Black-eyed Susan ‘Indian Summer’
Rudbeckia hirta
Description
One of the largest flowering varieties, this semi-double giant produces blooms that range from 4 to 7 in across. The school bus-yellow petals are beautifully accented with a clear black eye, and ‘Indian Summer’ makes a wonderful addition to summer bouquets.
Details
Plant type: annual
Height: 36 to 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 100 to 120 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 36 to 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 100 to 120 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Start seed indoors in trays 8 to 10 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest when flowers are just beginning to open. Black-eyed Susans are notorious for making their water dark and murky overnight, even with floral preservative. To combat this, add a few drops of bleach to the water. Expect a vase life of 7 to 10 days.
Details
Description
One of the largest flowering varieties, this semi-double giant produces blooms that range from 4 to 7 in across. The school bus-yellow petals are beautifully accented with a clear black eye, and ‘Indian Summer’ makes a wonderful addition to summer bouquets.
Details
Plant type: annual
Height: 36 to 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 100 to 120 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 36 to 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 100 to 120 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Start seed indoors in trays 8 to 10 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest when flowers are just beginning to open. Black-eyed Susans are notorious for making their water dark and murky overnight, even with floral preservative. To combat this, add a few drops of bleach to the water. Expect a vase life of 7 to 10 days.
Sources
How to Grow
Sources
Seed-Saving Mini Course
Learn how to save seed from zinnia, dahlia, and celosia
In our upcoming free, three-part video series, you’ll learn everything you need to know to save seeds on a home scale, including how plants are pollinated and isolation techniques to ensure varieties come back true, how to tell when plants are ready to pick and how to harvest the seeds, and how to properly dry, clean, and store seeds long term.
