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
Winter Mini Course: Seed-Starting 101
Learn how to start flowers from seed in this three-part video series
In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.
