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Black-eyed Susan: when to plant and care

Native; leave seed heads for birds.

Botanical nameRudbeckia fulgida / R. hirta
Typeperennial
USDA zones3–9
Sunfull sun
Waterlow-moderate
Bloomsummer to fall
Mature size2–3 ft
Planting timeSpring after the last frost, or early fall
Black-eyed Susan flower with yellow petals and a dark center
Photo: Dominicus Johannes Bergsma, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Gives roots several weeks to settle before heat or freeze.

Example dates

PlaceDates
Austin, TX (78701)spring: Mar 10–Apr 21; fall: Sep 22–Oct 13
Atlanta, GA (30303)spring: Mar 24–May 5; fall: Sep 13–Oct 4
St. Louis, MO (63101)spring: Apr 1–May 13; fall: Sep 9–30
Chicago, IL (60614)spring: Apr 10–May 22; fall: Sep 10–Oct 1
Denver, CO (80202)spring: Apr 30–Jun 11; fall: Aug 17–Sep 7
Seattle, WA (98101)spring: Mar 13–Apr 24; fall: Sep 22–Oct 13

Every ZIP page has its own dates. Find your ZIP.

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Sources

Summarized in our own words from public extension publications.

All plant guides