Autumn Colors Rudbeckia Seeds

Autumn Colors (Rudbeckia hirta) is a spectacular Black-Eyed Susan selection that produces large, daisy-like blooms in a rich blend of golden yellow, bronze, mahogany, rust, orange, red, and bicolor shades. Each flower is unique, creating a constantly changing display that captures the warm colors of autumn from midsummer through frost. This easy-to-grow native wildflower is prized for its long bloom season, outstanding pollinator value, and ability to thrive in a wide range of garden conditions.

Garden Uses

Autumn Colors is ideal for perennial borders, cottage gardens, prairie plantings, pollinator gardens, wildflower meadows, cutting gardens, and naturalized landscapes. The warm mix of flower colors blends beautifully with ornamental grasses, purple coneflowers, blanket flowers, salvia, asters, and goldenrod. Its long, sturdy stems make excellent cut flowers for fresh arrangements, while the colorful blooms provide months of vibrant garden interest.

Growing Information

Sow seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost or sow directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Cover seeds lightly with soil and keep evenly moist until germination. Seedlings usually emerge within 7 to 21 days at temperatures between 70° and 75°F.

Plant in full sun for the best flowering, although plants tolerate light afternoon shade in warmer climates. Autumn Colors thrives in average, well-drained soil and adapts well to clay, sandy, or rocky conditions. Once established, plants require little supplemental watering and tolerate summer heat exceptionally well. Deadheading promotes additional blooms, while leaving some seed heads provides food for birds during fall and winter.

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