SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Toto

Family: Asteraceae Flower
Zone 6b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Toto to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.

Velvety, sunlit petals glow in warm honey-gold around a velvety, inky center—Toto’s Black-eyed Susan brings a bold, long-lasting bloom that feels almost luminous in the garden.

The flowers hold their shape with a softly textured, slightly tousled look, creating a rich tapestry of color from early summer into fall. Grow Toto for striking ornamental impact in borders and beds, where its vivid contrast and dependable flowering make it a standout perennial/biennial showpiece.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Toto

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

MilestoneDate
Start IndoorsFeb 28th
Last FrostApr 25th
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsApr 25th
Harvest BeginsJul 4th
Harvest EndsOct 16th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity70
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitUpright
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)50
Min Night Temp (°F)40
Harden Off (days)7

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Rudbeckia hirta (black-eyed Susan), and how can I control it?
Rudbeckia hirta is prone to powdery mildew in humid weather and can also suffer from leaf spot. Space plants so air can circulate, water at the base to keep foliage dry, and remove the worst-affected leaves early to slow spread; if mildew becomes widespread, use an appropriate fungicide labeled for ornamental asters and follow label timing (often repeated applications are needed).
How often should I water Rudbeckia hirta during the main growing phase?
During active growth (after seedlings establish until flowering), water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil dries, typically about once or twice per week depending on your heat and soil type. Keep moisture consistent—Rudbeckia hirta tolerates some drought once established, but irregular watering can reduce bloom quality and encourage stress-related issues.
How do I know when Rudbeckia hirta is ready to harvest?
Harvest for cut flowers when the central disk florets are fully colored and the first ray petals are open, but before the flower heads start to look ragged or the disk begins to seed over. For seed harvesting, wait until the seed heads are dry and brown and the seeds release easily when rubbed between your fingers.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Toto in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-04-25. Wait until soil reaches at least 50°F before transplanting Toto.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 6b, the average last spring frost is around April 25. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Toto.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Toto in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-04-25. Wait until soil reaches at least 50°F before transplanting Toto.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 6b, the average last spring frost is around April 25. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Toto.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 50°F and nights stay above 40°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

For best establishment, harden off sown seedlings well and plant after frost when nights are consistently mild; keep soil evenly moist until rooted.