Black-eyed Susan

Botanical name: Rudbeckia hirta (Asteraceae)
Other name: Yellow Ox-eye Daisy

Description
A stiff, upright annual or shortlived perennial native to the eastern United States, but has become endemic throughout North America. It is the state flower of Maryland. Black-Eyed Susans are perennial daisies or coneflowers, members of the sunflower family (Asteraceae). The flower heads measure 2 to 3 inches in diameter with yellow rays circling a dark-brown, spherical center. Commonly found in fields and on roadsides. Cut flower has a vase life of 6 to 10 days.


How to grow
It is easy to grow from seeds. Sown 2 weeks before the last expected frost, or started indoors 6-8 weeks before planting them outdoors in the Spring.

Light: Full sun
Soil: any type soil with well-drained
Height: 2-3 feet
Germination: 7-30 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 70F
Sowing depth: 1/16"
Blooming period: June-August
USDA Zone: 3-10