Prairie Sun Pelleted Rudbeckia

4–6″ blooms have golden petals with primrose tips surrounding a green center. Blooms freely on vigorous plants. A wonderful cut flower. Also known as blackeyed Susan and gloriosa daisy. Tender perennial in Zones 9–10. FleuroSelect Gold Award Winner. AAS winner. Pelleted seeds. Ht. 28–32″. Avg.. Packet: 25 seeds.

DAYS TO GERMINATION:8-14 days at 68-72°F (20-22°C)

SOWING:Transplant (recommended) – Sow into 72 to 50-cell plug flats 5-7 weeks before planting out. Cover seed very lightly as light is needed for germination. Bottom water or mist to avoid covering seed. Direct seed – Cover seeds very lightly. Pinching not required. Reseeds.

LIGHT PREFERENCE:Sun.

PLANT HEIGHT:Varies.

PLANT SPACING:12-18″.

HARDINESS ZONES:. Best grown as an annual.

HARVEST:Fresh: before blooms are completely open. Dried: when blooms are completely open.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS:Average, well-drained soil. Tolerates poor soil. Heat and drought tolerant once established.

USES:Excellent cut flower. Beds, pots, back of borders, or wild, meadow, and cottage gardens.

Note:Rudbeckia requires long days to initiate flowering and will continue to produce some smaller blooms into the fall but on shortened stems of reduced quality. Deadheading increases blooms during summer production.

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Rudbeckia hirta

ALTERNATE NAMES: Blackeyed susan, gloriosa daisy