Black Eyed Susans Care

Rudbeckia hirta, is what Blackeyed Susan is scientifically known as. Typically, this wildflower is an annual plant, however, some of its varieties behave as perennial (lasting three seasons or more) or biennial (having a life cycle lasting two seasons). The plant can be found growing prolifically throughout the United States and Canada. It has the ability to self-seed and the roots of the perennial species can be divided in the falls for more plants. Ideal time to grow this plant would be about 6 weeks before the last frost or early in the spring, the coming year. 24 - 36 inches is the average height, that the plant can grow up to and is a popular choice to be used in cut flower arrangements. This flower is also suitable to be a part of a butterfly garden, as it has a strong draw for beneficial insects and animals, such as butterfly, bees, hummingbirds, etc. Being drought-tolerant, the plant is more suitable to be grown in gardens, in hot and dry locations.

Care Guide

As with every plant care, that for a Blackeyed Susan also includes the right kind of soil for its growth. As mentioned, the plant is drought-tolerant, and so it grows in dry to moist soils. Preference is for well-drained, sandy or clay soil. 6.8 - 7.7 is the pH preference for the plant to grow effectively. The plant prefers exposure to full sun to light shade.

Common pests, which can hinder the plants' growth include thrips, leaf miners, aphids and sawflies. Also, keep a check on certain plant diseases such as crown and root rot, botrytis, anthracnose, gray mold and stem rot, mildew and rust. Use appropriate insecticides, repellents or fungicides, in order to keep these plants from pests infestation and diseases.

Coming to the fertilizer requirements, it should be done every 4 months. Information on what kind of fertilizer to use, can be sought at the dealer.

How to Plant Blackeyed Susans

After you get the seeds, plant them in a spot, which gets full sun exposure. Scatter the seeds on the planting spot, after loosening the soil with a rake. Ensure that the seeds are placed away from each other and do not forget to cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. As mentioned, consider planting the seeds in early spring, so that they bloom the next summer.

The seeds do not require fertilizer to grow and nor they require regular watering. However, it is best to water them during a dry spell and during hot summer months. Ensure that they are not over-watered and never, after a rain. They will do well in any kind of soil.

After your Blackeyed Susans have achieved their full bloom, they can be cut and brought inside. Make use of sharp scissors and cut near the bottom of the stems. Thereafter, immediately place them in water. A week is what, these plants will thrive for, when kept in a vase with water.

Note that the Blackeyed Susan vine is different from a general Blackeyed susan. While the later, is a native of the Eastern parts of the United States, the former belongs to the tropical parts of Madagascar. These two varieties share a similar name, due to their same appearance; dark center and a radius of bright yellow or orange petals. Other than this, they have different characteristics.

• Warm, moist and well-drained soil is the requirement of the Blackeyed Susan vine. Watering the vine with 1 inch of water is good enough, for at least once per week.
• Full sun exposure throughout the day and partial shade in the afternoon, are the ideal lighting conditions for the growth.
• As the name suggests, the vine needs the support of structures, such as trellising, sides of buildings and fences, etc., to help them climb and grow.

And that would be all for some instructions on the Blackeyed Susans care; its plantation and growth. So, add to your garden's beauty with these plants and also make some wonderful long-lasting, cheery cut Susan flower arrangements and decorations!