Rudbeckia hirta Goldilocks or Black-eyed Susan flower seeds
Rudbeckia Goldilocks is a standout in our vast collection of rudbeckia varieties. This unique variety boasts impressively large, golden blossoms that unfurl layer upon layer of petals. The appearance of its flowers is so lush and soft, that they can easily be likened to a teddy bear.

This variety of Rudbeckia hirta is often grown as an annual, but it can be a short-lived perennial in some areas with mild winters. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate some light shade. Rudbeckia’s are easy to care for and a beautiful addition to any garden, adding a bright splash of color to borders, (larger) containers, and wildflower or cottage-style gardens.

Planting information to grow Rudbeckia hirta Goldilcoks from seed:
Plant type: half-hardy annual or short-lived perennial
Height: 60 centimeters
Position: full sun or partial shade
Start: from 8-10 weeks before the last frost date
Germination: 10-15 days, 18 to 20°C
Number of days until plants bloom: 100-120 days
Distance between the plants: 30-40 centimeters
Pinching: not recommended
Recommended pot or cell size: start in 77 cell (3cm) or 40 cell trays (4 cm) and pot on to P9 pots (9 cm), P7 pots (7 cm), or 15 cell trays
Cut flower: yes
Pollinator-friendly: yes
Number of seeds per pack: 200

How to grow Rudbeckia hirta from seed
To grow rudbeckia, sow the seeds in late winter or early spring. Although rudbeckia hirta is a short-lived perennial or biennial, it is often grown as a half-hardy annual. The seeds germinate best in warm environments such as indoors or in a greenhouse on a heat mat if it’s still cold outside. If plants manage to survive winter they will come back even bigger and better than the year before. Often flowering earlier in their second year.

You can also sow the seeds directly where you want them to grow but do this two weeks before the last expected frost (not recommended for colder climates). For an early start, sow the seeds indoors from mid-February to early April, and plant the seedlings in the garden about six to eight weeks later. Remember that the seeds need light to germinate, so don’t cover them with soil. Young plants can tolerate a light frost, but you need to harden them off first.

Keep in mind that it takes 100 to 120 days before the plants start to flower, so don’t start the seeds too late in the season. If your winters are very mild you can sow them later in the season.

Regularly check your greenhouse or home for small black flies called Sciara analis. The translucent larvae live in your potting soil and eat seedlings. Especially Rudbeckia seedlings are on the menu.