Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida) is a tough native perennial with golden daisy-like flowers and dark centers. NC State Extension describes it as 2 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide, hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9, and blooming from summer into fall, roughly August to October. It tolerates dry spells once established and feeds pollinators and birds. This page covers sun, spacing, care and problems.
Black-eyed Susan at a glance
| Type | Flower |
|---|---|
| Season | Perennial |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Plant spacing | 18 in |
| Row spacing | 18 in |
| Per square foot | 1 |
| Seed depth | At surface |
| Days to maturity | Blooms August–October |
| How to start | Plant potted plants in spring or fall, or propagate by seed or by division in spring or fall. |
| Water | 1 in per week |
These are the same numbers our plant spacing, square foot and harvest date calculators use. See every crop in the plant database.
When to plant black-eyed Susan
Plant potted plants in spring or fall, or propagate by seed or by division in spring or fall. Check your growing zone and frost dates.
How to plant black-eyed Susan
- Choose full sun. Six or more hours of sun is best; partial shade is tolerated.
- Give it drainage. NC State lists clay or shallow rocky soil, with good drainage.
- Space plants. NC State gives 12 inches to 3 feet depending on variety; use the plant spacing calculator.
- Water to establish. Keep the soil moist at first.
Caring for black-eyed Susan
Plants like moist to occasionally dry soil and are drought-tolerant once established. See the garden watering calculator. Plants spread by rhizomes, so divide clumps in spring or fall to control or share them.
Companion plants
| Grow nearby | Coneflowers, daylilies, salvia, ornamental grasses and asters |
|---|---|
| Keep apart | Deep shade and constantly wet soil |
Black-eyed Susan is a larval host for the wavy-lined emerald and silvery checkerspot butterflies, and goldfinches eat the seeds in fall. Check other pairings with the companion plant finder.
Common problems
| Problem | What you see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Southern blight | Wilting and collapse near the base in warm, humid conditions | NC State notes it as a noted disease problem; the cultivar 'Little Goldstar' has fair resistance. Improve drainage and avoid planting where it occurred. |
| Deer | Browsed plants | NC State rates it moderately resistant to deer, though occasionally damaged. |
| Leaf problems | Spots or yellowing | NC State notes good resistance to leaf spot. Use the yellow leaf identifier and pest identifier if you see damage. |
Not sure what you are looking at? The plant problem identifier ranks likely causes from the symptoms you see.
When and how to harvest
Black-eyed Susans are grown for their flowers and wildlife value. Leave seed heads in fall for goldfinches, or divide clumps in spring or fall to make more plants.
Plan your black-eyed Susan
- Plant spacing calculator: how many plants fit your bed
- Planting calendar: sowing and transplant dates for your frost dates
- Frost dates by ZIP code: your last spring and first fall frost
- Harvest date calculator: when your crop will be ready
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should I plant black-eyed Susans?
Space black-eyed Susans 18 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart. In a square foot garden, plant 1 per square foot.
How deep do I plant black-eyed Susan seeds?
Space plants 12 inches to 3 feet apart, depending on variety, in full sun and well-drained soil.
How long do black-eyed Susans take to grow?
Black-eyed Susan blooms from summer into fall, roughly August to October.
How much water do black-eyed Susans need?
About 1 inch of water a week, from rain and watering combined. Water to establish; then it is drought-tolerant once established.
Is black-eyed Susan drought tolerant?
Yes. NC State lists it as drought-tolerant once established, with moist to occasionally dry soil.
Is black-eyed Susan good for pollinators?
Yes. It provides nectar for pollinators, hosts two butterfly species as larvae and its seeds feed goldfinches.
How do I propagate black-eyed Susan?
By division in spring or fall, or from seed.