Cherry Brandy – Rudbeckia Seed

First-ever, red wine colored rudbeckia from seed.
Robust plants are outstanding in the garden or in large containers. Combine Cherry Brandy’s 3-4" flowers with rudbeckia of other colors, or do a dramatic mass planting for red blooms all summer. Also known as blackeyed Susan and gloriosa daisy. Tender perennial in Zones 9-10. Ht. 20-24". Avg. 53,200 seeds/oz. Packet: 100 seeds.

DAYS TO GERMINATION: 8-14 days at 68-72°F (20-22°C).

SOWING: Transplant: Sow 5-7 weeks before last frost. Cover seed lightly, as light is required for germination. Bottom water or mist to avoid covering seed with displaced soil. Transplant into cell packs or larger containers when the first true leaves appear. Harden off and transplant outside after the danger of frost has passed. Direct seed: Surface sow 2 weeks before last frost in groups of 3-4 seeds, 12-18" apart. Thin to one plant when true leaves appear.

LIGHT PREFERENCE: Sun.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Average, well-drained soil. Tolerates poor soil.

PLANT SPACING: 12-18".

HARDINESS ZONES: Zones 9-10. Best grown as an annual.

HARVEST: Deadheading increases bloom. Fresh: before blooms are completely open. Dried: when blooms are completely open. Remove stem and dry in silica gel.

USES: Excellent cut flower. Beds, pots, back of borders, or wild, meadow, and cottage gardens.

Notes: Rudbeckia requires long days to initiate flowering and will continue to produce some, smaller blooms into the fall but on shortened stems of reduced quality. Deadheading increases blooms during summer production. Rudbeckia tolerates heat and drought.

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Rudbeckia hirta

ALTERNATE NAMES: Blackeyed susan, gloriosa daisy