Growing Cherry Brandy Rudbeckia Garden Seeds

Unlike many varieties of rudbeckia that are popularly broadcasted like wildflowers, Cherry Brandy is a compact, semi-dwarfed variety and best started indoors 6-8 weeks before the final frost. Germination will take 7-14 days with full light. Transplant Cherry Brandy seedlings to larger container once two sets of true leaves appear and harden off if transplanting outside. If sowing directly, start after the frost and lightly press and cover 3-4 Cherry Brandy rudbeckia seeds every 12-15 inch in Organically rich, evenly moist, and well-drained soil in full sun. Cherry Brandy can be susceptible to downy and powdery mildew. Cut back spent foliage, leaves, and blooms after flowering to prolong vitality into the fall. Rudbeckias will benefit from partial shade during severe summers. Rudbeckia has no serious pests or diseases, but monitor for slugs and snails on young plants. Cherry Brandy rudbeckia seeds mature in 91-105 days as 18-24 inch tall compacts with a 12-15 inch spread covered in 3-4 inch bicolored cherry red semi-double blooms.

Cherry Brandy rudbeckia is a 2007 Fleuroselect Novelty Award Winner and noted by judges for its "new color and red shades of petals combined to the darker red center are a treat for the eye." Cherry Brandy is one of the few Rudbeckia hirta that has dark, velvety shades rather than the signature Black-Eyed Susan golden yellow petals.