Black Eyed Susan 'Chim Chimnee Mix'

Chim Chimnee Mix Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Chim Chiminee puts an unexpected twist on the classic Black-Eyed Susan, surrounding dark chocolate centres with slender, quilled petals in a smouldering mix of gold, copper, bronze, russet, and mahogany. No two flowers are quite alike, with some opening in warm golden tones while others deepen to burnt orange, dusty red, or rich chocolate, occasionally appearing semi-double or beautifully tousled. Blooming generously from summer into fall, its strong stems and unusual form make it an exceptional cut flower, adding texture and warmth to late-season bouquets. Bees and butterflies are frequent visitors to the flowers. Pair with Strawberry Blonde Marigold, Cherry Caramel Phlox, or Prairie Coneflower for a richly layered autumn palette.

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.