Rudbeckia: From Seed or PlugPlants?

[Cosmo and Dibs]

I tend to look at sowing seeds when they are ripe; following the seasons that they would naturally fall into the soil.

That makes sense!

I've just planted two rudbeckia Goldsturm. They are not in flower, but they look fairly healthy. The label says 'perennial'. Will these make it through the winter, or should I be cutting them down to ground level?

[glass half full]

Young rudbeckia and echinacea are much loved by slugs and snails, so ensure that they are well protected.
Horticultural fleece will protect young, overwintered plants to -5C (double wrap to -10C?).

[sarraceniac]

Grow them from seed they're easy enough. They are HHA so will flower the year you sow them, had a lovely display from mine this year.

Many varieties of Rudbeckia are actually perennials but unfortunately die with a hard frost which in the UK means they are grown as annuals. They are easy but some varieties do need a bit of stratification then quite warm. The fridge for a month then 80of is fine if you get one that refuses to germinate.

My R. Green Wizard seeds arrived yesterday. When I saw them on GW I fell in love immediately.