'Sputnik' Rudbeckia Seeds

Days to Maturity: 140

'Sputnik' is a biennial or short-lived perennial, often grown as an annual, offering an extended bloom season, from midsummer through late fall. The plant flowers in bright and cheery daisy-esque, medium-sized flowers of golden yellow rays with a mahogany base around a domed dark brown "eye". Borne singly on stiff, upright, hairy-leaved (hirta) stems the nectar-rich flowers attract butterflies, birds, and beneficial pollinating insects and make delightful cut flowers.

One of the most popular wildflowers grown, this herbaceous plant, also known as black-eyed Susan, self-seeds freely after the first year. It's perfect for natural landscapes but also works well in borders and containers.

Easy to grow from seed, it prefers full sun and fertile, organically rich, moist, well-drained soils but can tolerate some shade and a wide range of soils, including clay and loam, if they are not too wet. It is drought tolerant and deer resistant.

In spring, seed can be direct sown in the garden after the last frost date. However, starting seeds indoors and moving transplants into the garden after the risk of frost has passed will provide the best results.

If you plan to start your seeds indoors, be sure to check out our Bio Dome Seed Starter Kit. With the Bio Dome, you can control the temperature, light, and soil mix to ensure your seeds become strong for transplant.

Black-eyed Susans are native to North America, growing wild in open woods, prairies, and fields. Native plants are not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. Naturally adapted to the climate and soil conditions of the region, they thrive without fertilizers or extra watering, once established. They also act as natural pest controls, reducing the need for pesticides in the garden. Landscaping with native plants promotes biodiversity and provides shelter and quality food for wildlife and pollinators, bringing gardens to life.