Days to Maturity: 189
Fleuroselect Gold Medal Winner 2023
Typically grown as an annual, Goldblitz Rudbeckia is a biennial or short-lived perennial that blooms summer through fall. Early and abundantly blooming, the plant sets large, showy daisies with golden yellow rays and a domed chocolate-brown cone. Borne singly on strong, stiff, well-branched stems, the blooms make excellent long-lasting cut flowers. Bright and nectar-rich, the flowers attract birds and butterflies to the garden for months on end, and the seed heads that follow offer winter interest as well as tasty treats for songbirds, or they can be used in dried arrangements.
A Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii, commonly called black-eyed Susan or Sullivant's coneflower, Goldblitz Rudbeckia is an herbaceous plant with an upright, compact, clumping habit of dark green leaves and a fast growth rate. Black-eyed Susan is a classic cottage garden bed and border plant and popular container plant. Rhizomatous, it slowly spreads, forming colonies, and the flowers may self-seed, so consider planting in naturalized areas or removing flowers before they go to seed.
Robust, easy to grow, and low maintenance, black-eyed Susan grows best in locations with full sun and organically rich, loamy-sandy to sandy humus that is moist and well-draining. But it tolerates a wide range of soils as well as heat and drought. It forgives neglect, and deer and rabbits typically leave it alone. Deadheading regularly encourages and prolongs flowering and discourages unwanted self-seeding.
Direct sow rudbeckia seed after threat of frost has passed when daytime temperatures range between 60° and 64°F and night temperatures range between 50° and 55°F or start seed indoors and transplant seedlings into the garden.
If you plan to start your seeds indoors, be sure to check out our Bio Dome Seed Starter Kit. With the Bio Dome, you can control the temperature, light, and soil mix to ensure your seeds become strong for transplant.
