key growing information

Growing Rudbeckia hirta From Seed

How to grow Rudbeckia hirta (black-eyed Susan) from seed: light for germination, transplants or direct sowing, hardiness, cutting stage, soil, uses and day length.

By Hensley’s Seed Co. September 3, 2026

Rudbeckia hirta - Key Growing Information

A cultivar of rudbeckia with gorgeous green eyes, rather than the traditional black of the black-eyed Susans.

DAYS TO GERMINATION:

Allow 8–14 days at 68–72°F (20–22°C).

SOWING:

Transplants are recommended: sow into 72- to 50-cell plug flats 5–7 weeks before planting out. Cover the seed only very lightly, since it needs light, and bottom water or mist so it doesn't get buried. To sow in place, also cover very lightly. No pinching needed; plants self-sow.

LIGHT PREFERENCE:

Full sun.

PLANT HEIGHT:

Varies.

PLANT SPACING:

Space plants 12–18" apart.

HARDINESS ZONES:

Hardy in Zones 9–10; best treated as an annual.

HARVEST:

For fresh use, cut before blooms fully open; for drying, once they're fully open.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS:

Average soil with good drainage; copes with poor soil and, once established, heat and drought.

USES:

A superb cut flower for beds, pots, the back of borders, and wild, meadow or cottage gardens.
Note: Rudbeckia needs long days to start flowering. It keeps making some smaller blooms into fall, but on shorter, lower-quality stems. Deadheading boosts flowering through summer.SCIENTIFIC NAME: Rudbeckia hirtaALTERNATE NAMES: Black-eyed Susan, gloriosa daisy.