Ginny, you might get faster germination with a heat mat if you have one already - I wouldn't buy one specifically for the rudbekia seeds.

They will still germinate at cooler, it just may take a little longer. At 70F, barely covered or surface sown, they can take 5-21 days. Covering the pot or flat with plastic wrap can help keep the humidity/moisture in and save you some of the attention that would need, just remove it at first sign of germination.

Thanks for the advice. I guess I'll just be patient and skip the heat mat for now. I think once they germinate I should put them under lights.

Ginny

My Rudbeckia seeds just came up in less than a week with no prechilling. The pot sits on a 70 degree mat covered with wrap which I just removed. They are in an unheated greenhouse with about 8 hours of added light, because my greenhouse is partially shaded. Without enough light they will be very spindly with a weak stem. When they get about an inch high I will take them off the mat. I would do it sooner if the weather would warm up a bit. Your fluctuating house temperatures will be no problem for them. Al

Hi Al,

Thanks for your input. I'd better get my light table cleared off; it's in the garage. I hope this goes well as I haven't had much practice with seeds under lights.

The Rudbeckia I'm growing is the one with the green center. I only see them in gallon containers in the nursery. I hope to take one or two to my garden club's plant sale.

Ginny

Ginny

Hi Ginny, you won't need the light until germination has taken place. It will not hurt to have the extra light now, but not having it, will not prevent normal germination. I started a lot of seeds too early,lured by a couple of weeks of unseasonably warm weather,I am finding which seedlings will tolerate the cold best or worse. I have learned to always plant only a sample of any seed, so my losses are minimal. Al