SWEET RUDBECKIA SEEDS

Rudbeckia subtomentosa

One of the last Rudbeckia to bloom here, and the sweetest smelling. The plants are strong and handsome and bloom over several weeks in late summer and early autumn. Best in fairly moist but well-drained soil, but tolerant of clay soils that are not waterlogged. Grows up to 4' in height and sows itself politely over time. Fabulous and long-lasting in bouquets. My favorite Rudbeckia for fallscaping. The stunning ‘Henry Eilers' is a selection of this species that you should definitely grab if you see it at your local nursery!

This species is a North American native found primarily in riparian areas of the Midwest and futher south into Arkansas and Louisiana, essentially throughout the Mississippi river basin. The fragrant foliage is a pleasure to brush against in meadow habitats even before it blooms, and attractive enough for a highly designed border even in June. As a grower, the whole genus of Rudbeckia is one we leaned on heavily for bouquets at market, as several species grew like weeds on our farm. Where we grow now there are virtually no wild stands, and this is the species I choose to sow. It is easy and just as suitable for suburban perennial gardens as it is for expansive naturalistic landscapes. Hardy to zone 4.

These seeds typically require stratification to germinate. They can be sown where they are to grow in autumn or tucked into pots of moist soil overwintered in a sheltered location. Seeds begin to germinate during the first warm days of spring and can be thinned or transplanted as necessary to the garden, or to individual pots or deep cells of moist fertile soil to grow on before transplanting in spring around the date of the last frost or in autumn. Prefers full sun but tolerates some shade. Rarely blooms in the first year from seed, but always in the second. This lot of seeds does see some germination at room temperature so do try to sow some under lights inside.

Packet contains around 500 seeds.