This well known wildflower is common in the eastern and Midwestern U.S. It can also be found in mountain meadows of the western U.S. It grows as an annual, biennial or short-lived perennial. Flowers are bright yellow with a distinctive dark center. Makes a good cut flower and is an excellent component of wildflower mixes and pollinator conservation plantings.

Sowing: Direct sow these Rudbeckia Hirta seeds in late fall, pressing into the surface of the soil since this plant needs light to germinate. For spring planting, mix the Black Eyed Susan seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 30 days before planting. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination, which usually takes 2-3 weeks. The Rudbeckia Hirta seeds can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before planting in spring. Keep seedlings lightly moist, and transplant them as soon as they have developed several leaves.

Growing: Water seedlings regularly until they become established. This plant grows very quickly and needs little care. Though it grows well in fairly dry soil, it performs best with occasional watering in dry weather. This plant usually begins blooming in its second year of growth. Mature plants tolerate heat and drought well, as well as tolerating clay or rocky soils. Deadhead for the longest blooming period. Mature plants can be divided. This plant attracts butterflies, and may self-seed.