How to Grow Black-Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
Your complete guide to growing Black-Eyed Susan.
📷 Wikimedia CommonsWhen to Plant Black-Eyed Susan
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May – June | July – September | — |
| Zone 2 | April – May | June – August | — |
| Zone 3 | April – May | May – July | — |
| Zone 4 | March – April | April – June | — |
| Zone 5 | March – April | April – June | — |
| Zone 6 | March – April | April – June | — |
| Zone 7 | February – March | March – May | — |
| Zone 8 | February – March | March – May | — |
| Zone 9 | January – February | March – May | — |
| Zone 10 | January | February – April | — |
| Zone 11 | January | January – March | — |
| Zone 12 | January | January – March | — |
| Zone 13 | January | January – March | — |
Companion Plants for Black-Eyed Susan
✓ Good companions
Extends pollinator season into fall and shares similar soil and moisture requirements
Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators, similar sun and soil requirements
Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects while providing complementary colors and textures
Fixes nitrogen in soil, improving nutrition for Black-Eyed Susans
Provides vertical accent and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden
Creates natural prairie partnerships and attracts diverse beneficial insects and pollinators
Repels pests with aromatic oils, shares preference for well-draining soil
Repels harmful insects and nematodes, complementary orange colors
Provides structural support and creates natural prairie-like conditions that both plants thrive in
Provides structural support and winter interest, similar low-maintenance needs
Shares similar growing conditions and attracts beneficial pollinators while extending bloom season
Similar growing conditions, attracts beneficial pollinators, creates attractive color contrast
Same family with identical growing needs, extends bloom season with different varieties
Similar drought tolerance, provides late season interest when Susans fade
Attracts beneficial insects and provides late-season nectar while requiring similar low-maintenance …
Attracts butterflies and native bees while thriving in similar prairie conditions
✗ Keep away from
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth and can kill Black-Eyed Susan plants
Creates too much shade and competes for nutrients, reducing flowering
Blocks essential sunlight needed for healthy growth and flowering
Aggressive spreading habit can overtake and crowd out Black-Eyed Susan plantings
Aggressive spreading habit can quickly overtake and crowd out Black-Eyed Susan plants
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth and can kill Black-Eyed Susans
