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Black-eyed Susans: How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Black-eyed Susans | The Old Farmer's Almanac

Black-eyed Susans

Black-Eyed Susan in our yard with a tiny bee on it.

Photo Credit
Sue Day
Botanical Name
Rudbeckia hirta and other species
Plant Type
Flower
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Part Sun
Bloom Time
Summer
Fall
Flower Color
Orange
Red
Yellow
Hardiness Zone
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Special Features
Attracts Butterflies
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How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Black-eyed Susans

The Editors
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Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta and other species) are native to North America and one of the most popular wildflowers grown. It has become naturalized in Zones 3 to 9. Black-eyed Susan, aka Gloriosa daisy, blooms from June to September, often blanketing open fields with their golden-yellow beauty, often surprising the passerby

About Black-eyed Susans

A member of the aster family, Asteraceae, the “black eye” is named for the dark, brown-purple centers of its daisy-like flower head. The plants can grow to over 3 feet tall, with leaves of 6 inches, stalks over 8 inches long, and flowers with a diameter of 2 to 3 inches. They are outstanding cut flowers that also do well in borders or containers.

Butterflies, bees, and other insects are attracted to the flowers for the nectar. As they drink the nectar, they move pollen from one plant to another, causing it to grow seeds that can move about easily with the wind. Note that they can be territorial in that they tend to squash out other flowers growing near them.

Some Black-eyed Susans are susceptible to leaf diseases. Some newer varieties are resistant to these diseases.

Planting

Black-eyed Susan thrives in full sunshine. It tolerates partial sun, but it will not bloom as reliably. Black-eyed Susan prefers rich, well-draining soil, although plants will tolerate low fertility. 

When to Plant Black-eyed Susan

  • If direct-seeding, plant in moist, well-draining, warm (70º to 75ºF) soil.
  • Indoors, sow seeds 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost. Germination takes 7 to 10 days.
  • In many parts of North America, the planting period is March to May.

How to Plant Black-eyed Susan

  • Cover seed lightly with soil. Sunlight is required for germination
  • Set seeds and plants close to deter spreading, or farther apart for a border and to prevent the spread of disease.
  • It’s best if soil is fertile (not poor), though they can tolerate tough conditions.
  • Black-eyed Susans generally grow between 1 and 3 feet tall (though they can grow taller) and can spread between 12 to 18 inches, so plant seeds closer to prevent lots of spreading or plant further apart to make a nice border.
Growing

Remove faded or dead flowers to prolong blooming. Removing spend flowers and seed heads reduces self-sowing. Check plants regularly to see if they need watering. Make sure they don’t dry out, but also avoid excess moisture on leaves, which can encourage disease (provide plants with proper spacing).

  • Remove dead plant debris in spring to reduce the risk of infection. Divide perennial types every 3 to 4 years to ensure healthy plants and to prevent excessive spreading.
  • Cutting back black-eyed Susan after flowering may result in a second, smaller bloom in late fall.
  • Leave some dried seed heads on the plants in the fall to attract birds.
  • After the first season, black-eyed Susans can reseed themselves.
  • To prevent underground spread, dig up rhizomes, making certain to remove the entire piece of root. Even a small section of rhizome can produce another plant.
Recommended Varieties
  • ‘Becky Mixed’, which offers a variety of colors for your garden, such as lemon-yellow, golden-yellow, dark red, and reddish-brown.
  • ‘Sonora’, which has bright yellow flowers.
  • ‘Toto’, which is a dwarf type and ideal for containers.
Harvesting

Cut flowers for display just before buds completely open. Use large blooms as centerpieces and smaller ones as accents. Change the water every day to kept them fresh. Vase lit is 8 to 10 days.

Wit and Wisdom

Black-eyed Susans are meant to symbolize justice. Find out more flower meanings here.

Pests/Diseases
  • These plants are susceptible to powdery mildew fungi, so begin an organic antifungal program if the lower leaves turn brown and twisted.
  • Slugs and snails
  • Aphids
  • Powdery mildew
  • Rust
  • Smut
  • Leaf spots
  • Luckily, black-eyed Susans are deer-resistant plants.
Flowers
Perennials

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Comments

Barba (not verified)

9 months 1 week ago

Worse than ever this year. What I see are earwigs, though I saw a slug elsewhere on the property. What can I do that wont hurt the dog or the good insects?

Karla (not verified)

9 months 2 weeks ago

Last year I planted several red and orange black eyed Susan's. They grew and were beautiful. When they came up and flowered this year, they are only yellow flowers. What happened to the fed and orange ones?

This question comes up a lot about different flowers … and we do not have an answer. It’s a mystery. If anyone out there has an answer–or a theory–pls share.

Cindy (not verified)

10 months 1 week ago

I have heavily landscaped an acre so I use flowers that self-seed, perennials and bulbs as much as possible. The Susans are the most invasive flowers I have. I sprinkled a lot of seeds about 10 years ago and they quickly covered everything. They even pop up all over the lawn so I spend time pulling some out and planting them along fencelines. Works well as long as they are small. If it wasn’t for them, there would be flowers in some areas so I’m glad they spread.

Sandra (not verified)

10 months 1 week ago

I live in zone 9b in northern California and have planted Black-eyed Susans for the first time. I had no idea they were rhizomes which I tend to avoid. Are they likely to take over the garden in our hot, dry climate? Thanks for all the helpful information about this plant.