When it arrives
Your plug tray
Plugs are small and dry out fast. Water on arrival, keep in bright light, and harden off a week before planting. Pot 72-cell plugs into 3-4 in pots or plant directly once rooted. Plants fill out quickly.
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Lavender companion · grow guide
Black-Eyed Susan · Rudbeckia
Black-eyed Susan wants full sun and any soil that isn't soggy. Once settled it's tough, long-blooming, and drought tolerant.
Check my zone & planting dates
Full sunLight
Moderate waterAverage drainage
pH 5.5–7.5Soil
Zones 4a–9bHardiness
36″ tall42″ wide
Some resistanceDeer · rabbits some resistance
Mildly toxicPets
Huckleberry saysTell me where you grow and I’ll check if Treasure Trove will thrive there.
Hardy in zones 4a–9b
Spring or early fall.
Your year with Treasure Trove
When it arrives
Plugs are small and dry out fast. Water on arrival, keep in bright light, and harden off a week before planting. Pot 72-cell plugs into 3-4 in pots or plant directly once rooted. Plants fill out quickly.
Spring or early fall.
Crown at soil level; don't bury the leafy rosette.
18-24 in apart; it spreads by short rhizomes.
Average soil, clay to loam · pH 5.5–7.5
Fix-it tip: Adapts to most soils. In heavy clay add compost and avoid standing water.
Full sun (tolerates part shade).
Shade reduces bloom and increases leaf spot.
Don’t give up on it
A basal rosette of dark green leaves appears in early to mid spring. Flower stems follow in early summer; bloom runs midsummer into fall.
Cut back old stems; divide if crowded.
Deadhead for longer bloom.
Leave seed heads for birds.
No care needed.
First season: Water weekly through the first summer if rain is short.
After that: Tolerates drought; water in long dry spells for best bloom.
Light or none; compost in spring is plenty.
Deadhead to extend bloom, or leave seed heads for birds and winter interest. Cut back in late winter or early spring.
Every 3-4 years in spring when clumps get crowded.
Very cold hardy (zones 3-9). No special care.
Handles heat well. Septoria leaf spot can show in humid summers; some newer selections resist it.
Black spots on lower leavesLikely cause: Septoria leaf spot
What to do: Space for airflow, water at soil level, and remove spotted leaves in fall.
Spreading beyond its spotLikely cause: Short rhizomes and self-seeding
What to do: Divide in spring and deadhead to limit seedlings.
Floppy stemsLikely cause: Shade or very rich soil
What to do: Give more sun and stop feeding.
Yellowing and crown rot mean waterlogged soil. Wilting flowers and crispy leaves mean too dry.
Not listed by ASPCA. Related Rudbeckia species are reported to cause illness in livestock that graze them heavily. Discourage pets from chewing and call your vet if a lot is eaten.
Deer: somewhat resistant · Rabbits: somewhat resistant
Finnegan saysStill not sure what’s wrong? Ask Plant Health — describe it or add a photo.
Good in pots · 2 gallon+
Works in sunny pots; water more often than in-ground plants.
Outdoor plant
Needs full sun and winter cold.
Best after a cold winter
Established plants bloom best after a winter.
Plugs from the tray
3–4 inch pots for 3–5 weeks, until roots hold the soil
Garden bed or a 2 gallon potTime to move up? Slide the plant out: if white roots wrap the outside of the soil, it’s ready for the next size.
Planting with lavender
Plant it near your lavender
Shares lavender's full sun and handles dry spells, but tolerates richer, moister soil and spreads. Plant at the bed edge or adjoining bed; gold flowers pick up after lavender's first bloom.
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