FlowerBiennial or short-lived perennialEasy

Black-Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta

Family: Asteraceae

Black-Eyed Susan grows in full sun and prefers average, well-drained soil. Water needs: Low to moderate.

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Photo Gallery

Plant reference images showing growth stages and identifying features.

Black-Eyed Susan plant — **Plant**
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Credit: Andrea Moro · Source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Black-Eyed Susan flower — **Flower**
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Credit: Jim Hudgins/USFWS · Source · Public domain

Black-Eyed Susan bud — **Bud**
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Credit: Calimo · Source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Black-Eyed Susan leaves — **Leaves**
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Credit: Frank Mayfield from Chicago area, USA · Source · CC BY-SA 2.0

How to Grow Black-Eyed Susan

Black-Eyed Susan growing information includes sunlight requirements of Full sun, soil conditions listed as Average, well-drained soil with a soil pH of 6.0-7.5, and Low to moderate water needs. The listed hardiness zones are 3-9. For propagation reference, the database lists germination or establishment information for Black-Eyed Susan as 7-21 days, with planting or establishment depth listed as Surface sow or lightly cover. Days to maturity are listed as 90-120 days to flowering.

Plant Overview

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is listed in the Asteraceae family and categorized as a flower with a biennial or short-lived perennial life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Easy.

Plant ID: PLT-0177
Family: Asteraceae
Plant type: Flower
Life cycle: Biennial or short-lived perennial
Difficulty: Easy

Growing Conditions

Black-Eyed Susan is listed for full sun conditions. Water needs are listed as low to moderate. The database soil reference is Average, well-drained soil. The listed soil pH range is 6.0-7.5, and the listed hardiness range is 3-9.

Hardiness zones: 3-9
Sunlight: Full sun
Soil: Average, well-drained soil
Soil pH: 6.0-7.5
Water needs: Low to moderate

Seed & Germination

For seed starting, the listed germination time is 7-21 days and the seed depth is Surface sow or lightly cover. The listed time to maturity is 90-120 days to flowering. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.

Germination: 7-21 days
Seed depth: Surface sow or lightly cover

Harvest & Propagation

Days to maturity: 90-120 days to flowering

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Growing Reference Note

Plant performance can vary with climate, soil, weather, cultivar, seed quality, and gardening methods. The values on this page are general database reference ranges rather than a substitute for local extension guidance or seed-packet instructions.