How to Grow Rudbeckia
Rudbeckia hirta
Rudbeckia thrives in full sun and average to fertile, well-drained soil. Surface-sow seeds indoors in early spring as they need light to germinate, maintaining warmth of 18-24C until seedlings emerge. Water regularly during establishment and prolonged dry spells, though plants become fairly drought-tolerant once settled. Deadhead spent blooms consistently throughout summer and autumn to keep the prolific flower display going, or leave the final seedheads for birds over winter.
When to Start
Direct sow outdoors as soon as soil reaches 12°C — typically early to mid spring. Can also be started indoors 7 weeks earlier for a head start.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Light balanced feed at planting out. Rudbeckia are unfussy and perform well in average soil without heavy feeding.
- Rudbeckia hirta varieties flower prolifically in their first year from seed, making them ideal as seasonal bedding or cut flowers. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering well into autumn. Often treated as an annual since plants weaken after the first spectacular season — hence this seasonal option alongside the perennial Rudbeckia fulgida.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 12°C+
- Germination temperature
- 18–24°C
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- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 45 cm |
| Row spacing | 50 cm |
| Sow depth | 0 cm |
| Mature height | 90 cm |
| Mature spread | 45 cm |
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 12°C |
| Germination temperature | 18–24°C |
| Base growth temperature | 5°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 10h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Rudbeckia?
- Plant Rudbeckia 45cm apart with 50cm between rows.
- When does Rudbeckia flower?
- Rudbeckia typically flowers approximately 90 days after transplanting.
- Is Rudbeckia frost hardy?
- Rudbeckia is classified as Hardy.
