How to grow Black Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia fulgida

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).

Growing Black-eyed susan from seed

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.

Soil temperature should be kept higher than 18°C / 64°F to ensure good germination.

By our calculations*, you should look at sowing Black-eyed susan about 42 days before your last frost date .

Transplanting Black-eyed susan

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.

Harvesting Black-eyed susan

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.

Seed Saving Black-eyed susan

Spreads rapidly by self seeding or division.

How long does Black-eyed susan take to grow?

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.

Days to Germination How long does it take Black-eyed susan to germinate?
5 days

Average 5 days | Min 3 days | Max 14 days (6)

Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Black-eyed susan?
+ 42 days

Average 42 days | Min days | Max days (0)

Days to Maturity How long until Black-eyed susan is ready for harvest / bloom?
+ 684 days

Average 684 days | Min 258 days | Max 2267 days (5)

Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Black-eyed susan?
= 731 days

When should I plant Black-eyed susan?

Our when to plant Black-eyed susan estimates are relative to your last frost date.

When to sow The number of days to sow Black-eyed susan before or after your last frost date.
42 days before Last Frost Date
When to plant out The number of days to plant out Black-eyed susan before or after your last frost date.
10 days after Last Frost Date

Black-eyed susan Folklore & Trivia

  • The Blackeyed susan is the state flower of Maryland.

Other names for Black-eyed susan

Orange Coneflower, Brilliant coneflower, Eastern coneflower, Rudbeckia

Rudbeckia speciosa, Rudbeckia speciosa var. fulgida, Rudbeckia sullivantii

Misspellings: Black Eyed Susan, Blackeyed Susan

Footnotes

1 NRCS USDA, PDF


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