SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Autumn Colors

Black-eyed Susan
Zone 3a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Autumn Colors to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Autumn Colors
70d to harvest

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.

Crop Dates

MilestoneDate
Start IndoorsApr 3rd
Last FrostMay 15th
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsMay 8th
Harvest BeginsJul 17th
Harvest EndsSep 1st

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity70
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitClumping
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)50
Min Night Temp (°F)40
Harden Off (days)7

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Autumn Colors in Zone 3a typically begins around 2026-05-08. Wait until soil reaches at least 50°F before transplanting Autumn Colors.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 3a, the average last spring frost is around May 15. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Autumn Colors.

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.
Botanical illustration of Autumn Colors

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.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Autumn Colors in Zone 3a typically begins around 2026-05-08. Wait until soil reaches at least 50°F before transplanting Autumn Colors.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 3a, the average last spring frost is around May 15. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Autumn Colors.

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.

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