Black-Eyed Susans are a burst of sunshine in the garden! Known for its bright yellow or yellow-orange petals and distinctive dark brown-black centers which resemble an eye, this hardy and versatile perennial is one of the most popular wildflowers, native to North America. It was designated the state flower of Maryland in 1918 for its widespread presence and striking beauty. Black-Eyed Susan was named after a popular ballad, "Black Eyed Susan", by English poet John Gay which tells the story of a crying woman bidding her sailor farewell. These flowers typically grow between 1 to 3 feet tall and are characterized by their rough, hairy leaves and stems. They are popular in gardens, meadows, and wildflower mixes due to their vibrant color and ease of growth. They tend to blanket open fields and grow well in borders and containers. Black-Eyed Susans will brighten any landscape and provide lasting beauty throughout the growing season.

Also Known As: Brown Betty, Brown Daisy, Gloriosa Daisy, Golden Jerusalem, Poorland Daisy, Yellow Ox-eye Daisy, Yellow Daisy, English Bull's Eye, Blackiehead, Brown-eyed Susan.

Plant Name:	Daisy, Black-Eyed Susan
Latin Name:	Rudbeckia hirta
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Bloom:	60 - 90
Plant Height:	1 - 3 Feet
Spread:	1 - 2 Feet
Bloom Diameter:	2 - 3 Inches
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	3-9
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2026

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 2 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial for flower seeds because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: For earlier blooms, you may optionally cold-stratify seeds for at least 30 days then start planting indoors in containers 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings at least 65F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant Black Eyed Susans after the first hard frost in early Spring to cold-stratify seeds. Plants will germinate in late Spring when the soil warms to at least 60F. Fall planting is not recommended unless planting outdoors in environments with mild, frost-free winters, or planting indoors with supplemental grow lights. For blooms in late Spring of the following year, sow outdoors after the first hard frost in Fall to cold-stratify seeds. To plant, make holes 1/8 inch deep and spaced 12-18 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole, then cover thinly with soil. In small plots, flower seeds may be scattered and gently watered in. Once seedlings emerge, plants can separated and spaced 12-18 inches apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/8 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	12-18 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	2-3 feet

Care During the Season:

Once established, Black-Eyed Susans are drought-tolerant and require minimal care. Water sparingly, only during prolonged dry spells, and avoid overwatering. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering.

Black-Eyed Susan

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