The vivid play of fall colors, bronze petals, red rings, and rusty red centers creates an attractive contrast to the light yellow and golden yellow sister varieties in this assortment. The 2-foot plants covered with 5-inch blooms make dramatic bedding plants and also blend well with other species and ornamental grasses.

20 seeds

PLANTING

Rudbeckia hirta

Perennial, Zones 5-9

Germination:7-12 days

Germination Temperature:Optimum soil temperatures 70-75F

Seed Planting Depth:Sow on the surface and press into soil, seeds need light to germinate.

Starting Indoors:Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Provide 70-75F soil temperature. Transplant after the last frost, 12-18″ apart.

Sowing Outdoors:Direct sow 1-2 weeks before the last frost date,sow 3-5 seeds every 12-18″apart.

Growth Habit:Upright

Height and Width:24-30″ by 12-18″

Spacing:12-18″ apart

Light Needs:Full sun

Soil Needs:Loose, rich, well-drained

Approximate days to flower from seed:Blooms in the second year may bloom the first season when started early indoors.

Uses:Flower beds, containers, cut flowers,attracts pollinators

Care:Water seedlings regularly until establishedand water well during dry spells.Amend soil with compost before transplanting.Harvest flowers often for bouquets or deadhead for continuous blooms.