Rudbeckia - Prairie Sun Seed

Name: Rudbeckia - Prairie Sun Seed
Brand: Wattle Tree Ridge

$3.50

GST Included

The Aster Macaroon series produces uniform, productive plants reaching 60–80 cm in height, ideal for cutting. They feature dense, double, pom-pom flowers in colours like violet, blue, and white, often with creamy yellow centres. Unlike perennial garden asters (which bloom in autumn), China Asters are annuals that bloom from mid-summer through to autumn, filling a critical gap in the Queensland cut flower calendar when other crops like dahlias are just starting.

🌱 Plant Identity

Scientific Name: Rudbeckia hirta 'Prairie Sun'
Common Names: Black-eyed Susan (Double Yellow variety)
Type: Short-lived perennial (often grown as an annual in QLD)
Flowers: Double, golden-yellow flowers with a greenish-yellow center that turns brown as it matures. Resembles a prairie sunrise.

Quantity

Only 5 left in stock

Sowing Method: Seeds can be sown directly into the garden or started in trays/punnets .

Direct Sowing: Scatter seeds on the surface and press gently into the soil. They need light to germinate, so do not cover them deeply .

Trays: Sow in seed-raising mix. Keep moist and warm (20–25°C). Germination takes 7–14 days .

Transplanting: If starting in trays, transplant seedlings once they have true leaves and all frost danger has passed (frost is rare in coastal QLD but possible in inland areas) .

Maintenance:

Pinch Tips: Pinch out the growing tips when seedlings are 15cm tall to encourage bushier growth and more flower stems .

Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season .

Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season for best results .

Harvesting: Ideal for cut flowers. Cut stems when the outer petals are fully open. They last well in vases .
Subtropical QLD (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba):

Sow: March to July .

Why: Sowing in autumn/winter allows plants to establish in cooler months and flower from late winter through spring (August–November) before the peak summer heat and humidity cause mildew.

Tropical QLD (Cairns, Townsville, Far North):

Sow: March to June (start of the dry season) .

Why: Avoid the wet season (Dec–Mar) to prevent rot. Planting as rains subides ensures healthy growth.

Arid/Inland QLD (Charleville, Longreach):

Sow: July to October .
Sun: Requires full sun (at least 6 hours of direct light) for the best flower production. In very hot inland areas, some afternoon shade can help prolong the flowering season .

Soil: Thrives in free-draining, moist soil rich in organic matter. It is adaptable to poor soils but blooms better with compost or aged manure .

Tip: If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with sand or gypsum to prevent root rot .

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist while establishing. Once established, it is drought tolerant but will produce more flowers with regular watering during dry spells .

Note: Water at the base to keep foliage dry and prevent fungal issues .

Spacing: Space plants 30–45cm apart to ensure good air circulation and reduce mildew risk .
Powdery Mildew: High humidity in coastal QLD can cause white powdery spots on leaves.

Solution: Ensure excellent airflow, avoid overhead watering, and choose a sunny spot. Remove affected leaves immediately .

Aphids: Common on new growth in warm weather.

Solution: Blast off with a hose or use an organic insecticidal soap .

Heat Stress: In very hot areas, the plant may go dormant or stop flowering in peak summer. It is best grown as a winter/spring annual in these zones .

Toxicity: Toxic to cats and livestock if ingested. Keep away from grazing animals .

Rudbeckia - Prairie Sun Seed

🛠 How to Sow & Care

🌞 Best Sowing Times in QLD

🌱 Planting & Growing Conditions

⚠️ Key Challenges in Queensland