Botanical Name: Coreopsis grandiflora ‘Early Sunrise’

Common Name: Tickseed

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Most Climates (USDA Zones 4–9)

Size: 18–24" Tall × 18–24" Wide

Growth Habit: Upright, Clump-Forming Habit

Sunlight: Full Sun (Best Flowering); Tolerates Light Shade

Soil: Prefers Well-Drained Soil; Adapts to Average or Poor Soils

Water Needs: Low to Moderate; Drought Tolerant Once Established

Bloom Season: Late Spring through Summer (Very Long Bloom Period)

Fertilizer: Minimal; Avoid Heavy Feeding

Features: Semi-Double Golden-Yellow Flowers, Extremely Long Bloom Season, Heat & Drought Tolerant, Deer Resistant, Pollinator Friendly

Uses: Ideal for Perennial Beds, Borders, Pollinator Gardens, Containers, and Cut Flowers

Patent: ❌ Not Patented

Propagation: ✔ Propagation Allowed

See our complete Coreopsis Plant Guide for more in depth care details.

More About Coreopsis ‘Early Sunrise’

Coreopsis ‘Early Sunrise’ is one of the most widely grown and trusted tickseed varieties, prized for its cheerful, golden-yellow blooms and exceptionally long flowering season. The flowers are semi-double, giving them a fuller, softer look than traditional single coreopsis while still retaining that classic daisy-like charm.

Blooming begins earlier than many other coreopsis varieties—often in late spring—and continues steadily through summer. The bright flowers sit above tidy clumps of medium-green foliage, creating a light, airy effect that works beautifully in both formal borders and relaxed cottage-style gardens. This variety thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and performs reliably even in hot, dry conditions.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Early Sunrise’ has been one of the most dependable perennials we grow. It establishes quickly, blooms heavily the first year, and keeps going with very little intervention. Even during stretches of heat and limited rainfall, it continues flowering when many other perennials slow down.

We also appreciate how forgiving it is. It tolerates a wide range of soils, doesn’t require frequent fertilizing, and responds well to simple deadheading. Pollinators flock to it all summer long, while deer typically pass it by. For gardeners who want long-lasting color without fuss, ‘Early Sunrise’ is hard to beat.

Early Sunrise vs. Other Coreopsis Varieties

Early Sunrise represents classic coreopsis at its best, especially when placed against Double the Sun. Its strong, daisy-like blooms and bright, uncomplicated color create a tidy perennial look that blends effortlessly into mixed borders. Where Double the Sun leans flashier and fuller with ruffled doubles, Early Sunrise keeps things clean and natural, making it easier to integrate alongside other perennials. In contrast to Moonbeam Coreopsis, Early Sunrise carries more visual weight—Moonbeam feels delicate and misty, while Early Sunrise is bolder, more assertive in color, and easier to read from a distance.

When set beside Coreopsis Nana, Early Sunrise shifts into a clear mid-border role, providing more presence and coverage, while Nana remains low and compact for edging and tight planting spaces. Nana excels at defining the front of a bed, but Early Sunrise works better when you need a solid body of color without added height. Compared to Permathread™ Red Satin, Early Sunrise functions as the bright, traditional yellow anchor, while Red Satin acts as the designer accent, trading timeless familiarity for deeper, more dramatic tones. Gardeners looking for a reliable, classic golden coreopsis for everyday borders should choose Early Sunrise.