Question
I had rubeckia growing in my landscape for about 3 years.  Every fall I cut them down and they grow back in the spring. Last I had some mulch put down
and appartly the plants got smothered/killed and did not come up.  

So my question is, to save on the cost of buying mature plants in 4-6" pots, can I just put down seeds?  Any special care or will they be small plants this year and take a harsh winter?

I live in the midwest (Chicago).

Thanks!


Answer
Hi Lee,

Some perennials like rudbekia can be short-lived.  They'll hang around for 3-5 years and then just disappear after an especially cold winter or wet winter.  You can start the seed indoors and they'll germinate in about 2-4 weeks.  Keep the soil moist but not soggy.  Try planting them 1/4 inch deep in a small pot sealed inside a plastic baggie.  Once the seeds sprout, make sure the seedlings get strong light.  A lot of times a window sill isn't enough.  I use a 40-watt shop light suspended 8 inches above my seedlings.  Plant in separate pots once they have their first set of true leaves.  The first leaves you see are cotyledons or seed leaves.  The second set should be the true leaves.  After the last frost, place the seedlings in a place that is outdoors protected from extremes in sunglight, wind, rain and cold temps for about 7 days.  After that, you can plant them in full sun in the garden.  They probably won't flower this year as most perennials don't.  HOpe this helps.
tom