How to Grow Black Eyed Susan
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Black Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
flowerBlack Eyed Susan is a cheerful, easy-to-grow perennial or annual wildflower native to North America, featuring bright golden-yellow petals surrounding a dark brown or black central disk. These drought-tolerant bloomers are prolific self-seeders that attract pollinators and add vibrant color to gardens from summer through fall. They're among the most reliable and low-maintenance flowers for gardeners of all skill levels.
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Example Black Eyed Susan timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Black Eyed Susan
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Black Eyed Susan blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Black Eyed Susan dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; performs exceptionally well in zones 3-8
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Seed Germination
1-2 weeksTiny seedlings with first true leaves appearing 7-14 days after sowing
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 leaves.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksLow rosettes of hairy green leaves developing; plant builds root system and foliage
Water moderately. Remove weeds to reduce competition. No fertilizer needed if soil is adequate; excess nitrogen encourages foliage over flowers.
Bud Formation
2-3 weeksTall stems elongate with flower buds forming at branch tips; plant reaches 1-3 feet tall
Continue moderate watering. Stake tall varieties if needed in windy locations. Pinch back tops early in season to encourage bushier growth.
Flowering
6-8 weeks (can extend to 10+ weeks with deadheading)Bright yellow flowers with dark central disks open progressively along stems; flowers last several weeks
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Water during dry spells. Cut flowers last 7-10 days in a vase.
Seed Setting & Decline
Ongoing through fallIf not deadheaded, seeds develop in prominent dark disk centers; plants may self-sow prolifically
Leave some flowers for natural reseeding if desired. Collect seed pods before they fully dry and scatter. In cold climates, seeds need winter stratification.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or neem oil if severe; choose resistant varieties
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; maintain adequate humidity
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and
Hand-pick early morning or evening; set beer traps; use diatomaceous earth barrier; copper tape around pots
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Remove infected leaves; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply copper fungicide if needed
Uses
Edible flowers for garnish
CulinaryBlack Eyed Susan petals are edible and make a cheerful, slightly peppery garnish for salads, desserts, and drinks. The flavor is mildly bitter and spicy. [source]
Traditional herbal remedy
MedicinalNative American tribes used Rudbeckia species traditionally to boost immune function and support respiratory health. Modern herbalists use it in tinctures and teas. [source]
Pollinator magnet
WildlifeBlack Eyed Susans are prolific nectar and pollen sources for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects; they're essential plants for pollinator gardens and conservation. [source]
Cut and dried flowers
HouseholdThe sturdy flowers dry beautifully and retain their color and form for months, making them ideal for dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and crafts. [source]
Natural dye source
CraftThe petals and leaves can be used to create yellow to golden dyes for textile dyeing projects, yielding warm earth-tone hues. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For cut flowers, harvest in early morning when flowers are fully open but still fresh; cut stems 6-12 inches long above the first set of leaves. For seeds, allow flowers to dry on the plant in late summer/fall, then collect seed heads by cutting them into a paper bag and letting them dry indoors before extracting seeds.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Black Eyed Susans are the state flower of Maryland and are also called 'Gloriosa Daisy,' though they're not true daisies—they belong to the Asteraceae family alongside sunflowers and coneflowers.
- 🌱 They're such prolific self-seeders that they can naturalize across meadows and prairies over time; a single plant can produce thousands of seeds per year.
- 🌱 The dark center disk is composed of hundreds of tiny disk florets that mature and open sequentially over several weeks, which is why the flower head looks spiky as it ages.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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