Description

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a vibrant, daisy-like flower with 2″-4″ yellow petals and a distinct purplish-brown center. Known as Maryland’s state flower, this native wildflower thrives in full sun and blooms for 8 weeks or more, offering stunning cut flowers. Although it is a short-lived perennial (USDA zones 3-7), it often self-sows and may reseed for future seasons. Deer-resistant and adored by pollinators, it's perfect for wildflower areas and as an eye-catching addition to any garden.

1,520 seeds.

Variety Info:

Botanical Name: Rudbeckia hirta
Family: Asteraceae
Native: North America prairies
Hardiness: Short-lived perennial in USDA zones 3–7, but usually treated as an annual, because it does not reliably come back year after year. May self-sow.
Plant Dimensions: 24″–36″ tall, 12″–24″ wide
Variety Information: 2″–4″ wide, yellow flowers with a purplish-brown center.
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Period: Summer to frost
Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flower, Deer Resistant

Sowing Info:

When to Sow Outside: 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date, and as late as 2 months before your average first fall frost date.
When to Start Inside: 8 to 10 weeks before your average last frost date. If started inside early enough, may bloom the first year.
Days to Emerge: 10–15 days
Seed Depth: Press into surface
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 12″–24″
Thinning: When 1″– 2″ tall, thin to 1 every 12″–24″

Growing Info:

Harvesting: For longest vase life, harvest flowers in the morning, choosing those that have just unfurled all their petals.