How to Grow Black Eyed Susans
When and Where to Plant Black Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)
Light: All varieties of Rudbeckia will thrive in full sun. However, some varieties, especially the Sweet Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia subtomentosa) and the perennial black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’) will also take partial shade.
Soil: All Rudbeckias tolerate a wide range of soil types, from clay to loam. If you have very sandy soil which dries out easily, add organic matter to help the soil retain moisture. If you have a very water-retentive soil, choose Sweet Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia subtomentosa).
Spacing: Plant Black-Eyed Susans about 18” apart.
Planting Rudbeckia from Seed: Sprinkle the seeds on top of regular seed starting mix about six weeks before the last frost date. Do not cover the seed as they need light to germinate. Plant your seedlings outdoors after any danger of frost has passed.
Planting Rudbeckia from Plants: Providing all danger of frost has passed at your location, set your new plants out as soon as possible after you receive them. If additional frost is anticipated hold your plants in a sunny window and keep well-watered until it is safe to plant them outdoors.
- Prepare the site by removing existing weeds and loosening the soil.
- Make a hole a few inches wider that your young plant;
- Place your Rudbeckia in the hole (disturb the roots with your fingers if they're coming in thick), backfill with soil, tamp gently and water well.
![Black Eyed Susan Goldsturm, Rudbeckia with Monarch Butterfly]()
‚Goldsturm‚ Black Eyed Susan brings a burst of showy color to the full-sun garden. Golden yellow, daisy-like petals surround nectar-rich, brown center ‚buttons&sbqu...
Learn MoreGoldsturm Black Eyed Susan Black Eyed Susan Goldsturm Rudbeckia fulgida GoldsturmAs low as $7.99Per Plant - 3" Pot'Goldsturm' Black Eyed Susan brings a burst of showy color to the full-sun garden. Golden yellow, daisy-like petals surround nectar-rich, brown center 'buttons' set atop deep green foliage. Unbothered by most pests, poor soils, drought and humidity, 'Goldsturm' is easygoing and the perfect addition to flower arrangements and pollinator gardens. Deer resistant and long-lasting. (Rudbeckia fulgida)![Giant Black Eyed Susan or Great Coneflower, Rudbeckia maxima]()
Bring the native beauty of the prairie to your garden beds with the dramatic Giant Black Eyed Susan. Low, gray-green foliage clusters send up tall stalks 4-6 feet tall topped with ye...
Learn MoreGiant Black Eyed Susan Giant Black Eyed Susan, Great Coneflower Rudbeckia maxima$13.32Per Plant - 3" PotBring the native beauty of the prairie to your garden beds with the dramatic Giant Black Eyed Susan. Low, gray-green foliage clusters send up tall stalks 4-6 feet tall topped with yellow coneflowers in early summer. Blooms are loved by finches and butterflies. A low-maintenance plant that excels in average and poor soils. Deer resistant. (Rudbeckia maxima)![Black Eyed Susan Prairie Sun close up yellow flowers]()
Rudbeckia ‘Prairie Sun’ produces gorgeous daisy-like blooms from early-summer through frost. Large, 5-inch flowers bear overlapping rings of orange petals tipped in lemon...
Learn MorePrairie Sun Black Eyed Susan Prairie Sun Black Eyed Susan, Gloriosa Daisy Rudbeckia hirta Prairie Sun$7.99Per Plant - 3" PotRudbeckia ‘Prairie Sun’ produces gorgeous daisy-like blooms from early-summer through frost. Large, 5-inch flowers bear overlapping rings of orange petals tipped in lemon-yellow and surrounding a bright green eye. Flowers stand atop tall sturdy stems perfect for cutting and attract scores of butterflies. Low maintenance and deer resistant. (Rudbeckia hirta)![Cherokee Sunset Black-Eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta]()
Cherokee Sunset Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) casts an autumn glow across the garden with large double and semi-double blooms burning in radiant yellow, orange, and copper hues. A dar...
Learn MoreCherokee Sunset Black-Eyed Susan Cherokee Sunset Black-Eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta$7.99Per Plant - 3" PotCherokee Sunset Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) casts an autumn glow across the garden with large double and semi-double blooms burning in radiant yellow, orange, and copper hues. A dark mahogany center and chocolate brown eye accent the warm tones. Sturdy, upright stems and bright green foliage resist deer and rabbit browsing. An award-winning beauty for season-long color. Easy-to-grow self-seeding annual in cooler zones. (Rudbeckia hirta)
How to Grow Black-Eyed Susans Throughout the Season
Growth Habit: Rudbeckias are compact-growing plants that spread to no more than 2’ wide. Height varies with the variety; most are less than three feet high.
Staking: No staking is required.
Watering: Most Rudbeckias will tolerate dry soil for a few weeks. However, water weekly if you are experiencing a prolonged drought or your plants are showing signs of stress.
Fertilizing: Light fertilizing in springtime is beneficial but not required.
Trimming & Pruning: Regular dead-heading will prolong blooming and reduce self-seeding; otherwise leave seed heads intact for winter bird food.
![Yellow Black Eyed Susan Seeds, Rudbeckia hirta]()
Versatile, drought-tolerant and easy-to-grow, Black Eyed Susan adds a cheerful splash of color to the summer landscape. A native plant that attracts a variety of pollinators, Black E...
Learn MoreBlack Eyed Susan Seeds Black Eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirtaAs low as $17.95 Sale $14.36Per 1/4 PoundVersatile, drought-tolerant and easy-to-grow, Black Eyed Susan adds a cheerful splash of color to the summer landscape. A native plant that attracts a variety of pollinators, Black Eyed Susan pairs beautifully with other prairie favorites like Purple Coneflower and Butterfly Weed. Its adapatable nature makes it a great choice for poor soils and tough conditions. All of the seed we carry at American Meadows is non-GMO, neonicotinoid-free and guaranteed to grow. Biennial.![Black Eyed Susan & Echinacea Seed Combo]()
The Black Eyed Susan & Purple Coneflower Seed Combo is a native duo that creates instant charm and attracts a myriad of butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to the summer garden....
Learn MoreBlack Eyed Susan & Echinacea Seed Combo Black Eyed Susan & Purple Coneflower Rudbeckia hirta & Echinacea purpurea$74.95Per 2 x 1 LB BagsThe Black Eyed Susan & Purple Coneflower Seed Combo is a native duo that creates instant charm and attracts a myriad of butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to the summer garden. This versatile combination can be planted in garden beds, wildflower meadows, and anywhere in between for years of easy color. Tolerates poor soil and less-than-ideal growing conditions. (Rudbeckia hirta and Echinacea purpurea)![Red and Yellow Gloriosa Daisy Wildflower Seeds, Rudbeckia hirta]()
Gloriosa Daisy is a deer-resistant variety that adds rich, gorgeous color to the summer and fall garden. A perennial form of the native Black Eyed Susan, Gloriosa Daisies grow to be ...
Learn MoreGloriosa Daisy Seeds Gloriosa Daisy Rudbeckia hirtaAs low as $19.95Per 1/4 PoundGloriosa Daisy is a deer-resistant variety that adds rich, gorgeous color to the summer and fall garden. A perennial form of the native Black Eyed Susan, Gloriosa Daisies grow to be 12-36” tall and tolerate partial shade. Giant, bi-color double flowers are extremely easy to grow and bloom reliably year after year. All of the seed we carry at American Meadows is non-GMO, neonicotinoid-free and guaranteed to grow.![Yellow Black Eyed Susan Seeds Marmalade, Rudbeckia hirta]()
Ignite your garden or meadow all season long with Rudbeckia Marmalade. This low-growing variety delights with large, daisy-like flowers that are orange/yellow. Deer resistant and sun...
Learn MoreBlack Eyed Susan Seeds Marmalade Black Eyed Susan Marmalade Rudbeckia hirta Marmalade$3.95Per PacketIgnite your garden or meadow all season long with Rudbeckia Marmalade. This low-growing variety delights with large, daisy-like flowers that are orange/yellow. Deer resistant and sun loving, plant this annual in almost any spot.
Black Eyed Susans: End of Season Care
Pests and Diseases: Rudbeckias are generally carefree plants that do not attract pests.
Overwintering: Cut remaining stalks to the ground in either fall or spring.
Dividing & Transplanting: True perennial types, especially Rudbeckia 'Goldstrum' will benefit from dividing every three to five years. Leave any varieties designated as ‘short-lived perennial’ undisturbed.
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