How to Plant Black Eyed Susan

The State Flower of Maryland, the black-eyed Susan is a member of the sunflower family. While most varieties of black-eyed Susan stand between 18 and 36 inches tall, some will actually reach a height of 72 inches. These evergreen wildflowers grow well in zones 3 through 9 and bloom from summer through fall. They work well as cheerful ground cover, as they spread quickly and their flowers last for a month or more.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

things you’ll need:

• Black-eyed Susan plant(s)
• Garden spot with full sun to partial shade
• Gardening gloves
• Shovel

1. Plan to plant black-eyed Susans in either the spring or fall.
2. Start black-eyed Susan plants from seeds or propagate by dividing them. If you plant seeds directly into the soil just after the last frost, they may actually bloom during their first year. You can divide and transplant existing black-eyed Susan once the plants are a couple of years old.
3. Plant black-eyed Susan in clusters spaced 18- to 24-inches apart in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. If you live in the deep South, partial shade will protect the plant from losing all of its moisture.
4. Water the black-eyed Susan during dry spells. They require regular watering, but don’t overwater or the plants may develop root rot.
5. Fertilize twice per season for larger, more productive plants. The soil surrounding black-eyed Susan needs no special attention.
6. Expect your black-eyed Susan to return each year. They are famous for reseeding and spreading quickly.

Tips & Warnings

• Divide the black-eyed Susan into three or four plants once they are 2 or 3 years old or they will become too crowded. Crowding will reduce the size of the plants and the number of blooms.