• Rudbeckia hirta
  • Annual
  • Yellow
  • Single

Indian Summer

Annual rudbeckia hirta black-eyed Susan in yellow, blooming in early summer, midsummer, late summer, and fall. Single and semi-double golden blooms 4 to 7 inches across. Grown as an annual in every zone.

Cross-referenced · 4 sources

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A Indian Summer black-eyed Susan flower up close on the plant
A Indian Summer black-eyed Susan flower up close on the plant

2 / 2

Indian Summer black-eyed Susan plants in bloom in a garden
Indian Summer black-eyed Susan plants in bloom in a garden

At a glance

Flower form
Rudbeckia hirta Single · 4–7 in (10–18 cm)
Colors
  • Yellow
Blooms
Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer, Fall 90–105 days from sowing
Vase life
Not grown for cutting
Height
3–3½ ft (91–107 cm)
Sunlight
Full sun
Hardiness
Grown as an annual in every zone Annual
Planted as
Seed Sow indoors: 5–7 weeks before last frost
Botanical name
Rudbeckia hirta

In the garden

  • Seldom severely damaged by deer (Rutgers rating)
  • All-America Selections winner

Find your frost dates and zone by ZIP code

Origin

Rudbeckia hirta seed strain listed by Johnny's Selected Seeds as an All-America Selections winner.

Sources

Where to buy

Prices rechecked daily
  • Johnny's Selected SeedsSeeds

    Pack size not listed

    In stock

    $5.95Checked Oct 14, 2026
  • Harris SeedsSeeds

    RAW / 250 seeds / UNTREATED

    Check availability

    $9.27Checked Oct 14, 2026

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All photos

  • A Indian Summer black-eyed Susan flower up close on the plant
    A Indian Summer black-eyed Susan flower up close on the plant
  • Indian Summer black-eyed Susan plants in bloom in a garden
    Indian Summer black-eyed Susan plants in bloom in a garden

Questions

Is Indian Summer hardy in my zone?

Indian Summer is an annual: it flowers and sets seed in one season, so hardiness zone decides when to plant it, not whether it survives winter.

Does Indian Summer need full sun?

Indian Summer grows in full sun.

When does Indian Summer bloom?

Indian Summer blooms in early summer, midsummer, late summer, and fall, about 90–105 days from sowing.

Is Indian Summer good for cutting?

Our sources don't list Indian Summer as a cut flower or give a vase life for it.

See also

See all →
A Autumn Forest black-eyed Susan flower up close on the plant Autumn Forest Annual black-eyed Susan with 5 inch blooms in red, yellow and mahogany shades. Rudbeckia hirtaLate springMedium height
A Cherokee Sunset black-eyed Susan flower up close on the plant Cherokee Sunset AAS winning mix of mostly double black-eyed Susans in orange, gold, bronze and chocolate. Rudbeckia hirtaEarly summerMedium height
A Cherry Brandy black-eyed Susan flower up close on the plant Cherry Brandy Compact black-eyed Susan with single wine-red flowers 3 to 4 inches across. Rudbeckia hirtaEarly summerMedium height
A Denver Daisy black-eyed Susan flower up close on the plant Denver Daisy Short-lived perennial black-eyed Susan with brown and gold blooms from midsummer to fall. Rudbeckia hirtaMidsummerMedium height

Same colors

See all →
A American Gold Rush black-eyed Susan flower up close on the plant American Gold Rush Leaf spot resistant hybrid rudbeckia with golden yellow flowers, 22 to 24 inches, July until frost. Other speciesMidsummerMedium height
A Glitters Like Gold black-eyed Susan flower up close on the plant Glitters Like Gold Hybrid black-eyed Susan with 3 inch golden flowers, 2 to 3 feet, July to September. Other speciesMidsummerMedium height
Golda Emanis Giant coneflower with golden spring foliage and tall yellow flowers, June to July. Rudbeckia maximaEarly summerTall
A Golden Glow black-eyed Susan flower up close on the plant Golden Glow Victorian double coneflower with fully double yellow flowers on 5 to 7 foot stems, July to September. Rudbeckia laciniataMidsummerTall

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