Black-Eyed Susan
Best cheerful flowers for effortless garden beauty.
Native to Eastern and Central North America, this upright flowering plant is a short-lived perennial grown mostly as showy borders or in wildflower gardens and meadows. Known for their daisy-like flowers with long golden yellow petals and a dark brown or black center, they also have hairy leaves (hence the species name _hirta_), and medicinal roots (much like their cousin Echinacea). Our seeds were harvested from our pollinator beds, where bees and butterflies enjoyed the nectar, and birds enjoyed eating the seeds.
$5.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
3241
/ 6513
#3241 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-53%
Below average
Plant Type
Flowering Plant
/ Flowering Plant
Who it's for
- Novice gardeners seeking a high-impact, low-maintenance floral display.
- Eco-conscious gardeners wanting to support local wildlife and biodiversity.
- Gardeners in challenging climates desiring robust, season-long floral interest.
Who should skip it
- Meticulous gardeners preferring strict control over their garden's layout.
- Gardeners in humid regions or those prioritizing pristine, disease-free foliage.
- Gardeners expecting a permanent, multi-year perennial planting without re-seeding.
Performance breakdown
Germination Reliability
High success rate ensures consistent growth for novice and expert gardeners.
Pollinator Impact
Proven magnet for bees, butterflies, and birds in diverse ecosystems.
Growth Versatility
Thrives in meadows and borders with minimal maintenance requirements.
Seed Density
Generous pack count provides ample coverage for large wildflower patches.
Hardiness Range
Robust performance in zone 4 climates with reliable perennial return.
Propagation Ease
Simple seed saving and division make expanding your garden effortless.
Key Specs
Plant Type
Flowering Plant
Life Cycle
Short-lived perennial
Days to Maturity
60-120 days
Seeds per Pack
275-300
Germination Rate
91% (as of 01/21/2026)
Planting Season
Spring
USDA Hardiness Zone
4
Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun
Know before you buy
They are classified as short-lived perennials. While they will return for a few seasons, they often behave like biennials and may self-seed readily to keep your garden patch populated.
No, these are not recommended for containers. They are best suited for in-ground wildflower gardens, meadows, or borders where they have ample space to establish their root systems.
Black-Eyed Susans perform best in full sun. Ensure you select a planting location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
While the roots have medicinal properties similar to Echinacea, they are not considered edible. Please consult a qualified herbalist before attempting to use any part of the plant for medicinal purposes.
Yes, they are excellent for pollinators. The nectar attracts bees and butterflies, while the seed heads provide a valuable food source for birds once the flowers fade.
You can expect these plants to reach maturity between 60 and 120 days after planting. Growth speed can vary slightly depending on your local soil conditions and climate.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.