Rudbeckia Hirta Coneflower Grows as Short-lived Perennial Plant
CONEFLOWER
It takes three to four months to cultivate flowering Rudbeckia hirta plants from seed. The species grows as a short-lived perennial flower plant in North America, but does not survive the winter in countries like The Netherlands, where it is always cultivated as an annual. Professional growers begin to market the plants, in flower, by the end of April. For amateurs, it is better to start later. If you sow indoors in March or April - the ideal temperature for germination is 60 °F - the first flowers may be expected in April. If you sow outdoors in April, you will see the first flowers in August.
The plants will continue to flower incessantly until well into October. The plants, 20-36 in tall, bear flowers about 3 1/4 in wide. The ray florets of the species are yellow with a brown blotch at their base. The centers are dark. There are numerous cultivars, with colors ranging from orange brown to lemon yellow. They are very suitable for rich, late summer flower arrangements.
Rudbeckia hirta ‘Irish Eyes’ is also called Rudbeckia hirta ‘Green Eyes’ because of its striking light green center in surrounded by bright yellow ray flowers. They are about 4 in wide and highly suitable for vases. The stems are straight and sturdy and grow about 24 in tall.
