black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
Rudbeckia is commonly known as black-eyed Susans and is a member of the aster family (Asteraceae). While the more famous variety is yellow with black centers, they come in a wide variety of colors. They also come in both perennial and annual varieties.
|
Black-eyed Susan |
|
Rudbeckia hirta Some varieties can also be Rudbeckia fulgida |
|
Intermediate then Easy |
|
Intermediate |
|
2 years if properly stored |
|
Short-lived Perennial |
|
21 days |
| Yes | |
|
1-3′ |
|
Full sun tolerates part shade |
|
180 days |
|
February, March, and September |
|
Yes |
Growing Tips
3 plants per 16” container.
R. hirta is native to most of the U.S. including GA.
R. fulgida is native to most of the eastern U.S. including Texas and GA.
When to Start
Intermediate to start from seed then easy to grow
Winter: Start seedlings indoors after several weeks (about 4) of cold stratification. This is early February for GA.
Transplant: Immediately after cold stratification, start indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting. Transplant after all danger of frost has passed.
Fall: Direct sow about 6 weeks before the first frost. Mid-Late September for GA.
How to Start
Start by cold-stratifying the seeds. Gently push into the seed cells. Place the cells in a plastic bag and place the seeds in the refrigerator for 4 weeks. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. You may need something hard like cardboard under the cells to keep them from tipping over. After 4 weeks, remove the cells and place them under the grow lights as the seeds need light to germinate. Transplant after hardening off and all danger of frost has passed.
Or direct sow in late winter by gently pressing them into the ground and slightly covering them with soil to prevent wind from blowing the seeds away. Thin to 8-12’’.
Care
Black-eyed Susan plants are drought-resistant, self-seeding, and grow in a variety of soils. They prefer a neutral soil pH and thrive in full sun, but can tolerate part-shade.
Black-eyed Susan care will often include deadheading the spent blooms of the flower. Deadheading encourages more blooms and a sturdier, more compact plant. You may also get a second bloom in the fall with deadheading which is very good for migrating pollinators. Deer, rabbits, and other wildlife may be drawn to black-eyed Susan plants even though it is ‘deer resistant’.
Seed Saving
Isolation Distance
Black-eyed Susan & gloriosa daisies are insect dependent for pollination and will cross-pollinate with other varieties. Isolate varieties by 1/2 mile to prevent cross-pollination.
Instructions
Seeds may be allowed to dry on the stem for reseeding or collected and dried in other ways for replanting in other areas. Seeds of this flower do not necessarily grow to the same height as the parent from which they were collected.
Seeds are mature when the flowers dry. Collect Seed heads by hand and dry fully on screens. Once fully dry separate seeds from debris by gently rubbing with hands. It is recommended to wear gloves.
Special Note:
Songbirds love rudbeckia, so you might want to cover the seed head with a fine-mesh bag as soon as flower petals shrivel and die. Use an elastic band to hold the bag in place. This prevents seeds from spilling onto the soil before harvest.
Features
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Good for Containers
- Attracts pollinators
- Extended bloom time
- Good cut flowers
- Cherry Brandy: Heirloom. A unique biennial type rudbeckia with cherry rose-colored petals! Treated as an annual but is perennial in zones 3-7. Self-sows.
- Goldsturm: Blooms in mid-to-late summer with golden flowers. Loved by pollinators the seed heads provide winter food for seed-eating songbirds. It is drought-tollerant and grows well in clay soil.
Once your perennials are established, separate your varieties by division every 3 to 4 years to avoid overcrowding. Dig up clumps and separate them into groups to be replanted.