| Common Name | Rudbeckia |
| Genus | Rudbeckia |
| Species | hirta, tribola |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Life Cycle | Perennial, or short lived perennial treated as annual. |
| Tray Size | 8 |
| Plug Care | Transplant within 2 weeks of arrival. |
| Netting / Staking | No |
| Temperature Range | 25-95F |
| Spacing | 9-12" |
| Soil Preference | Well drained soil of average fertility. |
| Day Length | Obligate long day |
| Pinching | No |
| When to Plant | In fall, 2-4 weeks before first frost in warmer zones, or in spring around the last frost date. |
| Harvesting | Cut when flowers are open and stems are stiff. Flowers cut too early may wilt. Keep flowers cut to encourage additional blooms. |
| Post Harvest Care | Holding solution in the cooler. |
| Diseases / Insects | Generally pest free |
| Bailey's Notes | Rudbeckia hirta can perennialize in some locations, but it generally treated as an annual. They need long days to flower. When planted under short days they will grow roots and leaves and then flower as the days increase in length. Best stem length will come from plants that are established under short days and then allowed to flower as summer progresses. Rudbeckia triloba is a true perennial that generally flowers in its first year, but may take an additional season to produce marketable stems. |
| Resources |
NC State Extension Rudbeckia triloba (Brown-Eyed Susan) USDA Black-Eyed Susan Plant Guide University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Rudbeckia Hirta Fact Sheet |