The state flower of Maryland has 2"–4" daisy-like flowers with orange/yellow petals. This beautiful, heirloom rudbeckia blooms over a long period; at least 8 weeks; winter seed cones supply food for birds, too.

Great cut flower. North American native wildflower; may re-seed itself and is an excellent addition to wildflower areas.

Botanical Name: Rudbeckia hirta

Family: Asteraceae

Native: North America

Hardiness: Short-lived perennial in USDA zones 3–7, but usually treated as an annual, because it does not reliably come back year after year. May self-sow.

Plant Dimensions: 24"–36" tall, 12"–24" wide

Variety Information: 2"–4" wide, yellow flowers with a purplish-brown center.

Exposure: Full sun

Bloom Period: Summer

Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flower, Deer Resistant

When to Sow Outside: 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date, and as late as 2 months before first fall frost.

When to Start Inside: 8 to 10 weeks before your average last frost date. If started inside early enough, may bloom the first year.

Days to Emerge: 10–15 days

Seed Depth: ⅛"

Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 12"–24"

Thinning: When 1"– 2" tall, thin to 1 every 12"–24"