Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is an annual or short-lived perennial flower native to North America. It is a member of the daisy family, Asteraceae, and is usually found growing in meadows and fields. It is characterized by its bright yellow or orange petals and a dark brown or black center. The flowers typically bloom from late summer to early fall and attract a variety of pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. Black-eyed Susan plants are easy to grow and are tolerant of a variety of growing conditions, making them a popular choice for gardeners.
Planning Your Garden With Black-eyed Susans
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Black-eyed susans are perennial. |
| USDA Zone | Black-eyed Susans are hardy in USDA Zones 3-9. |
| Cold Tolerance | Black-eyed susans are generally considered to be hardy in USDA zones 3-10, meaning they can tolerate cold temperatures down to 28. |
| Days to harvest | Black-eyed susans typically take about 60-90 days to reach maturity and be ready for harvest. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown black-eyed susan plant is 2-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. |
| Spacing requirements | Black-eyed susans prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They should be spaced 12-18 inches apart. |
| Sun tolerance | Black-eyed susans are very sun tolerant and can thrive in full sun to partial shade. |
| Shade tolerance | Black-eyed susans are tolerant of a wide range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. They prefer full sun, but will tolerate some shade, especially in hot climates. |
| Water requirements | Black-eyed susans prefer full sun and moist, well-drained soil. They should be watered regularly during the growing season, and allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. If grown in containers, they should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing black-eyed susans depends on the type of soil you are using and the type of fertilizer you are using. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Apply the fertilizer at a rate of 1 to 2 pounds per 100 square feet of garden area. |
| Soil pH | Black-eyed susans prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. |
Why Black-eyed Susans are Popular
Black-eyed susans are popular because they are easy to grow, thrive in a wide range of climates, and produce bright, cheerful blooms. They are also drought-tolerant and attract pollinators. The flowers come in a variety of colors and sizes, making them a versatile addition to any garden.
Companion Plants For Black-eyed Susans
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for black-eyed susans include:
Common Pests For Black-eyed Susans
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow black-eyed susans, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- leafhoppers
- snails
- japanese beetles
- slugs
- aphids
- caterpillars
- spider mites
- beetles
- cutworms
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
