Rudbeckia 'Autumn Colours' produces masses of golden, copper and orange daisy-like blooms from ear...Rudbeckia 'Autumn Colours' produces masses of golden, copper and orange daisy-like blooms from early summer into autumn, held on sturdy stems about 600mm high. Highly attractive to pollinators and with dried seedheads that appeal to small birds, these flowers are also excellent for cutting. Sow indoors in moist seed compost at around 20°C, transplant seedlings 5cm apart into trays, harden off for 2–3 weeks and plant out 30cm apart once frost has passed. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms. Attractive to butterflies, flowers from mid-summer to autumn, ideal for sunny borders or in containers, and ideal for cutting.
Rudbeckia 'Autumn Colours' seeds are for gardeners looking to add vibrant, long-lasting color and pollinator attraction to their garden from early summer to autumn. The key benefit is the production of masses of golden, copper, and orange daisy-like blooms on sturdy stems, excellent for cutting and attracting beneficial wildlife. A caveat is that successful germination requires specific indoor conditions and hardening off before planting outdoors.
All features
Model Part Number
25
Brand
Westlands Unwins
Extended Product Information
FAQs
When is the best time to sow Rudbeckia 'Autumn Colours' seeds?
Sow indoors from late winter to early spring. Transplant outdoors after the last frost.
How tall do Rudbeckia 'Autumn Colours' grow?
They typically grow to about 600mm (approximately 2 feet) in height on sturdy stems.
Can these seeds be grown in containers?
Yes, Rudbeckia 'Autumn Colours' are ideal for growing in containers or pots.
What are the main benefits of planting these flowers?
They provide long-lasting color, attract pollinators, offer cut flowers, and their seedheads support birds.
How often should I deadhead the flowers?
Deadhead spent flowers regularly throughout the blooming season to encourage the plant to produce more blooms.
What kind of soil do they prefer?
They perform best in well-drained soil. Ensure good drainage, especially when grown in containers.
Are these flowers suitable for attracting wildlife?
Yes, they are highly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators, and their dried seedheads are a food source for small birds.
Troubleshooting
Seeds not germinating
Ensure consistent temperature around 20°C and adequate moisture in the compost. Check that the compost is fresh and suitable for seed starting.
Seedlings are leggy or weak
Provide more light during the indoor growing stage. Ensure they are not overcrowded in the seed tray.
Plants not flowering
Ensure the plants are in a sunny location and have been adequately watered. Consistent deadheading encourages more blooms.
Plants wilting
Check soil moisture levels. Ensure plants are not in waterlogged conditions, which can cause root rot, or excessively dry conditions.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Provides long-lasting color throughout the summer and fall.
Attracts beneficial pollinators like butterflies.
Offers cut flowers for indoor arrangements.
Dried seedheads provide food for birds.
Versatile for use in borders or containers.
Cons
Requires indoor sowing and careful transplanting.
Needs to be hardened off before planting outdoors to prevent frost damage.
Requires regular deadheading to encourage continuous blooming.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Sowing Indoors:
Sow seeds indoors in moist seed compost.
Maintain a temperature of around 20°C (68°F).
Once seedlings appear, transplant them into trays, spacing them about 5cm apart.
Hardening Off:
Gradually acclimatize young plants to outdoor conditions over 2-3 weeks.
This involves moving them to a sheltered spot outdoors for increasing periods each day.
Planting Out:
Plant seedlings outdoors only after all danger of frost has passed.
Space plants approximately 30cm (1 foot) apart.
Ensure they are planted in a sunny location.
Care:
Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
Deadhead spent flowers consistently to promote further blooming.
While adaptable, they perform best in well-drained soil.