In my experience, all the Rudbeckia hirta's bloom prolifically the first year. I only grow them as annuals but some will overwinter from time to time.

Thanks for the help, Pudge. :0) Phyl

Phyl - both are good! Did you try Germania or Johnny's?
They don't all come back in my zone, some do, some don't...
I'm slowly shrinking my rudbeckia beds, customers don't seem to really like them as much as dahlia/lilies/suns/dianthus, etc.

Wendy

I usually plant my Rudbeckias about same time as you do. They bloom nicely the first season. I, too, treat them as annuals most of the time.

Thanks, Wendy and paveveggie. I found someone on the seed exchange forum who was willing to part with some Prairie Sun seeds...so I will try them as well. :0) Phyl