Spring planting doesn’t start when the air feels warm, It...Read More
Black-Eyed Susan is a bright and cheerful perennial that produces golden-yellow, daisy-like flowers with a striking dark brown center from midsummer to fall. This hardy plant is a favorite among pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and even birds to your garden. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, tolerating drought and a variety of conditions, making it an easy-to-grow option for gardeners of all skill levels. Growing up to 3 feet tall, Black-Eyed Susan adds bold color and texture to borders, wildflower gardens, or containers, offering long-lasting blooms that brighten any space!
NAME: Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
VARIETY: Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
DAYS TO MATURITY: 60 – 80 days
POLLINATION: Open Pollinated
TYPE: Tender Perennial, Climate pending
HARDINESS ZONE: Zones 3 – 7
SUNLIGHT: Full Sun
SOIL: Average, well-draining soil with a pH 6.8 – 7.4
PLANT HEIGHT: 2 – 4 feet
SPACING: 12 – 24 inches apart
TEMP: 45 – 90ºF
These seeds do require stratification. Place seeds in a moist paper towel or mix with damp sand, then put them in a plastic bag. Refrigerate for 30 days at around 40°F
To learn more about Stratification, click here!
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost.
Lightly press seeds onto the soil surface in seed trays, as Black-Eyed Susan seeds need light to germinate. Do not cover them with soil.
Keep soil temperatures at 70°F. Germination should occur in 10-21 days.
Thin seedlings to one per cell once they’ve sprouted.
Harden off seedlings for a week before transplanting outdoors by gradually exposing them to outside conditions.
Direct sow Black-Eyed Susan seeds outdoors after the last frost or in early fall to allow for natural cold stratification.
Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Scatter seeds directly on the soil surface and press them gently to ensure contact, but do not cover with soil.
Water thoroughly and keep soil consistently moist until germination occurs, typically within 7-14 days.
Once seedlings emerge, thin them to 12-18 inches apart.
Light: Black-Eyed Susans thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Soil: They are adaptable to most soil types but prefer well-draining, moderately fertile soil.
Water: Water regularly during dry spells but avoid overwatering. Black-Eyed Susans are drought-tolerant once established.
Fertilization: Light fertilization in early spring can boost growth, though it isn’t necessary.
Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage prolonged blooming. This also prevents self-seeding, though you can leave some seed heads for winter interest or as a food source for birds.
Decorative Use: Cut flowers when they are fully open and vibrant, typically during the summer and early fall.
Black-Eyed Susans are beautiful in fresh arrangements and will last well in water. Regular cutting encourages the plants to produce more blooms, extending the flowering season.
