Germination and Cultivation of Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta)

Black-eyed Susans’ (Rudbeckia hirta) are biennial plants that produce nectar that attracts butterflies, bees and other insects which can be potential food for birds. It also provides shelter for several song and game birds. Black-eyed Susans usually are used in treatment of critical areas subject to erosion! This plant is incredibly winter hardy; it can tolerate temperatures as low as -30⁰F. The black-eyed Susan grows to be about 3 feet tall (about 1 m) with bright yellow ray flowers that are 2 to 3 inches wide and have small, dark brown spherical centers. Don’t worry if your black-eyed Susan seeds do not produce flowers the first year! They typically bloom in the summer and fall of the second year. Unfortunately, the plants die after producing flowers and having their seeds mature. Fortunately, however, once established, new seedlings will be produced from the plant before it dies.

Optimal germination conditions

Plant black-eyed Susans when the soil temperature is around 70⁰ F for best seed germination. Sow by seed in loosely covered soil. This plant tends to spread out, so plant the seeds closer together to prevent them from sprawling (if you’d like). Plant in a large container with moist, well-drained soil. Make sure the soil doesn’t dry out. They grow best if soil is fertile but they can tolerate tough conditions. Fertilize the plants in the container once a year (in the spring).

Direct sow and light-requiring germination

Sowing: Direct sow these Rudbeckia Hirta seeds in late fall, pressing into the surface of the soil since this plant needs light to germinate. For spring planting, mix the Black Eyed Susan seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 30 days before planting. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination, which usually takes 2-3 weeks. The Rudbeckia Hirta seeds can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before planting in spring. Growing: Water seedlings regularly until they become established. This plant grows very quickly and needs little care. Though it grows well in fairly dry soil, it performs best with occasional watering in dry weather. This plant usually begins blooming in its second year of growth. Mature plants tolerate heat and drought well, as well as tolerating clay or rocky soils. Deadhead for the longest blooming period. Mature plants can be divided.

Harvesting, seed saving and propagation notes

Harvesting: For cut flowers, choose stems with flowers that have just opened. Seed Saving: After the flower petals fall from the head, the center cone will begin to develop seed. Remove the seed heads as soon as the stem beneath the cone begins to turn dry and brown. Spread the seed heads out to dry away from direct sunlight, then separate the small Rudbeckia Hirta seeds from the stems by rubbing them lightly. The seeds can be stored for future sowing, with germination typically occurring in 2-3 weeks under proper moisture.

Growing conditions and care

Water seedlings regularly until they become established. This plant grows very quickly and needs little care. Though it grows well in fairly dry soil, it performs best with occasional watering in dry weather. This plant usually begins blooming in its second year of growth. Mature plants tolerate heat and drought well, as well as tolerating clay or rocky soils. Deadhead for the longest blooming period. Mature plants can be divided. In spring, mulch the area around perennial rudbeckias. Start seeds of annual black-eyed Susans indoors in spring, and expect germination in 10 days. Grow seedlings under strong light, and set them out when they have five or more leaves. Perennial rudbeckias can be grown from seed, but the seeds require cold stratification, making them a good subject for winter sowing. Alternatively, start with a purchased plant in spring, or plant divisions taken from the outside of a friend’s clump. Most improved cultivars are vegetatively propagated.

Varieties, sustainability and garden design

All rudbeckias are native American plants. Gather stems for use in cut arrangements as you need them. Powdery mildew is common late in the season, but it does not seriously weaken plants. Overly wet conditions can lead to crown rot. In spring, four-lined plant bugs may make numerous round spots in leaves, but the damage is seldom severe. The Black-eyed Susan, a quintessential symbol of North American wildflowers, is a versatile herbaceous plant that thrives across the United States. As an annual or short-lived perennial species, the Black-eyed Susan demonstrates remarkable resilience and adaptability. Once established, Black-eyed Susans have a propensity to self-seed, allowing stands to perpetuate themselves over time. While Black-eyed Susans thrive best in sandy, well-drained soils, they exhibit remarkable tolerance to a wide range of soil types and environmental conditions. Light: All varieties of Rudbeckia will thrive in full sun. Soil: All Rudbeckias tolerate a wide range of soil types, from clay to loam. If you have very sandy soil which dries out easily, add organic matter to help the soil retain moisture.

Notes on perennial vs annual behavior

Rudbeckia hirta is not winter hardy and is grown as an annual except in mild winter climates. In spring, mulch the area around perennial rudbeckias. Start seeds of annual black-eyed Susans indoors in spring, and expect germination in 10 days. Grow seedlings under strong light, and set them out when they have five or more leaves. Perennial rudbeckias can be grown from seed, but the seeds require cold stratification, making them a good subject for winter sowing. Alternatively, start with a purchased plant in spring, or plant divisions taken from the outside of a friend’s clump. Most improved cultivars are vegetatively propagated. Set out plants after the soil begins to warm in spring. Planting can continue into summer if the plants are adequately watered. In mild winter climates, perennial black-eyed Susans also can be planted in the fall. Young plants need water when they are actively growing.

In summary, Black-eyed Susans are versatile, resilient plants suitable for meadows, roadsides, and gardens. They tolerate a broad range of soils, require sun, and reward with long blooming periods when properly cared for, including light soil, regular watering during establishment, and occasional division for vigor.

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