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The Forest Service National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources (RNGR) is a leading source of technical information for nurseries and land managers regarding production and planting of trees and other native plants for reforestation, restoration, and conservation.

 
NPN Protocol Details Image

Coreopsis (verticillata)

John M. Englert
USDA NRCS - Norman A. Berg National Plant Materials Center
Bldg. 509, BARC - East, E. Beaver Dam Road
Beltsville, Maryland 20705
(301) 504-8175
(301) 504-8741 (fax)
john.englert@wdc.usda.gov
http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/mdpmc/
Family Scientific Name: Asteraceae
Family Common Name: Aster Family
Scientific Name: Coreopsis verticillata
Common Name: Thread-leaf coreopsis
Species Code: CORVER
Ecotype: Shenandoah National Park
General Distribution: Maryland to Florida and Arkansas; has escaped northward. Found in dry soils, open woodlands and along roadsides.
Propagation Goal: plants
Propagation Method: seed
ProductType: Container (plug)
Time To Grow: 0
Target Specifications: Stock Type: Container plug. Height: 4-6". Root System: Firm full plug; roots fill container.
Propagule Collection: Collected at Shenandoah National Park, Sawmill Ridge Overlook, Mile 96 by G. Meyer and D. Meyer on 8/26/94; by J. Englert on 8/20/92 and 9/21/92.
Propagule Processing: Seed Processing: Seed is harvested by hand in August and cleaned by rubbing it over a rubber mat then running it through a large clipper (screen sizes 1,11) and small clipper (screen size 7).
Seeds/Kg: 1,250,000 approximately.Germination: No germination tests done; production has varied from 60 to 108 plugs per gram of seed sown.
Purity: 28%.
Pre-Planting Treatments: Seed Treatments: None needed.
Growing Area Preparation/
Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:		 Propagation Environment: Greenhouse with alternating day/night temperatures; daytime temperatures vary from 70-85§F depending on natural solar; night temperatures average around 65-68§F. Plugs were grown under 14-16 hour long day conditions using high pressure sodium lighting from 4:30-10:30 p.m.

Seed Propagation Method: Seeds were hand-sown in germination trays at 1-2 per cell and lightly covered.


Container Type and Volume: Started in 392 germination plug trays; transplanted to Ropak Multipots or 72 plug trays. Occasionally bumped up to quarts if held for more than 6 months.

Growing Media: Seed is sown into germination mix. Seedlings are transplanted into Sunshine #1 or #5 potting mix, amended with 18-6-8,180-day Nutricote SR at 0.15 lb./cu. ft., or 20 oz. per 3.8 cu. ft. bale of potting media.
Establishment Phase: Sowing Dates: 1) August - plants were bumped up to quarts and held until planting in April. 2) January - for April outplanting as plugs.

% Emergence and Date: Seedlings begin to emerge within 8-12 days. Uniformity of germination may be improved by a two week stratification period.

Sowing/Planting Technique: Seedlings in germination trays need to be kept evenly moist. We have put trays under mist, but slowing of growth may occur if left too long.

Establishment Phase: Seedlings are transplanted to multipots or 72 trays approximately 3 weeks after germination. Keep potting mix evenly moist but not saturated and do not allow crust to form on surface.
Active Growth Phase: Rapid Gowth Phase: Transplanted plugs are lightly fertilized approximately bi-weekly, or as needed, with a soluble fertilizer (Technigro 16-17-17 at about 100 ppm). Cutbacks are performed at around 8-9 weeks to promote healthy top growth, and to control insect pests and powdery mildew. Spot treat with insecticides and fungicides as needed. Powdery mildew may be a problem during wet, rainy weather. Horticultural oil has been used successfully as a barrier treatment.
Hardening Phase: Hardening Phase: Approximately 2 weeks prior to outplanting, temperatures are reduced in the green house or plants are moved outdoors to a sheltered location, weather permitting, and fertilization is stopped.
Harvesting, Storage and Shipping: Total Time to Harvest: Approximately 13 weeks from germination to outplanting.

Storage Conditions: Plugs have not been overwintered at the National Plant Materials Center.
References: Brown, M. L. and R. G. Brown. 1984. Herbaceous Plants of Maryland. Port City Press, Inc.

Gleason, H. A. and A. Cronquist. 1991. Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada, 2nd edition. New York Botanical Garden.

Citation:

Davis, Kathy M.; Kujawski, Jennifer. 2001. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Coreopsis verticillata plants USDA NRCS - Norman A. Berg National Plant Materials Center Beltsville, Maryland. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2025/04/25). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.