Goldsturm (R. fulgida)
What's special about Goldsturm (R. fulgida)
Compact 24 in perennial — the iconic golden-orange black-eyed Susan of late summer borders. Best from division.
Growing this variety
Goldsturm (R. fulgida) follows the same growing basics as Rudbeckia. Variety-specific maturity above; everything else below applies to the whole Rudbeckia family.
Germination
Spacing & depth
How to plant
Surface-sow onto damp mix; light aids germination. Transplant after last frost. Deadhead through summer for maximum bloom, then let a few heads mature — the black seed cones feed goldfinches through fall.
Grower's tip
Prairie native and pollinator powerhouse. R. hirta strains flower first year from seed; R. fulgida (Goldsturm) is a strict perennial best started as division.
Soil preferences
Well-drained garden soil. Native/wildflower species prefer lean soil; cutting flowers prefer richer beds.
6.0–7.0
Work 1 in of compost into beds before sowing. Skip nitrogen fertilizer on wildflowers — it favors foliage over blooms.
Watering
1 in per week during establishment, drought-tolerant once rooted for most species.
Deep, infrequent soakings at the base. Overhead water on ornamentals promotes botrytis and rust.
Overwatered: rotted crowns, mildew, floppy stems. Underwatered: small blooms, curled leaves, quick fade.
Prefers top-watering — Top-water at the base with drip. Rust and anthracnose spread through wet leaves — never work in a bean patch when it's wet.
Temperature tolerance
60–80°F (16–27°C) ideal for most annuals
50–65°F (10–18°C)
Cool-season annuals (larkspur, poppy, snapdragon) tolerate light frost; warm-season annuals (zinnia, cosmos, marigold) are frost-tender.
Container growing
Possible with the right cultivar
8–14 in (20–35 cm) wide
Compact and dwarf types do best in pots; tall cutting flowers need staking.
Succession planting
Sow cutting flowers (zinnia, cosmos, sunflower) every 3 weeks through midsummer for continuous cut stems.
Detailed harvesting
Cut in early morning when stems are turgid. For cutting varieties, harvest when the bud is just showing color and 1–2 outer petals have opened.
Post-harvest storage & preservation
Immediately re-cut stems underwater and place in clean cool water for 4 hrs before arranging. Petals can be dried on screens for potpourri or crafts.
Culinary, medicinal & other uses
Cut flowers, dried arrangements, pollinator habitat, edible garnishes (borage, nasturtium, calendula, viola).
Medicinal or traditional uses are shared for interest only — this is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional before using any plant medicinally.
Seed saving
Mostly insect-pollinated (outcrossing).
For pure strains, isolate 150–800 ft or bag heads. Wildflower mixes are meant to cross freely.
Stop deadheading favorite blooms; let heads dry brown and rattling on the stem, then collect into a paper bag.
Your zone's planting calendar
Pick your USDA hardiness zone and we'll estimate the key dates for rudbeckia in your area. These are regional averages — always check your own last-frost forecast before sowing.
My Goldsturm (R. fulgida) Rudbeckia notes
Goldsturm (R. fulgida) Rudbeckia seeds on hand
Track packets and loose seeds you already have. Private to your account.
Par level — leave at 0 for no alert. Anything below par shows on Seed Starting and your shopping list.
From your kitchen — grow rudbeckia from what you already have
Deadhead less. Let the best blooms fade and set seed on the plant — that's your next year's packet.
- 1Mark 2–3 of your favorite flowers with a bit of yarn and stop deadheading them.
- 2Wait until the seed head or pod dries fully on the plant — brown, papery, and rattling.
- 3Cut whole heads into a paper bag on a dry day; shake or rub to free seed.
- 4Sieve out chaff and store cool and dry in a labeled envelope.
Storage: 2–5 years for most flower seed.
Order more seeds
Running low? Reorder from one of these seed stores.
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Other Rudbeckia varieties
Gloriosa Daisy
100 daysThe classic tall 3 ft heirloom mix — golden petals with mahogany zones and dark centers, some doubles. Blooms year 1.
Cherry Brandy
110 daysFirst rudbeckia in true cherry-red — 4 in blooms with dark centers on 24 in stems. AAS winner.
Indian Summer
100 daysAAS-winning huge 6–9 in golden single blooms on 3 ft stems. First-year-flowering.
Prairie Sun
100 daysAAS-winning green-centered 5 in blooms with gold petals tipped in lemon. Softer palette than the standard black-eyed Susan.