Prefers full sun to light shade and well draining soil. Will bloom heavily even in dry conditions without additional water so a good plant for water conservation. Do not grow in rich soil or in poorly draining soil.
If needed mow (prune) in early spring (March).
Seeds need light to germinate, so don’t cover with soil. Instead, press down gently into the soil.
Can be direct sown outdoors in the autumn, winter in an unheated greenhouse/coldframe, or spring after last frost.
Germination is aided by cold, so they can be placed in a wet paper napkin in a ziploc bag, and place it in the fridge for 2-3 months.
By our calculations*, you should look at sowing Black-eyed susan about 42 days before your last frost date .
Transplant in spring after danger of frost has passed.
Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Black-eyed susan is a very hardy plant.By our calculations*, you should look at planting out Black-eyed susan about 10 days after your last frost date.
Seed will mature about a month after flowering. Harvest after cone becomes loose and color turns dark gray. Then shake seeds from cone.
If harvesting flowers for vase cut with a sharp knife low on the stem leaving a few leaves. Place immediately in water. Flowers should last for about a week.
Spreads rapidly by self seeding or division.
These estimates for how long Black-eyed susan takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.
Average 5 days | Min 3 days | Max 14 days (6)
Average 42 days | Min days | Max days (0)
Average 684 days | Min 258 days | Max 2267 days (5)
Our when to plant Black-eyed susan estimates are relative to your last frost date.
Orange Coneflower, Brilliant coneflower, Eastern coneflower, Rudbeckia
Rudbeckia speciosa, Rudbeckia speciosa var. fulgida, Rudbeckia sullivantii
Misspellings: Black Eyed Susan, Blackeyed Susan