Growing Black-Eyed Susans
About as low-maintenance as a flower gets, and the pollinators love them.
How to Grow Black-Eyed Susans
Planting
Direct sow after last frost, or start indoors a few weeks early. They tolerate poor soil and heat better than almost anything else in the flower bed.
Watering & feeding
Drought-tolerant once established, water regularly just while seedlings are getting settled.
Harvest
Cut for bouquets once the petals fully open, and deadhead spent blooms to keep new ones coming through the season.
Grows Well With
Plant black-eyed Susans near squash and cucumbers, they help draw in pollinators for the whole bed. See all our companion planting pairs →
When to Plant
Direct sow April through May once the soil has warmed. Many will self-seed and come back the following year on their own. See the full planting calendar →
Buy the Seeds We Use
From the Seed Center
Shop Black-Eyed Susans Seeds
$1.50
From the Kitchen: Recipes Using Black-Eyed Susans
Looking for recipe ideas? Browse the full Recipe Book.