Rudbeckia/Black Eyed Susan

Hi,

I am growing six Rudbeckia plants, which are a newish, smaller growing variety (up to 60cm in height max). I have attached a photo of their current state. This week (I live in the north of England) I have been putting them out for several hours each day to acclimatise them. Are they ready to be planted out yet or are the temperatures (around 12 degrees by day at the moment) still too low? Am I doing them any harm by keeping them in 9cm containers for another couple of weeks?

Thanks,

Phil.

 

Hi Philip,
judging by their current development, I don't think they will be anywhere near root bound yet and if you leave them outside in a sheltered, frost free spot overnight and give them a couple more weeks - they will thank you for that and repay you with a fine display later this year. I think they are a lovely flower and I like the sound of that smaller size,
Jenny

 

Thanks Jenny!
I'm planting them out in pots with allium bulbs. As they are more contained than traditional rudbeckia, that won't be a problem in terms of overcrowding will it?
Phil.

 

How big are the pots and will they flower at the same time?

 

Hi Jenny, you can see the pots here. There are three to five alliums in each pot, which flower in June. The Rudbeckia I have flowers June-October.

 

Looking forward to seeing their display later Philip - should be good if they are about the same height
Jenny