A 2003 All-America Selection. Prairie Sun is quite different in appearance from other Rudbeckias. It has a light green center with sunny yellow petals edged with a lighter shade of yellow. Plants grow to about 3′ in height and blooms can be as large as 5″ across. Blooms the first year from seed and stems are sufficiently long to provide high-quality cut flowers.

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:30-36″ by 18-24″

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.