Why Grow Rudbeckia Seeds?
Many Rudbeckia are used as seasonal plants, but their ability to come to life with a breathtaking flower display as the summer really sets in is more than a good reason to grow them from seed.
Sutton’s varieties include ‘Indian summer’ a bright yellow stocky plant. ‘Irish eyes’ is another amazing shade of with simple composite flowers with an orangey centre. ‘Rustic dwarf mixed’ are plants that are covered in golden yellow and red flowers.
How To Grow Rudbeckia Plants From Seed
Treat Rudbeckia as tender sowing rudbeckia seeds indoors, under glass or in a propagator on a window-sill in spring for mid to late summer flowering. Sow in pots or modules for a good strong start and plant.
- Sow in a decent peat-free compost, this will ensure ease of germination as its structure will be free draining and allow for root formation. Tamp to firm the compost and use a sieve to cover. Always label your newly sown seed
- Hardening off is important, giving your new plants fresh air but protecting them at night. When all danger of frost has passed, plant out in moisture-retentive soil that has had organic matter forked in
- These plants look amazing if mixed with Echinacea, Achillea or even a combination of grasses creating a prairie planting.
- Dead-head spent flowers and stake taller varieties. Pick over any Mildew plants. Rudbeckia loves a sunny spot.
- You can do you bit for our fantastic birdlife in our gardens and leave some of the seed heads for them to munch on
Rudbeckia Seeds Germination
Rudbeckia seeds should germinate within 14 to 21 days. As the seedlings begin to grow, thin them to around 30cm apart to allow for development. Finally in the autumn transplant the plants to their flowering position allowing 30 to 40cm between each one.
Plant Rudbeckia in drifts as they look great in decent numbers, this is a good reason to raise them from seeds as you’ll have plenty of plants. Plan a design with your plants, using the hot colours of Rudbeckia one end of a border and to cooler, pastel colours of Sweet Pea or Asters. Rudbeckia can be used for cut-flowers and the single-flowered varieties are great for pollinators.
You may also be interested in our Rudbeckia flower plant range
Buy Rudbeckia Seeds from Suttons
