Black Eyed Susan

Fun Fact:

Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is Maryland’s state flower, symbolizing justice.

Tribes have historically used this plant for teas and poultices for colds, sores, and infections

General Description:

Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) also known as Golden Jubilee is a biennial/short lived perennial. Rudbeckia hirta typically grows about 1.5-3 feet tall. The plant if you have ever seen it in person has many fine hairs everywhere on it. The flowers are yellow to orange with a dark brown spherical center (the eye). The flowers generally bloom from June to September.

Uses:

• Erosion Control
• Roadside plantings
• Landscaping

Planting Conditions:

Black Eyed Susan ideally needs full sun, at least 6 hours a day. It is an adaptable plant but it does best in well drained soils, and can tolerate poor soils. Once Black Eyed Susan is established it has a moderate drought tolerance. It prefers neutral to slightly acidic soils (6.5-6.8 pH).

Best time to plant is spring to late fall.  Fall for natural stratification. If planting in spring time pre-chill seeds in fridge (cold stratificatoin) for 30-60 days to improve germination. Remove any existing growth to give the flower the best chance for success. Sow directly on the soil surface to ensure the seed doesn’t get planted too deep. Press seeds gently into the surface to achieve good seed to soil contact.

Establishment:

Germination typically takes between 7-30 days. In the first year the plant will forma a rosette of leaves typically more common in cooler climates. Blooms will begin flowering in the second year. Water regularly during germination and early growth especially during any dry times that might occur.

Seeding Rate:

Broadcast: 2 lbs/acre

0.5 oz/ 1,000 sq ft

**Don’t plant deeper than 1/4″ shallow planting is needed for best results.