Dyers Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria)

Dyers Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria) this is the true species Coreopsis, the one with the most benefit to wildlife (although all coreopsis are attractive) and the one with the best dyeing properties - producing a strong yellow/orange dye.  It is easy to grow, enjoys full sun and good drainage, flowers from July to the first autumn frosts, needs little care, and can be used as a bedding plant or for colourful drifts and it is an excellent cut flower.  Harvesting the flowers for dyeing just encourages your plants to grow more flowers!  Annual Height to 45cm

Price for 100 seeds.

SOW: March to mid-May in trays or small pots, either surface sow or lightly cover.  Pot up and grow on once they have 2 pairs of leaves

GROW: when they have a good root system plant out into a sunny position with well-drained soil.  Deadhead regularly to encourage more flowers – harvesting the flowers when in full bloom will also do this!

USES:

Natural dye plant – see dyeing information below

• Dyers Coreopsis produces a strong yellow/orange dye
• The flower heads are picked in full bloom, they can be dried or used fresh

Great for wildlife:

• Loved by bees and butterflies and attracts other beneficial insects

As a cut flower:

• An excellent cut flower (7+days of bright and glorious colour)

Historical uses:

• First Nation traditionally used the different parts of this plant to treat several disorders, including diarrhoea, internal pain, and bleeding, to strengthen blood and as an emetic.
• From 1954 to now, more than 120 chemical constituents have been identified, further research is required to explore the efficacy of Coreopsis tinctoria