Irish Eyes

Black-eyed Susan

70d to harvest

Velvety petals in warm golden-amber radiate around a velvety black center, creating a striking “Irish Eyes” gaze that seems to glow in full sun. At maturity, the blooms hold a crisp, daisy-like texture with a tidy, upright habit that makes each flower look freshly painted. Grow “Irish Eyes” for long-lasting garden color in beds and borders, and enjoy its dependable ornamental presence from early summer through the season’s peak.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 1st
Harvest Begins	Jun 10th
Harvest Ends	Nov 5th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	40
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most common on Rudbeckia hirta (Irish Eyes), and how can I prevent it?

Rudbeckia hirta commonly suffers from powdery mildew (a white, dusty coating on leaves) in warm, humid weather. Improve airflow by spacing plants and avoiding overhead watering, then treat early by spraying with horticultural-grade potassium bicarbonate or a labeled fungicide for powdery mildew. If only a few leaves are affected, remove them promptly to slow spread.

How do I know when Irish Eyes (Rudbeckia hirta) is ready to harvest?

Harvest for cut flowers when the ray florets are fully open and the central disk florets are mostly open, not tightly closed. For the seed, leave heads on the plant until the disk turns brown and dry and the seeds look mature; then cut heads and finish drying in a cool, airy spot. In general, Rudbeckia hirta reaches maturity in about 70 days from germination under good conditions.