How to Grow Black-eyed Susan Becky Mixed
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Black-eyed Susan Becky Mixed
Rudbeckia hirta 'Becky Mixed'
flowerBlack-eyed Susan Becky Mixed is a vibrant annual or short-lived perennial flowering plant featuring large, daisy-like blooms with golden yellow, orange, and red petals surrounding prominent dark brown or black central discs. This cultivar is prized for its prolific flowering, compact growth habit, and ability to attract pollinators while providing continuous color from summer through fall. It's a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant option perfect for borders, containers, and cottage gardens.
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Example Black-eyed Susan Becky Mixed timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Black-eyed Susan Becky Mixed
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Black-eyed Susan Becky Mixed blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Black-eyed Susan Becky Mixed dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-10; performs best in zones 4-9
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Get my Black-eyed Susan Becky Mixed timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny green cotyledons emerge and develop first true leaves; plants are fragile and low to ground.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlants develop sturdy stems and numerous lance-shaped leaves; foliage becomes bushy and full.
Maintain moderate moisture. Begin fertilizing lightly every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Pinch back growing tips if desired to promote branching and bushier growth.
Budding
2-3 weeksFlower buds appear at stem tips; buds gradually enlarge and show color differentiation.
Maintain consistent watering without overwatering. Continue light fertilization every 2-3 weeks, switching to lower nitrogen formula to encourage flowering.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (often until first frost)Large daisy-like flowers open in shades of yellow, orange, and red with distinctive dark centers; multiple blooms appear simultaneously and continuously.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming. Water moderately during flowering. Reduce fertilizer or use bloom-boosting formula. Monitor for pests.
Seed Production
4-6 weeks before frostAs blooming slows in late fall, flowers fade and seed heads develop; centers become prominent and seeds mature to dark brown.
Leave some flowers on plant if self-seeding is desired for next year. Deadhead others to maintain appearance. Reduce watering as plant enters dormancy.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil for heavy infestations
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Increase humidity; spray with water; apply miticide if severe; ensure adequate air circulation
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Provide good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply fungicide spray; remove affected leaves
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Use floating row covers early; spray with insecticidal soap; remove affected foliage
Uses
Edible Flowers for Garnish
CulinaryBlack-eyed Susan petals are edible and add vibrant color and a slightly citrusy flavor to salads, desserts, and beverages. They can be candied or used fresh as table decoration. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalRudbeckia species have been used in Native American traditional medicine to support immune function and address minor wounds. Modern herbalists sometimes use dried flowers in herbal tea blends. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeBlack-eyed Susans are excellent nectar and pollen sources for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The seed heads provide food for finches and other seed-eating birds in fall and winter. [source]
Cut Flowers and Floral Arrangements
CraftThe long, sturdy stems and long vase life make Black-eyed Susans ideal for fresh flower arrangements, bouquets, and floral design. They pair well with complementary summer and fall flowers. [source]
Dried Flowers for Decoration
HouseholdSeed heads and flowers can be dried for dried arrangements, wreaths, and long-lasting decorative displays. They retain color and structure well when dried naturally or in a dehydrator. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest flowers for cutting in early morning when buds are just opening for longest vase life (7-10 days). Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut stems at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node. For seed saving, allow flowers to fade and dry on the plant; collect seed heads when fully brown and dry, extract seeds, and store in cool, dry location. Deadhead regularly to promote continuous blooming.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The 'Becky Mixed' cultivar was named and developed to be more compact and floriferous than wild Rudbeckia, making it ideal for containers and smaller garden spaces.
- 🌱 Black-eyed Susans are native to North America and are the state flower of Maryland, symbolizing resilience and joy.
- 🌱 Despite being commonly called 'Black-eyed Susan,' the plant is in the Rudbeckia genus, not the Echinacea genus, though both are in the Asteraceae (daisy) family and are sometimes confused.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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