Black eyed Susan plants do not live for more than a couple of years.They are free to self-seed to such an extent that they seem to be a long-lived thing.There are a few different species and many hybrid that are commonly grown in cultivation and vary in size from 1 to 3 feet tall with slight variations in flower color.They are hardy in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9, which means they can survive temperatures that fall to -40 degrees Fahrenheit.All of them have the same basic growing requirements.
Step 1: A spot that gets a lot of sunlight is what you should pick.
Black Eyed Susan plants can grow in either partial or bright shade.Even if they have to deal with some shade, they are easy to grow because they don't care about soil type or pH.
Step 2: susans can be planted in rich soil.
They prefer organically rich soil that can drain quickly because they don't care about the pH of their soil.If the soil is mostly sand or clay, mix in a 2- to 3-inch depth of sphagnum moss, well-aged cow manure, compost or leaf mold.Adding organic matter will improve soil fertility.The organic matter should be mixed into the soil at a depth of 8 to 10 inches.
Step 3: If you are growing susans from seeds or seedlings, choose your plant date.
Plant Black Eyed Susan after the last hard frost has passed.Plants can be found at garden centers.Black Eyed Susan can be planted.When starting from seed, sow them directly into the soil in your garden around the last frost date, or start them indoors at the end of February or beginning of March.
Step 4: If you want, you can sow your seeds.
The seeds should be sown in a mixture of sand and sphagnum moss.The seeds should not be left in the soil mixture.Keep them warm and moist until they grow.When there are two sets of leaves, transplant them into cell packs or individual pots.
Step 5: Give your plants enough space.
If you purchase your seedlings at a nursery, you will have to give them enough space in your garden to grow.There is plenty of room for good air circulation around the plants after they reach their mature width, so they should be planted about 2 to 3 feet apart.Air circulation increases the chance of diseases.If the seeds are sown directly in the garden, thin them to 2 to 3 feet apart when they are a few inches tall.
Step 6: When the soil is dry, you should water the plants.
After they become established, black eyed Susans are very tolerant of the weather.When the top of the soil begins to dry, they should be watered.During dry spells from the second year on, water them only once or twice a week.If you want to avoid getting the foliage wet, try to keep it dry.
Step 7: The area around the Black Eyed Susans is mulched.
Spread mulch over the soil around the plants to keep it moist.You don't need to give your plants anything to grow.
Step 8: The dead flowers should be removed.
If more Black Eyed Susan plants are desired, leave a few of the flowers on the stems to go to seed.To make room for fresh growth in the spring, trim the stems down to the ground in late winter.
Step 9: Every three years, divide Black Eyed Susan plants.
The dividing should be done in March.If the divisions are to be replanted, prepare the planting site.Before digging the plants up, water them one to two days.To dig your plants up and divide them, push a dirt shovel into the soil all the way around the plants, away from the stems.Lift the whole clump with the tip of the shovel if you push the dirt shovel into the soil again.Carefully work the plants apart, leaving a good fist-full of roots and three to five healthy stems on each division.If you want to give them away, replant them right away or pot them up in soil-based soil.