A resilient wildflower with golden petals and dark centers, Black-Eyed Susan is both a pollinator magnet and a valuable dye plant.
This hardy perennial (grown as an annual in some climates) is known for its cheerful blooms and low-maintenance growth. It’s ideal for naturalizing in borders, wildflower gardens, or dye gardens, offering warm yellow to green hues for natural dyeing.
Basic Info:
- Common Names: Black-Eyed Susan, Gloriosa Daisy, Brown-Eyed Susan
- Color (for dyeing): Yellow to green (varies by mordant and material)
- Flower Type: Daisy-like composite
- Scientific Name: Rudbeckia hirta
- Cultivation Info
- Days to Maturity: 90–100 days
- USDA Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Zones 3–9; grown as annual in colder zones
- Planting Depth: 1/8 inch (do not cover heavily; needs light to germinate)
- Plant Spacing: 12–18 inches apart
- Growth Habit: Clumping, upright; typically 2–3 feet tall
- Soil Preference: Well-drained soil; tolerates poor soils and drought
- Light Preference: Full sun (minimum 6 hours)
Additional Information:
- Taxonomy: Family Asteraceae
- Seed Type: Open-pollinated, wildflower type
- Sow Instructions: Direct sow in spring after last frost or start indoors 6–8 weeks earlier; germinates in 7–14 days at 70°F
- Diseases: Powdery mildew, leaf spots (in humid conditions)
- Pests: Aphids, Japanese beetles (minor issues)
Natural Dyeing Use:
Black-Eyed Susan petals and leaves produce yellow, green, or muted gold shades depending on the fiber and mordant. Alum mordants yield soft yellow; iron shifts the tone toward olive green. Best used on wool and silk but can work on cotton with pre-treatment. Flowers can be used fresh or dried.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Floppy Plants? Thin seedlings early and consider light staking in windy areas.
- Low Blooms? Ensure full sun and avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes foliage over flowers.
- Mildew Issues? Improve airflow and avoid overhead watering.