Rudbeckia hirta is a free-spirited species that generally blooms in its first year from seed and quickly brings cheerful color to any garden or meadow. Individual plants may behave as annuals, biennials, or short-lived perennials, but this species’ ability to reseed itself means that plants will gracefully move from one spot to another as the years pass. Possessing a fairly loose habit, this black-eyed Susan does best when grown interspersed among grasses or taller perennials for support, even in full sun.
LOCAL ECOTYPE
**Rudbeckia hirta seeds do not have dormancy—they will germinate quickly from a spring sowing. Seed packets contain at least 300 seeds.
Rudbeckia hirta is a free-spirited species that generally blooms in its first year from seed and quickly brings cheerful color to any garden or meadow. Individual plants may behave as annuals, biennials, or short-lived perennials, but this species’ ability to reseed itself means that plants will gracefully move from one spot to another as the years pass. Possessing a fairly loose habit, this black-eyed Susan does best when grown interspersed among grasses or taller perennials for support, even in full sun.
LOCAL ECOTYPE
**Rudbeckia hirta seeds do not have dormancy—they will germinate quickly from a spring sowing. Seed packets contain at least 300 seeds.
Height: 2’
Bloom Time: early summer to early fall
Light: full sun, part shade
Soil: medium-wet, average, medium-dry, dry
Establishment: easy from seed; expect short-lived plants that will persist by self-seeding
Deer Resistance: low to moderate
Pollinator Support: high
Host Plant For: silvery checkerspot
Native Range: local ecotype
Seed Origin: Fairfield County, CT
