Goldilocks Rudbeckia Seeds

100 Seeds 

Rudbeckia hirta ‘Goldilocks’ (Black‑eyed Susan) is a showy, hardy species often grown as an annual, biennial, or short‑lived perennial, native to prairies and open areas of North America. ‘Goldilocks’ is a compact garden form prized for cheerful golden‑yellow daisy‑like blooms with a dark central cone that provide long season color from mid‑summer into fall.

Plant in full sun for best flowering; it tolerates light afternoon shade but flowers more sparingly in shade. It prefers well‑drained garden soil with average fertility and moderate moisture; avoid heavy, waterlogged sites. A light side‑dressing of compost at planting is usually sufficient—overly rich soil can produce floppy growth.

Seeds can be direct‑sown after the danger of frost or started indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost for earlier bloom. Sow on or just below the surface of a moist, well‑draining mix; they germinate in about 7–21 days. Cold stratification (a few weeks of cool temperatures) can improve germination and uniformity but is not required in most climates.

‘Goldilocks’ typically grows compactly—about 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) tall with a similar spread—so space plants roughly 12–18 inches apart to allow airflow and prevent crowding. Hardy in roughly USDA zones 3–9, it’s excellent as a garden perennial/annual for borders, mass plantings, and pollinator gardens. The blooms make attractive short‑term cut flowers, dry reasonably well, and press nicely for craft use; the plants also attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.