Harvested from the gardens at Monticello.Introduced to European gardens by 1714, this favorite native wildflower grows in open meadows and sunny sites throughout North America. A self-seeding biennial or short-lived perennial, Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) bears bright yellow flowers with distinctive black eyes in summer and is attractive to butterflies and birds, but not deer. Sow Black Eyed Susan seeds indoors 12 weeks before last frost date at 70 degrees F. To improve germination, provide cold, moist stratification for 4 weeks before sowing. Transplant to 3" pots once they have several true leaves, then harden off and plant outdoors after last frost. Alternatively, direct sow seeds in fall for blooms the following year. Approximately Black Eyed Susan seeds 40-50 seeds per packet.
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