Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Little Goldstar’

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Little Goldstar’ features new breeding from Jelitto Seeds that some speculate will become the new industry standard for Rudbeckia fulgida. Its floriferous and short, well-branched plant habit shines when compared to its big brother Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm.’

The first genetically compact R. fulgida that is an improvement on the existing ‘Goldsturm’ variety, ‘Little Goldstar’ is covered with 2½-inch, golden yellow flower blossoms.

Growing 14-16 inches tall and spreading 14-16 inches, it features an upright, bushy plant habit with stiff-flowering stems supporting single golden yellow flowers.

‘Little Goldstar’ thrives in full sun and blooms from late June to August. It is hardy to USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

This new breeding breakthrough allows Rudbeckia ‘Little Goldstar’ to be used as both a perennial and a container plant.
 

• Rudbeckia ‘Little Goldstar’ can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but any soil used must have excellent porosity.
   
• Ideal pH is 5.8-6.3, though it can withstand a wider range (pH 5.2-6.8). Preferred electrical conductivity is 0.5-1.0.
   
• Plant one 72-cell liner per gallon pot. Transplant the crown of the plants at or slightly above the soil line to limit crown and root rot following transplanting.
   
• ‘Little Goldstar’ is considered a cold beneficial plant, and flowering will occur two to three weeks earlier if the plants have received a cold treatment. A minimum of 10 weeks at or below 40°F is best for vernalizing. Make sure the plants are well rooted prior to initiating any cold treatment temperatures. It can be vernalized as a rooted plug or in the final container.
   
• Finish time for early spring planted plugs is 16-18 weeks.
   
• After transplant, maintain temperatures at 65-68°F. Establish plugs following transplant until the roots reach the sides of the container.
   
• During finishing, provide 60-65°F temperatures. Once established, finish at 60-65°F day and 50-55°F night. Finishing times can be accelerated with warmer temperatures (65-68°F).
   
• Providing light levels of 3,000 fc or higher will promote strong and active growth.
   
• It requires long days for flowering. If plants have undergone a cold treatment, flowering occurs when the photoperiod is greater than 13 hours.
  
  

Did you know?
Rudbeckia ‘Little Goldstar’ requires no pinching or growth regulators.