Black-Eyed Susan Care Guide: How to Grow Black-Eyed Susans

Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) are bright yellow flowers with dark brown centers. These North American native plants are members of the sunflower family (Asteraceae) and usually reach peak bloom in the late summer, giving both gardens and fields a pop of color with their yellowy-orange petals. Black-eyed Susans are wildflowers, so they require minimal care, making them ideal for gardens and flowerbeds. Their long growing season allows them to stay in bloom for weeks, and they attract a wide variety of pollinators.

There are many varieties and cultivars of biennial and perennial black-eyed Susans.

1. 1. 'Gloriosa Daisy': Also known as the 'Double Gold' black-eyed Susan, this cultivar has a double layer of magnificent yellow petals and a flower that can grow up to three and a half inches in width with stems that can reach three feet in height. Gloriosa daisies prefer mild climates, and their seeds germinate in only two to three weeks. They typically grow as a biennial or annual.
2. 2. 'Cherokee Sunset': The 'Cherokee Sunset' black-eyed Susan is the ideal autumn flower with its warm orange and mahogany tones. In the right growing conditions, it can reach up to four and a half inches across, with stems that reach 24 to 30 inches in height. Although this perennial should be protected from the cold weather—frost especially—it will naturally reseed and regrow the following year.
3. 3. ‘Goldsturm’: The ‘Goldsturm’ cultivar earned its name because goldsturm means “gold storm” in German. Peak bloom season for these gold-hued perennial flowers runs from July through September with the flowers reaching up to four inches in width with stems that are two to three feet high.
4. 4. ‘Toto Lemon’: The ‘Toto Lemon’ cultivar has a chocolate-brown center and golden petals, with blooms reaching two to three inches in diameter and stems that reach 10 to 12 inches in height. Toto Lemon petals are round and more compact than traditional black-eyed Susans, making them a popular choice for bouquets.
5. 5. ‘Early Bird Gold’: ‘The Early Bird Gold’ cultivar is, true to its name, the perennial variety of black-eyed Susan that blooms earlier in the season. Blooming usually begins around mid-June and lasts through the month of August. This variety can withstand fluctuations in sunshine, growing stems up to two feet tall even in low-light conditions.
6. 6. ‘Prairie Sun’: A colorful perennial, the ‘Prairie Sun’ cultivar is unique for a black-eyed Susan because it’s missing that dark brown center. Instead, the ‘Prairie Sun’ has a yellow center and flowerheads that reach up to five inches across with stems up to three feet tall. The petals are also unique in that they fade from peach to yellow at the tips.
7. 7. ‘Indian Summer’: The ‘Indian Summer’ cultivar is a standout among the black-eyed Susans thanks to impressive, showy flowers that can grow up to nine inches across. The cut flowers of this perennial are another popular choice for bouquets.
8. 8. ‘Herbstonne’: The ‘Herbstonne’ cultivar, also known as ‘Autumn Sun’, is the tallest of the black-eyed Susans, reaching up to seven feet in height. Similar to the ‘Prairie Sun’ cultivar, this perennial flower doesn’t have the dark brown center either. Instead, it has a greenish-yellow center that’s shaped like a gumdrop and surrounded by a few yellow petals. Their height makes them vulnerable to toppling over if they're not given support.
9. 9. ‘Henry Eilers’: The ‘Henry Eilers’ is a sweet black-Susan (Rudbeckia subtomentosa) that grows up to five feet in height with petals that are tightly curled into a scroll-like shape as opposed to the usual flat petals. Its foliage also has a vanilla-like scent, and it typically grows as a perennial.

Most garden centers stock blacked-eyed Susans since they’re known for their hardiness. Consider these four tips when planting black-eyed Susans:

1. 1. Plant them in the spring or summer. Whether you opt to start with seeds or full-grown plants, spring and summer are the ideal seasons to plant black-eyed Susans.
2. 2. Choose a sunny location. Most varieties of black-eyed Susans require full sun and ample warmth. The soil should be at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit when you plant them.
3. 3. Choose a location with good drainage. These plants are drought-tolerant, making them more capable of surviving dry soil than soggy soil. If you live in a humid climate, plant your black-eyed Susans in places where there’s good air circulation and ample sun to prevent the growth of powdery mildew.
4. 4. Plant and water the seeds. If you sow the seeds outdoors in the spring or summer, simply scatter them evenly, cover them with a thin layer of soil or mulch, and then water the area. Water them regularly until they reach full bloom and are well-rooted. You can also get a head start on the growing season by seeding small pots inside roughly 10 weeks before the last frost in your climate. Get your seedlings acclimated to outdoor conditions by hardening off the young plants.

Black-eyed Susans tend to be hardier than most flowers, making them a popular choice for landscaping around homes and other buildings. A few techniques can keep them blooming longer:

1. 1. Deadhead your black-eyed Susans. Deadheading your plants, or pinching off the dead blooms at the base of the stem, will encourage new growth and extend their blooming period.
2. 2. Limit overcrowding. As self-seeders, black-eyed Susans can spread throughout your garden. Overcrowding may prevent each flower from getting the amount of sun it needs. You can easily remedy this by removing the flowers and transplanting them to another area.
3. 3. Avoid overwatering. Too much water can cause powdery mildew to form on the plants. Planting your flowers far enough apart will ensure the leaves can adequately dry between waterings, and limiting the amount of water they get in the first place will also help.

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