Black-Eyed Susan Planting Guide
Cheerful native wildflower with golden-yellow petals and dark centers; pollinator magnet
Best Time and Place to Plant Black-Eyed Susan
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 20 to May 10. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Black-Eyed Susan in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 60F to 90F, and enough room for 18 inches between plants and 24 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 15 to June 15 | Varies |
| Zone 2 | May 10 to June 10 | Varies |
| Zone 3 | May 1 to June 5 | Varies |
| Zone 4 | April 20 to May 30 | September 1 to September 30 |
| Zone 5 | April 15 to May 25 | September 10 to October 10 |
| Zone 6 | April 1 to May 15 | September 15 to October 20 |
| Zone 7 | March 20 to May 10 | September 20 to November 1 |
| Zone 8 | March 1 to April 30 | October 1 to November 15 |
| Zone 9 | February 15 to April 15 | October 15 to December 1 |
| Zone 10 | February 1 to April 1 | November 1 to December 15 |
| Zone 11 | January 15 to March 15 | November 1 to January 15 |
| Zone 12 | January 1 to March 1 | November 1 to February 1 |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.25 inches deep
- Spacing: 18 inches apart, 24 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 60F to 90F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: 0.5-1 inch per week once established; excellent drought tolerance
- Days to harvest: 70
Fertilization
- Compost organic: Light 1 inch dressing; avoid excess nitrogen
Companion Plants
- Coneflower
- Ornamental Grasses
- Salvia
Avoid Planting Near
No avoid-planting conflicts are listed yet.
Harvest Signs
- Blooms are fully open with deep brown centers
- Leave seedheads for winter bird feeding
- Deadhead for more blooms or leave for self-sowing
- Plants naturalize and spread over time
FAQs
When should I plant Black-Eyed Susan?
Black-Eyed Susan planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 20 to May 10. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Black-Eyed Susan?
The best time of year to plant Black-Eyed Susan is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 60F to 90F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 20 to May 10. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Black-Eyed Susan?
Plant Black-Eyed Susan in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 60F to 90F, and enough room for 18 inches between plants and 24 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Black-Eyed Susan?
Plant Black-Eyed Susan about 18 inches apart, with rows around 24 inches apart.
What grows well with Black-Eyed Susan?
Black-Eyed Susan is commonly paired with Coneflower, Ornamental Grasses, Salvia.