Tickseed too deeply. I prepare the soil with a metal rake, lightly mist the area with water, scatter the seeds, then tap them down with the rake—placing them about one inch deep. With daily misting for about ten days, seedlings begin to emerge.
Tickseed is a tall, impressive grower, often reaching over six feet, with some stalks stretching past nine feet. Beyond the vibrant orange blooms, its fern-like greenery provides elegant texture for bouquets. I often trim off the flowers when arranging pastel-colored bouquets, leaving the stems to add height and contrast.
Tickseed is beloved by pollinators, attracting bees and butterflies in abundance. In the late afternoon, just before sundown, the flowers seem to glow with a fluorescent hue, creating a striking garden scene. As frost approaches, I collect the seed heads with scissors into paper sacks, since they crumble easily when handled. Any seeds I don’t gather become a natural winter treat for birds—especially Cardinals, who seem particularly fond of them.
Though Tickseed can sometimes behave like a perennial, most roots don’t survive harsh winter freezes. For that reason, I re-sow each spring. By mid-summer, once the plants reach about four feet tall, I use stakes and string for support. Without this, heavy winds can snap the tall stems weighed down by blooms.
Year after year, Tickseed continues to provide vertical color, lively pollinator zones, and natural beauty for both garden and home.
Betty Clark is a contributing writer. She has been an organic gardener since 1998. The signature flower she grows is Dahlias. She has a straw bale garden, a raised bed garden, and an in-ground garden. Both her surnames are from agricultural farming families (8 generations). Her hobbies include ancestry research, antiques, continued education classes, and workshops. She also has a background in marketing & promotions, including expos. To contact Betty Clark with gardening questions: bettyclark2151959@gmail.com
