Habitat

• Pink Tickseed is found in wet coastal plains or sandy or peaty areas. It must have moisture to thrive and ranges across the eastern seaboard into Canada. It grows in areas with acid soils in full sun or even partial shade. It is hardy in United States Department of Agriculture zones 3 to 8 and dies back in fall to re-sprout in spring. The plant spread easily in its native habitat through rhizomes or from seed.
  
  

Spread

• The rapid and easy spread of Pink Tickseed is one of the primary problems with the plant. It is ideal for a meadow or wild flower mixture but if you don't want the plant everywhere you need to be vigilant about deadheading so the seed doesn't form. The good news about deadheading is it promotes more blooms. In fact, if you cut the entire plant back to a few inches from the ground it will often provide you with a fall bloom.
  
  

Temperature

• Pink Tickseed will tend to get leggy and sparse when planted in very hot areas. It needs cooler climates with minimal rainfall. The flowers will wilt and not hold up well when temperatures soar above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If it is planted in the south the rhizomes sprawl and mat, creating an unattractive and messy plant. The perennial should normally grow in a compact clump but drought conditions cause splaying and fewer flowers and leaves.
  
  

Pests

• Insects are not a huge problem for Pink Tickseed but it does get its share of aphids. Since the plant tends to thrive in moist conditions, other denizens of moist soils tends to munch on the plant. Slugs and snails will eat any foliage that is readily accessible but rarely do serious damage because most of the foliage is higher on the stems. Occasionally Pink Tickseed will be eaten by rabbits or deer in seasons without adequate vegetation.
  
  

Diseases

• Pink Tickseed seedlings may get Boytris fungus which causes damping off. Fungal diseases are the primary problems of the tickseed due to its high need for moisture. Fungus will appear in warm temperatures and bloom when they encounter moisture. Most of the diseases are common to plants and do no lasting harm but can affect the cosmetics of the tickseed. Powdery and downy mildew can limit the leave's ability to photosynthesize and minimize the plant's vigor. Other problems are leaf spot, rust and blight.