Growing Cherokee Sunset Rudbeckia Garden Seeds

Cherokee Sunset rudbeckia has a wildflower hardiness and can be sown directly just like wildflower or, for container growth, begin seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the final frost. For direct broadcasting, blend rudbeckia seeds with sand to increase visibility and broadcast the mix over a 10-square foot area and evenly rake and tamp. For traditional garden sowing, plant 3-4 Cherokee Sunset rudbeckia seeds 1/8 inch deep and 12-18 inches apart in Organically rich, evenly moist, and well-drained soil in full sun. Cherokee Sunset rudbeckia can be susceptible to downy and powdery mildew. Cut back spent foliage, leaves, and blooms after flowering to prolong vitality into the fall and rudbeckias will benefit from partial shade during severe summers. Rudbeckia has no serious pests or diseases, but monitor for slugs and snails on young plants. Cherokee Sunset rudbeckia seeds mature in 91-105 days as 24-30 inch tall bushy uprights with a 12-18 inch spread covered in 3-5 inch double and semi-double blooms of bicolored sunset petals with bronzed yellow tips and a mahogany crimson base.

Cherokee Sunset rudbeckia is a 2002 All-American Selections Flower Winner and noted by judges for "flowering profusely the first year," along with its 3-4½ inch double or semi-double and long lasting cut flowers," and for "offering gardeners a blend of autumn colors and late season garden performance."