Rudbeckia 'Sahara'

Sahara Mix Rudbeckia (Rudbeckia hirta)

Discover the romantic side of a garden staple with the Sahara Mix Rudbeckia. This delightful new addition to the Black-Eyed Susan family offers a beautiful, moody twist with large, mostly double, velvety flowers. The abundant blooms appear in a unique palette of rich, earthy colours, including dusty rose, milk chocolate, copper, pale lemon, and a dramatic merlot. A prolific bloomer all season long, these flowers are perfect for sunny mixed borders, containers, and beds. The long-lasting blooms are an absolute dream for bouquets, offering a truly unique colour blend for floral arrangements. This delightful annual provides a romantic and whimsical feel to any landscape, and is also a favourite of pollinators.


DETAILS:

QTY: 25

TYPE: Annual

SITE: Full Sun

DEPTH: Cover 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.