How To Grow Rudbeckia Flowers From Seed
This brilliant daisy like flower is an absolute work horse, long vase life and flowers over a long period of time, lasting through late summer to early autumn.
Our favourite varieties of rudbeckia to grow
Sowing and germination tips
Planting and harvesting tips
Rudbeckia growing FAQs
Rudbeckia hirta, also known as 'Blackeyed Susan' can be a somewhat over looked variety to grow as a cut flower, but I can tell you it's a must! It's a hardy annual that can tolerate poor soil and once established doesn't require a huge amount of water.
Rudbeckia come in a range of beautiful colours autumn colours and singles and doubles.
Germination Tips
- Rudbeckia seeds can be sown early spring to early summer, once the risk of any frosts have passed.
- I would raise seedlings over direct sowing, the seeds are tiny and require light for germination.
- Press the seed lightly on top of the soil and cover lightly with vermiculite.
- Use a misting spray bottle to water in or bottom water to avoid seeds washing away.
- Germination takes around 7-14 days at 20 - 22 degrees.
Planting Tips
- Once the seedling has reached around 6 weeks of growth and has two sets of leaves, it is time to harden the seedlings off. Do this by putting the seedling outside for a few hours on the first day, gradually working up to a full day to prevent any transplant shock.
- Choose a full sun position that has well draining soil.
- Space 40cm apart.
- Rudbeckia requires long days to initiate flowering.
- Sahara is a more compact plant compared to the others, it will reach around 50cm high, where as the others may more be a bit taller.
Harvesting Tips
- Rudbeckia takes around 100 - 120 days from seed to bloom.
- Keeping up with dead heading will enable the plant to put more energy into producing more blooms.
- Harvest the flowers before the flower is fully open.
