Black-eyed Susan Vine: Timing, Spacing, Care & Bloom
Quick answer
Start indoors 6–11 weeks before last frost. Direct sow / transplant after last frost. Not Rudbeckia annual black-eyed susan.
Black eyed susan vine at a glance
Weeks relative to last frost (LF). Colored weeks show when our ZIP planner schedules each step.
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Updated
Not Rudbeckia: this page is Thunbergia alata (black-eyed Susan vine), not annual black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta). See also annual black-eyed susan if that is the crop you mean.
Sourced from university extension guides. For dates where you live, use the ZIP planting planner.
Planting timing
Purdue HO-14: Black-eyed Susan vine — 11 weeks before last frost; frost tolerance none after hardening. (Purdue HO-14-W) Wisconsin: start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the average last frost; plant outside once all danger of frost has passed; night temps preferably above about 50°F. (WI Thunbergia) Cornell: start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost, or outdoors after frost danger has passed. (Cornell Thunbergia)
Depth and spacing
Provide a trellis or support before planting (Cornell). Containers wilt if allowed to dry (Cornell).
Sun, soil and water
Full sun to part shade; keep moist, not soggy (Cornell).
Care and bloom
Deadhead (Cornell). Invasive caution in frost-free regions (WI). Yellow/orange/cream with dark centers; summer to frost.
Pests and diseases
Cultural moisture and support first.
Related: ZIP planner · planting calendars · annual black-eyed susan
Frequently asked questions
When do I start?
6–11 weeks before last frost (−11/−6); out after frost (0).
Is this Rudbeckia?
No — this is Thunbergia vine, not annual black-eyed susan.
Support?
Yes — trellis before planting (Cornell).
Sources
- Purdue University: Purdue HO-14-W
- University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension: WI Thunbergia
- Cornell University CALS: Cornell Thunbergia