Listen to our radio show: SEEDS AND THEIR PEOPLE!
Black-Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
Native to Eastern and Central North America, this upright flowering plant is a short-lived perennial grown mostly as showy borders or in wildflower gardens and meadows. Known for their daisy-like flowers with long golden yellow petals and a dark brown or black center, they also have hairy leaves (hence the species name hirta), and medicinal roots (much like their cousin Echinacea). Our seeds were harvested from our pollinator beds, where bees and butterflies enjoyed the nectar, and birds enjoyed eating the seeds.
Days to maturity: 60-120
Seeds per pack: 275-300
Germination rate: 96% on 12/30/2024
Planting / harvesting notes
Sow seeds indoors on the surface of the soil 6 weeks before the last frost. They need light and good soil contact for germination. Transplant after frost 18" apart. Plant in full sun and in well-drained soil. This variety is a perennial in most parts of the US (up to Zone 4), and can be propagated easily by root division or seed saving.
Seed keeping notes
When the birds start eating the seeds, they are likely mature! Harvest dried seed heads into paper bags and lay them out to dry further in a cool, dark, dry place. Rough up the seed heads, sift out any larger chaff, and winnow off lightweight chaff.
