Prominent for its long flowering time, drought tolerance and ability to thrive in different climatic conditions, black-eyed susan is one among the popular flowering plants in the US and Canada.
With it’s golden-yellow petals and dark center, rudbeckia hirta instantly brightens up backyard.
As mentioned, this perennial plant is hardy, require low-maintenance, and keeps blooming for weeks, attracting bees, butterflies, and admiring glances.
If you’re looking to fill the corners of your backyard garden, then propagating Black-eyed Susan is an excellent way to do it without spending a dime.
There’s more than one way to get more Black-eyed Susans in your garden. You can grow them from seeds, propagate them by dividing or even try rooting a few cuttings—whatever works best for you, it’s pretty easy either way.
Before you jump to propagation techniques, it is essential to go through growing needs of this flowering plant.
Growing Requirements of Black-Eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susan thrives best in full sun, needing at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate partial shade, the plant tends to produce fewer blooms in lower light conditions. If you’re aiming for a vibrant show of golden flowers, choose a sunny spot in your garden or yard.
When it comes to soil, Black-eyed Susan isn’t very picky. It prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate clay, sandy, or even rocky soils. For best results, aim for moderately fertile ground with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (around 6.0 to 7.0). Amending the soil with compost can give young plants a nice boost, especially when planting from seed or transplanting divisions.
Water-wise, this hardy perennial is quite drought-tolerant once established. During the first few weeks after planting, make sure to keep the soil consistently moist to help roots settle in. After that, you can dial it back—watering only during prolonged dry spells or when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Black-eyed Susan also benefits from a bit of spacing. Give each plant about 12 to 18 inches of breathing room to allow good air circulation, which helps prevent mildew and fungal problems. With the right mix of sun, soil, and occasional water, you’ll have a low-maintenance bloomer that keeps giving season after season.
How to Propagate Black-Eyed Susan Through Division?
Division is one of the most reliable and preferred methods for propagating Black-eyed Susan because it not only helps multiply your plants quickly but also rejuvenates older clumps that may have become crowded or less productive.
This method is especially useful if you already have a mature plant that’s been in the ground for a few years and you’re looking to fill more spaces in your garden with minimal effort and no extra cost.
The best time to divide Black-eyed Susan is in early spring just as new growth begins, or in early fall when the flowering season has ended but the soil is still warm.
Dividing in these seasons gives the roots time to establish before facing extreme weather conditions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do it right:
Also Read: How to Propagate Coneflower?
Step 1: Choose the Right Plant
Look for a mature Black-eyed Susan that has grown into a large clump and appears overcrowded or has reduced blooming. Plants that are about 3–4 years old are perfect candidates for division.
Step 2: Water the Plant
Water the plant thoroughly a day before dividing. This helps soften the soil and reduces root stress during the process.
Step 3: Dig It Up
Use a shovel or garden fork to carefully dig around the base of the plant. Start about 6 inches away from the crown to avoid damaging the roots. Gently lift the entire clump out of the ground.
Step 4: Separate the Clumps
Shake off or wash away excess soil from the root ball to see the natural divisions. Using your hands or a clean garden knife, separate the plant into smaller sections—each with healthy roots and at least one or two growing shoots or crowns.
Step 5: Replant Immediately
Choose your planting spots ahead of time. Dig holes that are wide enough to spread the roots out and deep enough to place the crown level with the soil surface. Space them 12 to 18 inches apart to allow room for future growth.
Step 6: Water and Mulch
Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and keep weeds down.
With this method, not only do you get more Black-eyed Susans to brighten up your yard, but you also give the original plant a fresh start. It’s a simple weekend project with long-term rewards in the garden.
Propagating Black-Eyed Susan Through Cuttings
While not as commonly used as division or seed-starting, propagating Black-eyed Susan through cuttings is an easy and rewarding method—especially for gardeners who enjoy hands-on propagation. This technique is great for multiplying newer hybrid varieties that you want to replicate exactly, as cuttings produce clones of the parent plant.
Stem cuttings are best taken in late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing but hasn’t yet begun full flowering. Soft, green, non-flowering shoots make the best candidates for rooting.
Step 1: Select a Healthy Stem
Choose a healthy, non-flowering stem that’s around 4–6 inches long. It should be soft and green—not woody or brittle. Using sterilized garden scissors or pruning shears, make a clean cut just below a leaf node.
Step 2: Remove Lower Leaves
Strip off the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, leaving a few leaves at the top. This helps reduce moisture loss and encourages the plant to focus on root development.
Step 3: Dip in Rooting Hormone (Optional)
Though optional, dipping the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder or gel can speed up the rooting process and improve success rates—especially if you’re new to propagation.
Step 4: Plant the Cutting
Fill a small pot or tray with a well-draining potting mix—something light like a mix of peat and perlite or vermiculite. Poke a hole with a pencil or stick and insert the cutting, gently firming the soil around it to keep it upright.
Step 5: Maintain Humidity
To keep humidity high, cover the pot with a plastic bag or place it in a mini greenhouse or propagation dome. Just make sure the plastic doesn’t touch the leaves—use sticks or supports if needed.
Step 6: Keep Moist and Warm
Place the pot in a bright location with indirect sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and avoid direct sun which can overheat the cutting. In about 2–3 weeks, you should see signs of new growth, indicating roots are forming.
Step 7: Transplant When Ready
Once the cutting develops a strong root system (usually after 4–6 weeks), it can be carefully transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.
While this method requires a little more patience and care, it’s a great way to multiply your plants and experiment with propagation. Plus, it gives you the satisfaction of seeing a whole new plant grow from just a single snip!
Also Read: How to Get Desert Rose to Bloom?
Propagating Black-Eyed Susan Through Seeds
Growing Black-eyed Susan from seeds is one of the easiest and most budget-friendly ways to expand your garden. This method is especially appealing because it allows you to start fresh batches each year or naturalize large areas with beautiful golden blooms.
Whether you’re using seeds harvested from your own plants or purchased from a nursery, propagation by seed is simple and rewarding.
You can start Black-eyed Susan seeds either indoors in early spring or sow them directly outdoors once the danger of frost has passed. These hardy plants are fast growers and usually bloom in their first year if started early enough.
Step 1: Gather or Buy Seeds
If collecting seeds from your garden, wait until the flower heads have dried out on the plant. Snip them off, break them apart, and store the seeds in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant. Store-bought packets work just as well and often come with helpful instructions.
Step 2: Start Indoors (Optional)
To get a head start, sow seeds indoors about 6–8 weeks before your last expected frost. Use seed trays or small pots filled with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.
Scatter the seeds over the surface and press them lightly into the soil—Black-eyed Susan seeds need light to germinate, so don’t bury them deeply.
Step 3: Keep Moist and Warm
Mist the soil gently to keep it evenly moist and place the trays in a warm, bright location. Ideal germination temperature is around 70°F (21°C). Seedlings should begin to emerge in 7 to 14 days.
Step 4: Harden Off and Transplant
Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves and outdoor temperatures are consistently warm, harden them off by placing them outside for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their exposure to the elements. Then transplant them into the garden, spacing them 12–18 inches apart.
Step 5: Direct Sowing Outdoors
Alternatively, you can sow seeds directly into garden soil once the risk of frost is over. Loosen the soil, rake it smooth, and scatter the seeds across the surface. Press them gently into the soil and water lightly. Thin seedlings later to avoid overcrowding.
This method is great for creating natural-looking garden beds, wildflower patches, or large drifts of color. Once established, many varieties of Black-eyed Susan will self-seed, giving you cheerful blooms year after year with very little effort.
Check this: How to Propagate Peperomia Obtusifolia?
When do Black-eyed Susans bloom?
Black-eyed Susans typically bloom from mid-summer through early fall, usually starting around June or July and continuing into September or even October, depending on your local climate.
The bright, daisy-like flowers last for several weeks and are excellent for attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Regular deadheading (removing spent blooms) can extend the flowering period even further.
What’s the best time to propagate Black-eyed Susan?
The ideal time to propagate Black-eyed Susan depends on the method. For division, early spring or early fall is best—when the plant is either just waking up or winding down for the season.
If you’re taking cuttings, aim for late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing. Seeds can be started indoors in early spring or sown directly outdoors after the last frost.
Do Black-eyed Susans come back every year?
Yes, many varieties of Black-eyed Susan, particularly Rudbeckia fulgida and Rudbeckia hirta, are perennials or short-lived perennials that return year after year.
Even annual or biennial types often self-seed readily, so you may see new plants popping up in your garden each season without having to replant them. Proper care and occasional division can keep them healthy and blooming for years.
Conclusion
Propagating Black-eyed Susan is simple and rewarding, whether you do it through division, cuttings, or seeds. Division gives fast results, cuttings help clone specific varieties, and seeds are perfect for covering large areas. No matter which method you choose, you’ll end up with more of these cheerful, low-maintenance blooms brightening up your garden.
Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting