I've grown the Goldstrum variety of black-eyed susans for years, but never cut it back so I can't answer your question. I don't see what harm it would do if you cut back any unattractive flower stalks a foot or so. Just leave the leaves at the base. I always cut the flower stems down anyhow come late fall. Right now in Z7, Virginia, my black-eyed susans are getting a little ragged, with many of the flower petals drying. Maybe in your zone you still have nice flowers. I'd hate to cut mine back if they still had good petals. You could hold off and cut back in a week or two. But from my experience, I really don't think any perennial reblooms with the same quality as its first spring blooms.

I LIKE that Torenia! Must have LOL! Well this years new faves are: Opium Poppy (Peony types and regular single) Cosmic Orange Cosmo. I'm completely learning to love orange! Bells of Ireland....next time I won't dump them out too soon! They popped up thru the 4' Marigold that over-crowded them...but I DID see the potential for next year!! Morning Glory 'Star of Yelta'...bloomed early and still sporadically blooming :D Heliopsis...just the plain common yellow species. I am SERIOUSLY considering replacing all the Maximillian Sunflower with these...at least the ones in flower beds! Cactus Zinnia...nice big flowers. Wasn't thrilled when the puny plant (one surviving out of 4 germinated) first bloomed. It was small and not attractive so I cut it back into the foliage and it came back big and beautiful! Parks Cutting Blend Zinnia....didn't grow as tall as the package described, but definatley will try again. Minnesota Midget Melon...not very productive, but they sure are juicy and taste great! My goal is to provide a better area for them next year. Giant Red Indian Mustard...completely new to me for any mustard green. We love it! Got more growing now. Jericho Lettuce...got more growing now too! Was still very tasty in July heat! Collard Greens 'Georgia'...more of this growing too! Never had them before, so can't compare with other varieties. All I know is they are yummy yummy :D African Daisy 'Jaffa Ice'....the orange ones. Wasn't too impressed with the one flowering ones. The orange was have been blooming like no tomorrow since the start, but the white, though pretty, were basically just taking up space and blooming every once in awhile. I think that's it :D Vera

Paula, Thank you for the offer but I don't collect gobs and gobs of seeds. I just collect a few seed heads of things I think others might like to grow and a few for myself for the next year if they are annuals. I shouldn't say this here on the garden web but I toss most seeds in the trash as I am cleaning up my gardens ( take a deep breathe, stop gasping...lol). I think this year I will collect more than usual because I feel like a cheap skate when I see some of the other seed packets in swaps...lol I have added the petunias to your gift package and again, thank you for the offer. I will pass this time though. Lisa

Hi there all- Yep Ann- I posted back on the 20th that I had received your envelope- thanks again for the very nice selection sent in! I received a few more envelopes today- Roflol, Clay Lady, Kliddle, and Nan6161! Whew- so many many great seeds you all have sent in! I am using a laundry basket with an alpha-accordion file for the general swap- and individual pocket manila folders for each member- and I am already running out of room with only 13 member envelopes out of 38 members (so far) sent in! That IS a lot of seeds!- OK- a lot of paper too but hey- Shilohyn - how ever many or few you send in is GREAT! The mix is wonderful too. They are sure to be appreciated by those who receive them! I hope I have been answering questions as they appear on the board here- But some of the entries are being "squished" so that I can not read them- It must be time to start a new update thread- but I think I will wait till Sunday if I can. Please feel free to contact me by e-mail if I missed your important question- Thanks- Julie