Black Eyed Susan 'Indian Summer'

Indian Summer Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Like the last rays of a golden sunset, Indian Summer Black-Eyed Susan glows with the rich warmth of late summer fields. Each bloom unfurls in deep amber-gold, its velvety petals circling a dark, domed centre that anchors the flower like a drop of ink on parchment. The large, sunflower-like faces catch and hold the light, their brilliance softened by an undertone of bronze.

A quintessential wild beauty, Indian Summer brings rustic radiance to borders and bouquets alike. Pair it with maroon zinnias for a burnished, autumnal palette, or alongside strawflowers for a golden, textural harmony. Cheerful yet dignified, it’s a bloom that captures the heart of summer and the glow of seasons turning.

DETAILS:

QTY: 25

TYPE: Annual

SITE: Full Sun

DEPTH: Cover very lightly

GERMINATION: 8-14 days at 20-22°C

HEIGHT: 20" - 22”

MATURITY: 100 - 120 days

SPACING: 12”

PINCH: No

HOW TO GROW:

Indoors (recommended): Sow seeds into flats or small containers 5–7 weeks before your average last frost date. Cover the seeds very lightly with a thin layer of vermiculite or fine soil, as they require light for successful germination. It is best to bottom water or mist the containers to avoid washing away or burying the tiny seeds. Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting them outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

Direct Seeding (alternative): Surface sow seeds directly outdoors about 2 weeks before your last expected frost date. Lightly press the seeds into the soil surface but do not bury them. Keep the area consistently moist until germination occurs.

Soil Preference: Rudbeckia thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil. It is highly adaptable and will grow in a wide range of soil types, including poor or clay soil. Avoid planting in consistently wet or soggy areas.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during the germination period and while young seedlings are establishing. Once mature, Rudbeckia is very heat and drought tolerant. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings.

Pinching: Pinching is not required, as rudbeckia naturally develops a sturdy, bushy growth habit. However, deadheading spent flowers throughout the blooming season will promote more continuous flowering and prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production.

Fertilizing: Rudbeckia is a low-maintenance plant and does not require much fertilizer. Adding a small amount of compost to the planting area before sowing is typically sufficient. Too much fertilizer, especially nitrogen, can lead to lanky stems and fewer blooms.