Black Eyed Susan

The traditional ‘Black Eyed Susan’, a North American Wildflower, is considered an annual (but it is technically a short-lived perennial and may come back for a 2nd or 3rd season). The beautiful 2”-4” wide daisy-like flowers bloom on 1’-3’ tall plants from summer to early fall (for an average of 60 days). Black-Eyed Susans will grow in full sun or partial shade and are the most drought-tolerant of all Rudbeckias. They make excellent cut flowers and do well in containers. Though the plants can’t be guaranteed to come back the following year, they often reseeds themselves – which makes them great plants in naturalized or wildflower areas. This packet covers 20 square feet (for example, a 5’x4’ or 10’x2’ area).

When to plant outside: Early spring 3-4 weeks before average last day of frost. May plant as late as 2 months before first fall frost.

When to start inside: RECOMMENDED. Sow 4 weeks before last spring frost. Indoor sowing is recommended to get blooms the first year.

Cherry Brandy Rudbeckia

Half Hardy Annual

• Flowers: Summer to frost
• Position: Sun or part shade
• Height: 24 inches
• Germination: Experience Useful
• Aftercare: Easy
• Ideal for: Border, Containers

Description

Following the 2002 success of Cherokee Sunset, Thompson & Morgan flower breeders are proud to present the first-ever red Rudbeckia from seed! These robust plants have outstanding garden performance, producing a mass of attractive, cherry-colored blooms all summer long - triumphing over heat, drought and poor soils! Stunning when planted in drifts in borders or can be planted in large containers to create a feature plant on a patio or terrace. Flowers average 3-4 inches in width, 24 inches in height

Sowing Instructions

Sowing time:	February to March
Sowing depth:	Surface sow

Sow seed on the surface of good, free-draining, seed compost. Cover with a very fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place container in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag and place at a temperature of 20-25C (68-77F) until after germination which usually takes 7-21 days. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination.

Growing Instructions

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into trays or 7.5cm (3in) pots. Gradually acclimatise plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost, 30cm (12in) apart.