2000 ASCFG Fresh Cut Flower of the Year
The Fresh Cut Flower of the Year 2000 is Rudbeckia hirta 'Indian Summer'. Indian Summer has large 6 to 9-inch wide golden-yellow flowers with dark brown centers. The mostly single flowers are carried atop 2 2 to 32 foot tall plants and are much larger than other cultivars of Rudbeckia hirta. Stems are strong and easily cut. While technically a biennial or perennial, Indian Summer is best grown as an annual. Plants are readily propagated from seed and will flower within 10-14 weeks of sowing. While the flower period is long (4-5 weeks), multiple plantings may be useful in the south for season-long harvest. Plants are vigorous and will grown in a wide range of soils. Although generally insect and disease-free, flower petals may be damaged by grasshoppers. Postharvest life is good, generally 7-10 days. Rudbeckia 'Indian Summer' was also selected as an All-America Winner in 1995.
Contact ASCFG at 440-774-2887 or www.ascfg.org for more information.