Black-Eyed Susan, Goldilocks
Best vibrant blooms for low effort garden enthusiasts.
Black-Eyed Susan, Goldilocks, _Rudbeckia hirta_ produces a beautiful and long-lasting bloom that is semi-double. This cool-season hardy annual prefers full sun. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before planting or sow directly in the garden. Do not cover seeds; germination takes 7-14 days. Plants reach 24-36 inches in height and should be spaced 12 inches apart. Winter hardy in zone 5 and south, with blooms appearing 75-105 days after planting. Harvest cuts at the base to encourage more stems and for the freshest cut flowers, harvest just after petals unfold.
$5.25
More Black-Eyed Susan Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
3240
/ 6505
#3240 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-51%
Below average
Plant Type
Flowers
/ Flowers
Who it's for
- Home gardeners seeking a burst of long-lasting, brilliant color.
- Eco-conscious gardeners wanting to support local wildlife and ecosystems.
- Busy individuals or novice gardeners desiring low-maintenance, reliable blooms.
Who should skip it
- Gardeners expecting a long-term, permanent fixture in their landscape.
- Meticulous gardeners preferring precise control over plant placement and spread.
- Gardeners with predominantly shady yards or limited sunny planting spots.
Performance breakdown
Cut Flower Longevity
Semi-double blooms offer exceptional vase life for professional-grade arrangements.
Yield Potential
Strategic harvesting at the base significantly boosts stem production throughout the season.
Germination Reliability
On-farm testing ensures consistent results when following light-exposure requirements.
Hardiness Versatility
Robust performance across diverse climates starting from zone five and south.
Ease of Cultivation
Straightforward growth cycle ideal for both indoor starting and direct sowing.
Visual Impact
Striking semi-double petals provide high-contrast color for any garden bed.
Key Specs
Plant Type
Flowers
Seed Count
50
Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun
Days to Maturity
105 days
Planting Season
Spring
USDA Hardiness Zone
5+
Mature Height
36 inches
Pest Resistant
null
Features
- Produces beautiful, long-lasting semi-double blooms
- Encourages more stems with strategic harvesting
- Ideal for cut flower arrangements
- Hardy annual for cool seasons
- Winter hardy in zone 5 and south
- On-farm tested quality
- Family-run business
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the ease of growing these seeds, noting their reliable germination and robust plant development. Many appreciate how effortlessly the plants establish and thrive, producing a vibrant display of long lasting blooms. This dependable performance and minimal maintenance requirement make it a highly valued choice for gardeners seeking beautiful, consistent results without extensive effort.
Know before you buy
You can do either. Starting seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date gives you a head start, but they also perform well when sown directly into the garden once the soil has warmed.
No, do not cover the seeds. They require light to germinate, so simply press them firmly into the surface of your seed-starting mix or soil.
Harvest the stems at the base of the plant rather than just picking individual flowers. This encourages the plant to produce more stems throughout the season, providing you with a steady supply for bouquets.
For the longest vase life, harvest the blooms just after the petals have unfolded. Cutting them at this stage ensures they stay fresh and beautiful in your arrangements.
Goldilocks is a hardy annual that is winter hardy in USDA zones 5 and south. While they are treated as annuals, they are quite resilient in these climates.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$5