Planting Black-Eyed Susan Seeds: Tips from Expert Growers
Black-eyed Susans are stunning and reliable flowers, known for their bright yellow petals with dark centers. Also called rudbeckias, they bloom throughout summer and fall and can be found in various hues.
This native wildflower thrives in zones 3-11 and is easy to cultivate in any garden. You can either purchase seedlings or enjoy the rewarding process of growing them from seeds. Witnessing your hard work lead to beautiful blooms is incredibly satisfying.
To help you grow black-eyed Susans successfully, we consulted with two flower experts about optimal planting techniques and timing.
Black-eyed Susan plants flourish quickly from seeds.
Planting Black-Eyed Susans
You can buy black-eyed Susan plants from nurseries or online, providing a quick addition to your garden. Alternatively, starting from seed is budget-friendly and opens up a variety of options.
There's a broad selection of black-eyed Susan varieties in warm fall shades. Floral designer Holly Heider Chapple suggests exploring unique types, like Cherry Brandy and Cherokee Sunset, which differ from the traditional black-eyed Susan.
Holly Heider Chapple has over 30 years of experience in floristry and owns a flower farm and winery, providing education for aspiring designers.
Varieties to Consider
Cherry Brandy Seeds: A compact type, reaching 18-24 inches tall with semi-double cherry red blooms.
Cherokee Sunset Seeds: Grows 24-30 inches tall, adorned with sunset-colored petals featuring bronzed yellow tips.
Black Eyed Susan Seeds: Rudbeckia hirta produces the iconic daisy-like yellow flowers with dark centers.
Timing for Planting Black-Eyed Susan Seeds
Planting black-eyed Susan seeds is a fulfilling task.
You can start black-eyed Susans from seeds both indoors and outdoors, depending on your climate and space. It's wise to include them in your seed sowing schedule.
Starting seeds indoors gives you a head start. According to flower grower Meredith Bishop, sow seeds about 5-7 weeks before your last expected frost for the best results, allowing seedlings to develop strong roots before transplanting.
Holly Heider Chapple also favors starting seeds in pots, ensuring the plants develop good root systems while receiving proper care. Black-eyed Susans can be sown directly outdoors once the frost risk has passed and soil temperatures reach around 70°F, typically between March and May, depending on your location.
Based in Nashville, Meredith Bishop is a sustainable flower grower focused on old-world blooms and enjoys sharing her gardening knowledge.
Successful Seed Planting
Growing black-eyed Susans from seeds can attract beneficial pollinators.
To successfully plant perennial black-eyed Susan seeds, it's crucial to start with a cold stratification process. Although it sounds complex, it simply involves chilling the seeds in the refrigerator for a few weeks prior to planting, which aids germination.
Prepare seed trays with potting soil, sprinkle the seeds on top, and cover lightly, as they require light to germinate. Meredith recommends bottom watering to avoid disturbing the seeds.
Maintain temperatures between 68-77°F and keep the soil moist but not over-saturated. Once seedlings are large enough, pot them up and harden them off before planting outside.
For direct sowing outdoors, clear the area of weeds and level the soil. Scatter seeds or plant in rows spaced 12 inches apart, then cover lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist while avoiding disturbance. Use barriers to protect seedlings from pests.
Thin seedlings to 12-30 inches apart, based on the variety's size. Meredith emphasizes that providing ample space helps prevent fungus spread among crowded plants.
Common Questions
Can I simply scatter black-eyed Susan seeds onto soil?
While you can scatter seeds, it's advisable to lightly cover them with soil and thin seedlings afterward to ensure adequate space for growth.
Do I need to soak black-eyed Susan seeds?
Soaking annual black-eyed Susan seeds in warm water overnight can enhance germination, but it's not mandatory.
How long until black-eyed Susan seeds germinate?
Seeds should sprout within 10-14 days when started indoors in a warm environment.
Black-eyed Susans often self-seed throughout the garden. To manage their spread, deadheading and pruning can help control growth. If you wish to cultivate more plants, collect seeds to sow next spring.