Growing Goldilocks Rudbeckia Garden Seeds

Unlike other varieties of rudbeckia that are broadcasted like wildflowers, Goldilocks is a dwarfed variety and is best started indoors 8-10 weeks before the final frost. Transplant Goldilocks seedlings to a larger container once two sets of true leaves appear and harden off to a sunny spot. For direct sowing, plant 3-4 Goldilocks rudbeckia seeds ¼ inch deep and 10-12 inch apart in Organically rich, evenly moist, and well-drained soil in full sun. Goldilocks rudbeckia requires long days and full sun to flower and will continue to produce and diminish in quality and quantity into the fall. Cut back spent foliage, leaves, and blooms after flowering to help prolong vitality. Goldilocks rudbeckias have no serious pests or diseases and are known to be resistant to deer, heat, and drought. Goldilocks rudbeckia seeds mature in 98-105 days as tidy 15 inch dwarf uprights with a 10-12 inch spread and 3-4 inch semi-double blooms of golden yellow petals with a slight red sunburst at the base around a mahogany center.

Goldilocks rudbeckia debuted as the 1985 Fleuroselect Gold Medal Winner and is noted by judges for its "masses of large double and semi-double flowers" and being "very adaptable and performing well in most soil types and under a wide range of climatic conditions." Goldilocks was crossed and cultivated in the 1970's by world renowned plant breeder Ralph Gould who's since had many species named in his honor.