20 seeds open pollinated seeds from our gardens.
 
Did you know that Rudbeckia are in the Asteraceae family, which also includes coneflowers and asters and chrysanthemums.?

Rudbeckia laciniata is a perennial herb native to the floodplains of North America. This plant forms clumps of divided foilage and in summer to autumn large golden yellow coneflowers sit atop the gently swaying stems. Grow in a sunny location with damp but well drained soil. This plant tolerates hot, humid summers. Rudbeckia laciniata can spread aggressively by underground rhizomes. To keep the plant under control, divide clumps every few years and deadhead old flowers to encourage rebloom. Height 160cm.

These 10cm flowers are excellent for floral work, harvest flowers when they are just starting to open.  Before cutting, do the "wiggle" test to ensure that it is stiff.  If the stem is floppy and causes the head to bobble back and forth, it is not ready to be harvested. Place stems into some cool clean water and let them sit overnight before working with them. Note, that the stems have fine hairs and can be irritating. You way wish to wear gloves off while working with these flowers. Vase life up to 6 weeks.
 
Seeds are sown in spring.  Only just cover the seeds lightly with potting mix.  Germination should take place within 2 weeks, prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle.  Grow the seedlings to around 10cm in height and transplant into the garden during summer.  This may required the plants to spend their first year in pots and being planted out the following summer.  Seeds can be direct sown.  
 
Also known as Green-headed Coneflower, Greenhead Coneflower, Cutleaf Coneflower, Wild Goldenglow, Sochan.
 
Note - This plant is reputed to be poisonous to cattle, sheep and pigs.