When to plant Black-eyed Susan in Lamar County County,
Plant Black-eyed Susan in Lamar County County from March 16 to April 6 in spring. Lamar County County sits in USDA Zone 8a, with last frost around March 23 and first frost on November 6.
When to Plant Black-eyed Susan in Lamar County, AL
Your June gardening checklist
June is a pivotal month for Lamar County, Alabama gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Bring in the black-eyed susan
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- First harvests: black-eyed susan
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.
Lamar County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 69 feet, Lamar County receives approximately 62 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Black-eyed Susan during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Black-eyed Susan, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Black-eyed Susan root diseases.
Lamar County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Black-eyed Susan Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Lamar County
How your county's soil matches Black-eyed Susan's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.7) overlaps with Black-eyed Susan's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Lamar County is excellent for Black-eyed Susan — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Black-eyed Susan.
How to Plant Black-eyed Susan
Succession Planting Black-eyed Susan
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 18 to harvest before frost.
Black-eyed Susan Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Black-eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susan needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Black-eyed Susan Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lamar County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Black-eyed Susan Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Black-eyed Susan Planting Timeline — Lamar County, AL
Black-eyed Susan Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 26 | Jan 26 – Feb 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Direct Sow | March 16 | Mar 16 – Apr 6 |
| Bloom | June 1 | Jun 1 – Oct 19 |
· 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Lamar County
Growing Tips for Black-eyed Susan in Lamar County
Direct sow Black-eyed Susan outdoors after March 23 in Lamar County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Lamar County's clay soil (28% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Black-eyed Susan. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Common pests for Black-eyed Susan in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Black-eyed Susan in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Black-eyed Susan in Lamar County, AL?
Lamar County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Black-eyed Susan planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lamar County, AL?
Lamar County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 6.
When should I plant Black-eyed Susan in Lamar County County, ?
In Lamar County County, , plant Black-eyed Susan after the last frost (around March 23) and before the first frost (around November 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lamar County County, for Black-eyed Susan?
Lamar County County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Black-eyed Susan grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Black-eyed Susan grow in Lamar County County's climate?
Yes — Black-eyed Susan grows well in Lamar County County's temperate climate. Lamar County County averages a 228-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 23 and first frost around November 6.
Your Lamar County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lamar County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.