Flowers Mix Growing Guides

How to Grow Black-Eyed Susan

Direct Sowing Outdoors (Recommended)

Black-Eyed Susan is a hardy, easy-growing wildflower that is excellent for meadows, borders, cutting gardens, and pollinator patches. It is low-maintenance once established and self-sows readily.

• 1. Choose a Season
  Direct-sow outdoors in spring after the last frost, or in late summer to early fall for blooms the following year. Depending on planting time, plants may bloom the same season or the next.
• 2. Choose the Right Spot
  Choose a sunny or partly shaded location with average, well-drained soil. Black-Eyed Susan tolerates poor soil, dry spells, and even occasional flooding once established.
• 3. Prepare the Soil
  Loosen the top layer of soil and remove weeds, rocks, and debris. Rake the area smooth before sowing. Average, well-drained soil is ideal, but Black-Eyed Susan is very adaptable.
• 4. Broadcast the Seeds
  Scatter seeds evenly over the planting area. For easier spreading, mix 1 part seed with 10 parts dry sand before broadcasting. Thin seedlings later so plants are spaced 12 to 18 inches apart. 1 oz covers up to 2,000 sq ft.
• 5. Create Good Seed-to-Soil Contact
  Press seeds gently into the soil surface. Do not bury them deeply. Cover with no more than 1/8 inch of fine soil or vermiculite. Black-Eyed Susan needs light to germinate.
• 6. Water the Area
  Mist gently with a fine spray to settle the seeds. Keep soil moist for 7 to 21 days until germination. Use a fine mist - a strong stream may wash the seeds away.
• 7. Grow On
  Once established, Black-Eyed Susan is highly drought-tolerant and needs little watering. Plants can grow up to 36 inches tall and bloom from midsummer through fall.

Starting Indoors (Alternative Method)

Black-Eyed Susan can also be started indoors for more controlled germination, especially in short-season areas.

• 1. Start Seeds Early
  Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost.
• 2. Surface Sow the Seeds
  Sprinkle seeds on the surface of a fine seed-starting mix and press them in gently. Cover with no more than 1/8 inch of fine soil or vermiculite, as seeds need light to germinate.
• 3. Keep Lightly Moist
  Mist gently and keep the growing medium lightly moist, but not soggy. Germination usually takes 7 to 21 days.
• 4. Provide Bright Light
  Once seedlings emerge, place them in bright light or under grow lights to keep plants strong and compact.
• 5. Transplant Outdoors
  Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors. Plant after frost danger has passed, spacing plants 12 to 18 inches apart in a sunny or partly shaded location.

Growing Tips

• Black-Eyed Susan is a hardy, low-maintenance wildflower.
• Choose full sun or partial shade with average, well-drained soil.
• Seeds need light to germinate - press into the soil surface and cover only lightly.
• Cover seeds with no more than 1/8 inch of fine soil or vermiculite.
• Mixing tiny seeds with dry sand helps spread them more evenly over a large area.
• Keep soil moist during germination, usually 7 to 21 days.
• Use a fine mist when watering - a strong stream may wash the seeds away.
• Thin seedlings to 12 to 18 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.
• 1 oz covers up to 2,000 sq ft.
• Plants grow up to 36 inches tall.
• Once established, Black-Eyed Susan is highly drought-tolerant and needs little watering.
• Blooms appear from midsummer through fall.
• Plants self-sow readily and may return in future seasons.
• Flowers are beloved by bees, butterflies, and goldfinches.
• Leave some flower heads standing through winter to provide seed for birds.