How to Grow Black-eyed Susans: The Complete Black-eyed Susan Flower Guide

Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta)in a field

Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)

Photo Credit
Flower_Garden/Shutterstock
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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Planting, Growing, and Caring for Black-eyed Susans

Catherine Boeckmann

Beloved by pollinators, black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) generally bloom from June to August, often blanketing open fields with their golden-yellow beauty. Learn how to care for this native wildflower, when to cut it back, and how to save seeds for replanting.

What Are Black-eyed Susans?

The “black eye” of black-eyed Susans refers to the dark brown center of its daisy-like flower head. A member of the aster family, Asteraceae, and native to eastern North America, it has become naturalized in Zones 3 to 9. And while some species of black-eyed Susans have additional names—such as Gloriosa daisies—they all belong to the Rudbeckia genus.

Black-eyed Susans grow 1 to 3 feet tall or more with leaves of 6 inches, stalks over 8 inches long, and flowers with a diameter of 2 to 3 inches. 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. Learn more about our favorite wildflowers.

“The Silvery Checkerspot butterfly uses Rudbeckia species as a host plant,” explains the “Seed is consumed by song birds, especially goldfinches.”

In the garden, they do well in landscapes, borders, butterfly gardens, or containers. Also, they are outstanding cut flowers.

Black-eyed susans are Sun worshipers who forgive neglect and are tough as nails. However, avoid overcrowding these plants or watering their leaves (vs. soil level), which can lead to fungal disease.

Note that varieties can be annual, biennial, or perennial. The popular Rudbeckia hirta is treated as a short-lived perennial. See more about the recommended varieties below.

Read Next

Planting

The black-eyed Susan thrives in full sunshine. It tolerates partial sun, but it will not bloom as reliably. It’s best if the soil is fertile (not poor), though this plant can tolerate tough conditions.

When to Plant Black-eyed Susan

  • Set new plants out in the spring after all danger has passed or plant in the fall. The optimal soil temperature for germination is 70° to 75° F. Do not plant in the hot summer.
  • If planting by seed, sow seeds about 6 weeks before the average last frost.

How to Plant Black-eyed Susan

  • Plants should be set 18 inches apart. Remove weeds and loosen the soil. Make a hole a few inches wider than the plant and set it in the hole; backfill it with soil, tamp gently, and water it well.
  • If planting from seed indoors, sprinkle seeds on top of the regular seed starting mix. Do not cover the seed, as they need light to germinate. Plant your seedlings outdoors after any danger of frost has passed. Since black-eyed Susans can spread between 12 to 18 inches, plant seeds closer to prevent lots of spreading, or plant further apart to make a nice border and to prevent the spread of disease.
  • Black-eyed Susan spreads by self-seeding (after the first year) and underground rhizomes; this can result in it overtaking other nearby flowers.

Growing

  • Check plants regularly to see if they need watering. Avoid letting them dry out, and avoid excess moisture on the leaves, as this can encourage disease. (Provide plants with proper spacing.)
  • Deadhead the flowers any time of year (remove the faded/dead flowers) to prolong blooming and minimize self-seeding.
  • Remove dead plant material in the spring to reduce the risk of infection.
  • Divide perennial types every 3 to 4 years to ensure healthy plants and prevent excessive spreading.

Should You Cut Back Black-Eyed Susans

When it comes to black-eyed susans, we prefer to delay cutting back until spring. 

  • This plant is a favorite with wildlife, native insects, and birds with its dried seeds. 
  • In addition, overwintering birds find protection in plant stubs and ground covers.
  • Plus, the mound of foliage will insulate the roots and protect the plant over winter. 

However, black-eyed Susans are a big reseeder. To avoid this, cut the spent flowers back just below the mound of foliage.

Types

As well as the traditional black-eyed Susans, which grow 1 to 3 feet tall (or more), there are dwarf varieties that reach no more than 1 foot (perfect for containers). Varieties can be annual, biennial, or perennial.

The popular roadside Rudbeckia hirta with showy yellow flowers is a biennial in the wild but treated as a short-lived perennial in the garden. It self-seeds abundantly, naturalizing easily. If you sow seeds 6 weeks before the last frost date, you’ll see flowers in the first year, and they may return a few more seasons (but you can’t always count on it). Some of its many hybrids include:

  • ‘Autumn Colors’: yellow, orange, red, and brown flowers; 18- to 24-inch stems
  • ‘Becky Mixed’: lemon-yellow, golden-yellow, dark red, and reddish-brown flowers; 10- to 16-inch stems
  • ‘Prairie Sun’: All-America Selections winner; 4- to 6-inch bright orange flowers that fade to yellow at the tips; 28- to 23-inch stems. !
  • ‘SDzԴǰ’: large golden flowers with big, chocolate-brown centers; 12- to 16-inch stems
  • ‘Toto Gold’: dwarf type; classic yellow flowers with black centers; 12- to 16-inch stems; ideal for containers

There are also true, long-lasting perennials that will keep coming back and blooming year after year.

  • ‘GDZٳܰ’ black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldstrum’), known for its longevity and a regular plant in late summer and fall gardens
  • ‘Sɱ’ black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia subtomentosa), bearing taller flowers and ideal for more naturalized garden or meadow
  • ’Gloriosa Daisies’ (Rudbeckia hirta ‘Gloriosa’), 12- to 36-inches tall and tolerates partial shade; giant, bi-color double flowers.

Finally, some Rudbeckia varieties are annuals, such as the Clasping Sunflower (Rudbeckia amplexicaulis), a low-growing plant for the front of a border garden.

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 keep them fresh. Vase life is 8 to 10 days.

How to Collect Seeds of a Black-eyed Susan

Once the seed heads are dry and brown, it’s time to clip some stems. Pop off the seed heads from the stems and toss them in a small jar; close the lid and shake it to loosen the seedheads. Then, dump the seed heads from the jar into a sieve with a white piece of paper below it. Break up the seed heads in the sieve with your fingers. The seeds will come off and fall through the sieve onto the paper! Fold the paper in half and carefully funnel those seeds into a paper envelope. Close and label the envelope and store it in a cool, dry place. 

Learn more about how to save seeds for next year.

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Wit and Wisdom

  • Black-eyed Susans are meant to symbolize justice. Find out more flower meanings here.
  • The genus name Rudbeckia honors Swedish scientists Olaus Rudbeck (1630–1702) and his son, Olof Rudbeck (1660–1740).
  • The species name hirta means “hairy” and refers to the short bristles that cover the leaves.
  • Black-eyed Susans are the state flower of Maryland.

Pests/Diseases

Black-eyed Susans are deer-resistant plants.
Diseases: powdery mildew, aster yellows, Botrytis blight, southern blight, angular leaf spot, fungal leaf spot, downy mildew, rust, white smut, Verticillium wilt.
Pests: aphids, nematodes, slugs, and snails

Flowers
About The Author

Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann loves nature, stargazing, and gardening so it’s not surprising that she and The Old Farmer’s found each other. She leads digital content for the website, and is also a certified master gardener in the state of Indiana. Read More from Catherine Boeckmann
 

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Comments

Michelle (not verified)

6 years 7 months ago

I was wondering if I need to cut back my black eyed Susan’s this spring. The stems of my plants are all broken and bent at ground level due to a snowy winter.

Robin (not verified)

6 years 7 months ago

I planted a couple of plants last year. When will they show signs of returning?

It depends on your location and when your last spring frost is! You should expect to see them come up a couple weeks after your last spring frost date, and they usually bloom starting in early summer.

Bob K (not verified)

7 years 2 months ago

Planted a half dozen plants from 4" pots. Got nice flowers but now have the stems and black pods. Greens are starting to brown. We are hosting a party in a few weeks and my bride wants me to cut them down. I intended to let them re-seed naturally and fill in the border over the coming years. If I have to cut them back now and save the pods, how will I know if I have seeds for the Spring. I see in another note you recommended a jar with something to keep them moist. Help an old man, please. I'm so happy to have them!!!

Snip off the pods and let them dry for a few days on a countertop. Then, once the pods are sufficiently dry, break them apart over paper towels (so you can contain and keep track of the tiny black seeds). Collect the seeds and store them in an envelope in the fridge, then plant in the late spring or early summer. You’ll have the best success if you wait until soil temperatures reach at least 70 degrees F. 

LiLiz Gorson (not verified)

7 years 2 months ago

I have a field full of these plants, I cut flowers for vases all summer... I have some smaller plants and dug them up to transplant in flower bed or in containers... would the container plants live through the winter in my house? Then transplant in spring back outside?

Hi Liliz,

Yes, the plants would survive through the winter. They prefer full sun, but would survive in partial sun. The plants would not flower during the winter, however.

Jan Bresnahan (not verified)

7 years 2 months ago

I have several varieties of black eyed susan but some get too tall for the area where I have them planted. I thought I had taken out the tall ones last year but still came back. Can I cut these down in the early spring to inhibit the height during the season?

Jason Pyktel (not verified)

7 years 4 months ago

My black eyed susans look good but only a single flower bloomed and bees won't go to it. Doesn't look black and to have good Pollen. I am totally confused. I fertilized them recently and was lacking at watering and so starring watering.

I feel totally at a loss and novice to growing these flower's.

Any help deeply appreciated?

Pat K. (not verified)

7 years 4 months ago

When I bought my house 15 years ago I had a beautiful patch of black eyed Susan's. Now just a few sparse plants pop up each year. Truthfully, I did nothing to help them grow as I assumed the just come back. I bought some some seeds to try to replenish the patch. It is July, can I plant them now? I live in Pennsylvania