When to plant Black-eyed Susan in Bartholomew County County,
Bartholomew County County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Plant Black-eyed Susan between April 12 (after last frost on April 12) and May 3.
When to Plant Black-eyed Susan in Bartholomew County, IN
Your June planting checklist for Bartholomew County, Indiana
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Bartholomew County, Indiana this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Begin indoor sowing: black-eyed susan
Your window is short. These crops want several weeks of indoor growth before they go outside.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Bartholomew County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 1,376 feet, Bartholomew County receives approximately 40.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Black-eyed Susan during the growing season.
Bartholomew County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7
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 Bartholomew County
How your county's soil matches Black-eyed Susan's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.0) is within Black-eyed Susan's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Bartholomew County is excellent for Black-eyed Susan — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — Black-eyed Susan will thrive.
How to Plant Black-eyed Susan
Succession Planting Black-eyed Susan
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 01 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 | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Bartholomew 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 — Bartholomew County, IN
Black-eyed Susan Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 8 | Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Direct Sow | April 12 | Apr 12 – May 3 |
| Bloom | July 5 | Jul 5 – Oct 25 |
· 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Bartholomew County
Growing Tips for Black-eyed Susan in Bartholomew County
Direct sow Black-eyed Susan outdoors after April 12 in Bartholomew County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Bartholomew County, IN?
Bartholomew County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Black-eyed Susan planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bartholomew County, IN?
Bartholomew County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 20.
When should I plant Black-eyed Susan in Bartholomew County County, ?
In Bartholomew County County, , plant Black-eyed Susan after the last frost (around April 12) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Bartholomew County County, for Black-eyed Susan?
Bartholomew County County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Black-eyed Susan grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Black-eyed Susan grow in Bartholomew County County's climate?
Yes — Black-eyed Susan grows well in Bartholomew County County's temperate climate. Bartholomew County County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 12 and first frost around October 20.
Your Bartholomew County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bartholomew County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.