Rudbeckia hirta Sahara | Black-Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta ‘Sahara’ | Black-Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta ‘Sahara’ is a truly unique variety that brings a romantic, moody palette to the classic Black-Eyed Susan. This mix features large, mostly double blooms in an unforgettable blend of dusty rose, milk chocolate, copper, pale lemon, soft yellow, and deep merlot—a warm, autumn-inspired palette perfect for floral designers.

Although compact—reaching only 50–55 cm (20–22”)—‘Sahara’ produces an abundance of velvety, richly toned flowers that are highly coveted for small bouquets, bridal work, and artistic arrangements. The stems are shorter than traditional cut-flower rudbeckias but offer exceptional color and texture for intimate, design-focused creations.

A reliable annual for gardeners and flower farmers alike, ‘Sahara’ thrives in full sun, tolerates heat, drought, and poor soils, and blooms continuously with regular deadheading.

Plant Information

• Botanical Name: Rudbeckia hirta
• Cultivar: ‘Sahara’
• Common Names: Black-Eyed Susan, Gloriosa Daisy
• Plant Type: Annual (tender perennial in zones 9–10)
• Height: 50–55 cm (20–22 in)
• Spacing: 30 cm (12 in)
• Days to Maturity: 100–120 days
• Light Requirement: Full sun
• Soil: Average, well-drained soil; tolerates poor soils
• Hardiness Zones: 9–10 (grown as an annual elsewhere)
• Heat & Drought Tolerance: Excellent once established
• Bloom Form: Double and semi-double, 5–9 cm (2–3.5")
• Bloom Colors: Copper, rose, chocolate, pale lemon, merlot

Sowing & Growing Instructions

• Indoors (recommended):
  • Sow: 8–10 weeks before last frost
  • Temperature: 20–22 °C (68–72 °F)
  • Germination: 8–14 days
• Method:
  • Light is required for germination—cover seeds only very lightly
  • Bottom-water or mist carefully
  • Transplant after frost danger passes
• Direct Sowing:
  • Lightly cover seeds
  • Keep soil gently moist until germination
• Growing Notes:
  • Pinching not required
  • Performs best in long days; flowering continues into fall
  • Deadheading boosts summer bloom production
  • Heat and drought tolerant

Harvest & Vase Life

• Fresh Cutting: Harvest when blooms are just beginning to open
• Vase Life: 7–10 days
• Note: Stems can darken water—add a few drops of bleach to keep the water clear
• For Drying: Cut when blooms are fully open

Uses

• Small bouquets and artistic floral design
• Romantic wedding work
• Cottage gardens and meadows
• Pots and mixed borders
• Dried flowers
• Pollinator-friendly plantings

Why Grow Rudbeckia ‘Sahara’?

• Unmatched, designer-friendly color palette
• Abundant double blooms
• Heat- and drought-tolerant
• Excellent for boutique bouquets
• Fantastic texture for late-summer and autumn arrangements