Brown or black spots on leaves

Leaf spot or fungal disease from wet foliage. Water at the base, improve airflow, and clear fallen debris.

Powdery white film on leaves

Powdery mildew, common in late summer. Space plants for airflow and remove the worst-affected leaves.

Vigorous self-sowing from dropped seed. Deadhead before seeds set, or pull volunteer seedlings in spring.

Too little sun stretches the plant. Move to full sun where stems stay sturdy.

Gardening

A cheerful native perennial with golden daisies and dark centers from midsummer to fall. Reliable, drought-tough, and beloved by pollinators.

When to plant black-eyed susan where you live

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Sun

Full sun

Hardiness zones

Zones 3–9

Spacing

12–18 in apart.

Soil

Average, well-draining soil; pH 6.0–7.0. Adaptable and not fussy.

Watering

About 1 in/week while establishing; mature plants are drought-tolerant and shrug off dry spells.

Plant / sow (typical)

Apr – Jun

Harvest (typical)

Jul – Oct

Starting

Sow seed in spring (light helps germination), or divide clumps every few years. Leave some seed heads standing for birds and winter interest.

Companions

Good with Coneflower, Sedum, Ornamental grasses. Keep apart from .

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Brown or black spots on leaves. Leaf spot or fungal disease from wet foliage. Water at the base, improve airflow, and clear fallen debris.
Powdery white film on leaves. Powdery mildew, common in late summer. Space plants for airflow and remove the worst-affected leaves.
Spreads more than wanted. Vigorous self-sowing from dropped seed. Deadhead before seeds set, or pull volunteer seedlings in spring.
Floppy stems in shade. Too little sun stretches the plant. Move to full sun where stems stay sturdy.