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Asteraceae
Ornamental flowers seeds
Cherry Brandy black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
Product code : 61-7161-010
Cherry Brandy black-eyed Susan produces abundant large single cherry-red to blood-red flowers, sometimes bicoloured, with an almost-black centre. Flower heads 10 to 12 cm across suit bouquets, borders, and pollinator beds. Plants reach 50 to 60 cm tall and approximately 40 cm wide. The packet contains approximately 50 bare seeds. Sow indoors six weeks before outdoor planting, using two or three seeds per cell at 22–24°C. Germination takes 8 to 14 days and maturity 14 to 16 weeks. Transplant after frost in full sun and dry to moderately moist, well-drained soil. Once established, plants tolerate heat and dry periods. Moderate fertility and regular deadheading extend flowering from July through October.
- Quantity
- Approximately 50 bare seeds
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Life cycle
- Perennial
Discover the plant
Common nameCherry Brandy black-eyed Susan
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusRudbeckia
Specieshirta
CultivarCherry Brandy
TypeBare seeds
Botanical nameRudbeckia hirta
Cherry Brandy black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) stands out for large single cherry-red to blood-red flowers, sometimes bicoloured, surrounding an almost-black deep-red centre. Flower heads 10 to 12 cm across create dramatic contrast in borders, garden beds, and bouquets. Upright plants reach 50 to 60 cm tall and approximately 40 cm wide. Highly heat tolerant, this cultivar flowers from July through October and welcomes bees, butterflies, and garden birds. Its saturated colour remains striking in sunshine and creates a memorable focal point among pale flowers, grasses, and nearby silver foliage plants.
The W.H. Perron packet, product code 61-7161-010, contains approximately 50 bare seeds. Sow indoors about six weeks before outdoor planting, using two or three seeds per cell. Press them onto porous, well-drained seed-starting mix and cover very lightly. Maintain 22 to 24°C and even moisture without saturating the medium. Germination takes 8 to 14 days and maturity 14 to 16 weeks. After emergence, retain the strongest seedling, provide abundant light, and maintain steady air movement around young foliage. Turn trays regularly so seedlings receive balanced light and develop upright stems.
Harden plants gradually, then transplant 7 to 10 days after the last ground frost in full sun. Allow approximately 40 cm between plants in dry to moderately moist, well-drained soil. Water every two or three days until establishment, then increase the interval; established plants tolerate dry periods well. Avoid overly rich soil and excessive nitrogen. Remove faded flowers regularly to extend bloom, while leaving several healthy heads in fall for garden birds. Inspect foliage weekly, water at soil level, and remove leaves affected by powdery mildew or grey mould promptly.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
Press onto the mix and cover very lightly; light supports germination
Spacing / density
Approximately 40 cm between plants
Germination temperature
22 to 24°C
Germination time
8 to 14 days
Sowing period
Indoors approximately 6 weeks before outdoor planting; transplant 7 to 10 days after the last ground frost
Propagation
Seed
Growing method
Sow Cherry Brandy black-eyed Susan indoors approximately six weeks before outdoor planting. Fill cells with porous, well-drained seed-starting mix. Place two or three bare seeds in each cell, press them gently against the surface, and cover very lightly. Maintain 22 to 24°C and even moisture without saturating the medium. Germination takes 8 to 14 days. After emergence, retain the strongest seedling in each cell, provide abundant light, and maintain good air movement. Harden young plants gradually for about one week. Transplant 7 to 10 days after the last ground frost in full sun without burying the crown. Allow approximately 40 cm between plants. Choose dry to moderately moist, loosened, well-drained soil. Water every two or three days until establishment, then increase the interval. Feed moderately because overly rich soil encourages foliage at the expense of flowers. Remove faded heads to extend bloom and monitor slugs, aphids, powdery mildew, and grey mould. Water at soil level, remove diseased tissue promptly, and clean cutting tools between plants. Check containers more frequently during hot weather because their mix dries faster than garden soil. Rotate pots occasionally so stems receive balanced light and remain upright.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Tolerates a broad pH range in dry, well-drained soil
Minimum temperature
Frost tender during annual production
Care level
Easy
Watering
Keep the seed-starting mix evenly moist during germination without saturating it. After transplanting, water every two or three days until roots are established. Then allow the surface to begin drying before watering deeply at soil level. Plants tolerate drought once rooted, but extended dryness may reduce flowering. Reduce irrigation after substantial rain and avoid repeatedly wetting the foliage, especially late in the day when leaves dry slowly.
Soil type
Cherry Brandy black-eyed Susan prefers dry to moderately moist, loosened, very well-drained soil. Moderate fertility supports more flowers than heavily enriched ground, which may produce excessive foliage. Incorporate only a measured amount of mature compost where soil is poor. Avoid low spots where water collects and preserve approximately 40 cm between plants so air can move around foliage. Full sun supports sturdy stems and saturated colour.
Fertilization
Add a small amount of mature compost before planting where soil is poor. After establishment, use a balanced fertilizer at a moderate label rate only when needed. W.H. Perron notes that overly rich soil produces more leaves than flowers, so avoid abundant nitrogen. In containers, feed more lightly and occasionally water deeply with clear water to limit salt accumulation.
Moisture
Even during establishment, then moderate; drought tolerant
Seasonal care
In spring, sow the pelleted seed approximately six weeks before outdoor planting. Keep the medium moist without saturation at 22–24°C until germination, then provide abundant light. Thin to one vigorous seedling per cell and increase air movement. Harden plants, then move them into full sun 7 to 10 days after the last ground frost. During establishment, water every two or three days while adjusting frequency to rainfall. In summer, allow the surface to dry slightly between applications. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which produces abundant leaves and fewer flowers. Regularly cut faded heads just above a healthy branch to stimulate new buds. Harvest flowers for bouquets when colour is strong and petals remain firm. Inspect leaf undersides and young shoots for aphids, slugs, or snails. During humid weather, increase watering intervals, keep foliage dry, and remove tissue affected by powdery mildew or leaf spots. In fall, leave several healthy heads to mature for birds and winter interest. Remove diseased plants and contaminated debris, however. Plants may self-sow, but their descendants will not necessarily reproduce the full Cherry Brandy palette. Mark the location before cleanup so volunteer seedlings can be recognized the following spring and thinned to suitable spacing. Clean cutting tools before storing them, note any disease observed, and avoid carrying infected debris into the next growing season in the garden.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
Container at least 30 cm wide with drainage
Cherry Brandy black-eyed Susan suits a container at least 30 to 35 cm wide with drainage holes. Use potting mix containing organic matter while remaining light and well drained. Sow in cells first, then transplant one hardened seedling into the centre after all frost risk. Place the container in full sun. Water deeply until excess drains, empty the saucer, and wait until the surface begins to dry before watering again. Containers dry faster than garden beds, so inspect moisture more often during hot or windy periods. Use a balanced fertilizer at a moderate label rate. Excess nitrogen produces abundant foliage and reduces bloom. Remove faded heads regularly to maintain buds into fall. Rotate the pot weekly for balanced growth and stake long stems where a balcony is windy. Monitor powdery mildew, aphids, and slugs. Space the container away from other plants to preserve air movement around foliage. At season's end, retain several healthy seed heads for birds or remove them before they self-sow. Discard the mix if serious disease developed and clean the pot before reusing it. Keep drainage holes open throughout summer and avoid unnecessarily splashing soil onto leaves during watering.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
50 to 60 cm (19.7 to 23.6 in)
Width / spread
40 cm (15.7 in)
Flower color
Cherry red to blood red, sometimes bicoloured
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Green foliage
Growth rate
Moderate
Growth habit
Upright and branched
Fragrance
No particular fragrance confirmed
Bloom period
Cherry Brandy black-eyed Susan generally flowers from July through October. Large single 10-to-12-cm flowers range from cherry red to blood red, sometimes in two tones, around an almost-black deep-red centre. Maturity takes approximately 14 to 16 weeks. Remove faded heads regularly just above a healthy branch to stimulate new buds. For bouquets, cut stems when flowers show strong colour and remain firm.
Days to maturity
14 to 16 weeks
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Combine Cherry Brandy black-eyed Susan with ornamental grasses, blue or purple asters, salvias, and yellow rudbeckias that share its sun and drainage needs. Their lighter colours emphasize the almost-black cherry-red flowers. Allow approximately 40 cm between plants to preserve air circulation and cutting access. Avoid very vigorous neighbours that could shade young plants or compete heavily with their roots. Companion plants should also tolerate moderate fertility so excessive nitrogen is unnecessary. Repeat the combinations in groups for a coherent display, and keep enough access for soil-level watering, deadheading, inspection, and flower harvest throughout summer.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
What is in a Cherry Brandy rudbeckia packet?
The W.H. Perron packet, product code 61-7161-010, contains approximately 50 bare Cherry Brandy rudbeckia seeds. The official page lists them as bare, without a coating, and does not present them as organic or as an F1 hybrid. Store the packet closed, labelled, cool, and dry. Sow two or three seeds per cell, press them onto the mix, and cover very lightly. Rudbeckias may cross-pollinate; seed collected later may therefore produce plants whose height, vigour, or colour differs from the original selection. Keep the product label with seedlings until flowering so the cultivar name, sowing date, and packet information remain available throughout production.
How should Cherry Brandy be sown successfully?
Sow indoors approximately six weeks before outdoor planting. Place two or three bare seeds per cell on porous, well-drained seed-starting mix. Press gently for contact, then cover very lightly. Maintain 22 to 24°C and even moisture, but never leave the medium saturated. Emergence is expected in 8 to 14 days. After seedlings emerge, retain the strongest plant in each cell, provide abundant light, and increase air movement. Harden plants gradually, then transplant them 7 to 10 days after the last ground frost without burying the crown. Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil around the roots, then maintain even moisture during establishment without leaving the crown in standing water.
What flowers and dimensions should be expected?
Cherry Brandy black-eyed Susan produces abundant large single flowers 10 to 12 cm across. Their colour ranges from cherry red to blood red, sometimes in two tones, around an almost-black deep-red centre. W.H. Perron lists a height of 50 to 60 cm and a spread of approximately 40 cm. Maturity takes 14 to 16 weeks, and flowering runs from July through October. The cultivar suits flower beds, pollinator plantings, and bouquets. For firm stems, grow it in full sun, avoid excessive nitrogen, and water at soil level. Cut well-coloured flowers while petals and centres remain firm, then place the stems promptly in clean water.
What care extends the flowering period?
Grow Cherry Brandy in full sun in dry to moderately moist soil that always drains well. Water regularly while roots establish, then allow the surface to dry slightly between applications. The cultivar tolerates heat and drought well once established. Fertilize moderately because overly rich soil or excessive nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowers. Space plants approximately 40 cm apart to support branching and air circulation. Regularly remove faded flower heads to extend bloom, or leave several in autumn for birds. Monitor slugs, aphids, powdery mildew, and grey mould, water at soil level, and promptly remove diseased tissue. Clean cutting tools before harvesting stems for arrangements.
Is Cherry Brandy edible or safe for animals?
W.H. Perron sells Cherry Brandy black-eyed Susan as an ornamental and cut flower; no food use is listed. Poison Control states that Rudbeckia hirta is not known to poison humans, but it should not be eaten. Hairy leaves and stems may cause an allergic skin reaction or aggravate asthma in sensitive people, and substantial consumption may harm grazing animals. Prevent ingestion, wear gloves if the foliage irritates skin, and do not allow animals to graze the plant. Following substantial ingestion, a persistent skin reaction, or breathing difficulty, contact a poison centre, physician, veterinarian, or emergency service and provide the botanical name and product information.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
Open Rudbeckia hirta flower heads provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other visiting insects. At the end of the season, mature seed may feed birds. Activity varies with weather and local habitat. Retain only healthy heads and avoid applying treatments to open flowers whenever practical.
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