When to Plant Black-eyed Susan in Virginia

Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan) is one of the most recognizable and adaptable native wildflowers in North America. Its bright golden-yellow daisy petals radiate from a dark brown central cone, providing months of color from midsummer into fall. Technically a short-lived perennial that self-seeds freely — colonies persist indefinitely in the garden — it thrives in poor soils, tolerates drought, and is irresistible to bees, butterflies, and goldfinches.

Virginia spans USDA hardiness zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

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Click your county for exact Black-eyed Susan planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Hover over a county to see details. Click to view planting guide.

Black-eyed Susan Planting Calendar for Virginia

▸ Zone 6a ~193 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 10 · First frost: October 20 · 193 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	February 6	Feb 6 – Feb 20
Transplant Outdoors	April 17	Apr 17 – May 1
Direct Sow	April 10	Apr 10 – May 1
Bloom	July 3	Jul 3 – Oct 16

▸ Zone 6b ~205 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 3 · First frost: October 25 · 205 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	January 30	Jan 30 – Feb 13
Transplant Outdoors	April 10	Apr 10 – Apr 24
Direct Sow	April 3	Apr 3 – Apr 24
Bloom	June 26	Jun 26 – Oct 16

▸ Zone 7a ~221 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 25 · First frost: November 1 · 221 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	January 21	Jan 21 – Feb 4
Transplant Outdoors	April 1	Apr 1 – Apr 15
Direct Sow	March 25	Mar 25 – Apr 15
Bloom	June 10	Jun 10 – Oct 14

▸ Zone 7b ~235 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 18 · First frost: November 8 · 235 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	January 14	Jan 14 – Jan 28
Transplant Outdoors	March 25	Mar 25 – Apr 8
Direct Sow	March 11	Mar 11 – Apr 1
Bloom	June 3	Jun 3 – Oct 14

▸ Zone 8a ~255 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 8 · First frost: November 18 · 255 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	January 11	Jan 11 – Jan 25
Transplant Outdoors	March 8	Mar 8 – Mar 22
Direct Sow	March 1	Mar 1 – Mar 22
Bloom	May 17	May 17 – Oct 4

▸ Zone 8b ~276 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 25 · First frost: November 28 · 276 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	December 31	Dec 31 – Jan 14
Transplant Outdoors	February 25	Feb 25 – Mar 11
Direct Sow	February 11	Feb 11 – Mar 4
Bloom	May 6	May 6 – Sep 30

Growing Tips for Virginia

Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost or direct-sow after last frost (needs light to germinate — press seeds onto soil surface, do not cover). Thrives in average to poor soil; rich soil causes floppy stems. Deadhead for extended bloom but leave some seed heads for winter wildlife interest and self-seeding. Although technically short-lived (3–5 years), prolific self-seeding maintains the colony. Year 2+ plants bloom most heavily. Divide every 3 years to maintain vigor.

Black-eyed Susan in Other States

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Black-eyed Susan in Virginia?

Planting dates for Black-eyed Susan in Virginia depend on your USDA zone. Virginia spans zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Virginia for planting?

Virginia contains USDA hardiness zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

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