Rudbeckia hirta

The black-eyed Susan — a brilliant, easy North American daisy with golden petals radiating from a domed, near-black central cone, flowering for months.
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    Coneflower Sahara Seeds Rudbeckia Hirta Annual Cut Flower
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    €4,45

    Warm-toned annual daisies for borders and bouquets cone flower gloriosa daisy seeds produce showy, daisy-like blooms in warm, sunset shades that stand out in mixed beds and summer displays. This annual flower is valued for...
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    Coneflower Sahara Seeds Rudbeckia Hirta Annual
    €5,95

    Warm terracotta blooms for sunny borders Coneflower Sahara Seeds produce a warm-toned coneflower mix with blended shades of yellow, red, orange, and brown. This annual flower is valued for its earthy, terracotta look that stands...
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    Warm-toned annual blooms for sunny borders cone flower seeds produce cheerful, warm toned daisy flowers that stand out in beds, borders, and larger group plantings. This annual selection is valued for its bold, daisy-like blooms...
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Rudbeckia hirta — the black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta is the botanical name for the black-eyed Susan, a brilliant, easy-going North American daisy with golden-yellow petals radiating from a domed, near-black central cone. It is the species behind our rudbeckia range within the flower seed collection.

History & origin

Native to the prairies and meadows of North America, where it flowers freely on disturbed and open ground, the black-eyed Susan became a beloved garden plant for its sunny colour, long season and effortless nature, and remains a cornerstone of prairie- and meadow-style planting today.

The genus Rudbeckia was named by Linnaeus in honour of the Swedish botanists Olof Rudbeck, father and son, while the species epithet hirta means hairy or rough, describing the bristly stems and leaves.

Botanical characteristics

Usually grown as a fast annual or short-lived perennial, it forms upright, branching plants topped with large, daisy-like flowers over a remarkably long midsummer-to-autumn season. The nectar-rich blooms draw bees and butterflies, placing it firmly among our pollinator flowers, while the long, strong stems make it an outstanding cut flower, and the seed heads feed birds.

Growing Rudbeckia hirta from seed

Sow in warmth in early spring, barely covering the seed, or direct once the soil warms. Grow on and plant into full sun in any reasonable, moist but well-drained soil; deadhead to extend an already long display that runs until the frosts. Our flower growing guide and flower sowing calendar cover the timing.

Ready to grow black-eyed Susans? Browse the varieties or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Rudbeckia · Cut Flowers · Pollinator Flowers · Perennial Flowers · All Flower Seeds

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What is Rudbeckia hirta?
It is the botanical name for the black-eyed Susan, a sunny North American daisy with golden petals and a dark central cone, grown as an annual or short-lived perennial. When should I sow rudbeckia seed?
Sow in warmth in early spring, barely covering the seed, or sow direct once the soil has warmed. How long does it flower?
Remarkably long — from midsummer right through to the frosts, especially if you deadhead regularly. Is it good for cutting and wildlife?
Yes — the long, strong stems make excellent cut flowers, the blooms draw bees and butterflies, and the seed heads feed birds.