Cherry Brandy Blackeyed Susan is a striking cultivar of Rudbeckia hirta that brings deep, wine-toned petals and golden centers to gardens in zones 9 and 10. These frost-hardy annuals reach 20 to 24 inches tall and thrive in full sun, rewarding gardeners with cheerful blooms when started indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost. If timed right, you'll see flowers the very first year, making this an excellent choice for gardeners eager for quick color.
Full Sun
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9-10
24in H x ?in W
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Low
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The name alone hints at what draws gardeners to this variety: petals in a deep burgundy that recalls cherry brandy, set against the signature bright golden eye that defines the blackeyed susan. It germinates reliably between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and reaches a compact, manageable height of 20 to 24 inches, making it equally at home in borders or containers. Starting seeds indoors early enough means you can expect blooms by midsummer, rather than waiting until the second year like many Rudbeckia varieties.
As a member of the Asteraceae family, Cherry Brandy Blackeyed Susan is grown primarily for its ornamental flowers. The bold, deep burgundy petals with golden centers make it a striking addition to cut flower arrangements and garden displays throughout the summer and fall.
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Start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your average last frost date. Press seeds gently into the surface without covering them, as they need light to germinate. Maintain soil temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for best results. If started early enough, seedlings will transplant and flower during their first year.
Transplant seedlings outdoors 8 to 10 weeks after starting seeds indoors, ideally after your last frost date has passed. Space plants 12 to 24 inches apart to allow for air circulation as they mature to their full height of 20 to 24 inches.
You can also sow seeds directly outdoors 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date. Continue sowing as late as 2 months before your average first fall frost date to extend the blooming season into autumn.
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