Autumn Colors

Black-eyed Susan

Zone 10b Save Garden

🌱 70d to harvest Clumping

Velvety petals unfurl in a warm autumn palette—golden ochre to burnished amber—each bloom anchored by a deep, inky black eye that…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Nov 20th
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Dec 25th
Harvest Begins	Mar 5th
Harvest Ends	Dec 31st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Clumping
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	40
Harden Off (days)	7

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my Autumn Colors plants get powdery mildew on the leaves?

Powdery mildew shows up as a gray-white coating on leaf surfaces, usually during warm days with cooler nights. Remove the most affected leaves right away, water at the base in the morning, and space plants to improve airflow. If it keeps spreading, spray with a sulfur-based fungicide and repeat according to the label after 5–7 days as needed.

How often should I water Autumn Colors during its main growing phase?

During the active growth period (roughly weeks 3–8), keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy—aim for about 1 inch of water per week, split into 2–3 sessions in hot weather. Water deeply only when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, since frequent light watering encourages weak, surface-rooting. After leaves fully develop, reduce slightly to prevent stem and leaf problems.

How can I tell when Autumn Colors is ready to harvest at about 70 days?

Harvest when the foliage has reached its peak “autumn” coloration and leaves feel fully formed, not limp or newly emerging. For best quality, don’t wait for widespread browning—pick when color is bold across most plants. If you’re harvesting stems or bunches, cut early in the day when leaves are crisp to reduce wilting.

Velvety petals unfurl in a warm autumn palette—golden ochre to burnished amber—each bloom anchored by a deep, inky black eye that seems to glow at dusk. “Autumn Colors” forms a sturdy, upright clump of richly textured foliage and produces abundant, daisy-like flowers with a crisp, satiny sheen that holds its presence in the garden for weeks. Grow it for long-lasting color in beds and borders, and enjoy its effortless, pollinator-friendly charm as it settles into a late-season show.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 50°F and nights stay above 40°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

For fastest establishment, sow in a tray and transplant/plant out after frost danger, keeping moisture steady until roots form.