Highlights
Black - eyed Susans , with theircheerful daisy - like flowers and bright yellow heart , are a beloved accession to any garden . These audacious annuals are easygoing to spring up from seed , making them agreat choicefor novice gardeners . Here ’s acomprehensive guideon how to sow black - eyed Susan seed and naturalize these vivacious blooms in your own backyard .
Choosing the Right Soil and Location
Black - eyed Susans prosper in well - run out soilwith a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 . Theyprefer full sunto fond spectre and should welcome at least six hour of sunshine per day . Before sowing , remediate the soil with compost ororganic matterto ameliorate fertility and drainage .
When to Sow Seeds
The proficient time to sow black - eyed Susan seeds is in the fountain or fall . Inwarmer clime , seeds can besown directly outdoorsas early as March or April . Incolder region , it ’s recommended to set forth seeds indoors 6 - 8 workweek before the last frost .
How to Sow Seeds
1 . Prepare theSeed layer : Loosen the ground to a depth of 1 - 2 in andcreate shallow furrows12 - 18 column inch apart.2 . Sow the cum : Sprinkle theseeds thinlyalong the furrows , spacing them about 6 - 8 column inch aside . gently deal the semen with dirt andgently patdown.3 . Water : Water theseed bedthoroughly to settle the stain andprovide moisturefor germination .
Germination and Seedling Care
Black - eyed Susan seeds typically germinate within 7 - 14 days . Keep the soil moist but not soggy during this flow . Once theseedlings emerge , slim them out to the desire spacing .
Transplanting Seedlings
If you set out seeds indoors , transplant the seedling outdoors once they have developed at least two sets oftrue leaves . Harden off the seedlings bygradually exposingthem tooutdoor conditionsover a week before transplanting .
Care and Maintenance
Once established , bootleg - eyed Susans are comparatively low - upkeep plants . body of water regularly , specially during hot , teetotal weather condition . fecundate monthly with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and flowering . Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth and forbid self - seeding .
Harvesting Seeds
To harvest black - eyed Susan germ , provide the flowers to amply mature and turn brown . write out off theseed headsand place them in apaper bagto teetotal . Once dry , shake out the germ and store them in a nerveless , dry placefor future habit .
Troubleshooting
1 . Leggy seedling : Insufficient sunlightor overwatering can do seedling to become leggy . allow for more luminousness or concentrate lacrimation frequency.2 . Poor Germination : Ensure the seeds are refreshed and thesoil temperatureis warm enough for germination.3 . Leaf Spot : Thisfungal diseasecauses brownish or black spots on leave . Remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide if necessary.4 . Powdery Mildew : Awhite powdery substanceon leaves indicatespowdery mildew . Treat with a fungicide or remove infected plant .
Benefits of Black-Eyed Susans
In increase to theiraesthetic appeal , shameful - eyed Susans offer legion benefit :
Frequently Asked Questions
Q : How long does it take for black - eyed Susans to bloom?A : Black - eyed Susans typically bloom 6 - 8 week after sowing . Q : Can black - eyed Susans be grown in containers?A : Yes , they can be grown in containers with a diameter of at least 12 inches and well - debilitate soil . Q : How do I foreclose ego - seeding?A : Deadhead spent blooming regularlyto prevent the plant from producing seed .
