Maya

Black-eyed Susan

Zone 9b Save Garden

🌱 75d to harvest Upright

Velvety petals unfurl in warm, sunlit tones around a bold, inky center—Maya Black-eyed Susan is a living bouquet that seems to gl…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Dec 15th
Last Frost	Feb 9th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Mar 23rd
Harvest Begins	Jun 6th
Harvest Ends	Dec 9th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	45
Harden Off (days)	7

Recommended Companions

Green Twister Echinacea

Irish Eyes Black-eyed Susan

Denver Daisy Black-eyed Susan

Fiery Meadow Mama Echinacea

Black-Eyed Susan Black-Eyed Susan

Rhapsody In Blue Salvia

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common pest or disease issue for Rudbeckia hirta (black-eyed Susan), and how can I treat it at home?

Rudbeckia hirta commonly gets powdery mildew, especially in humid weather and dense plantings. Water at the soil line (not the leaves), space plants so air can circulate, and remove heavily infected foliage; if it keeps recurring, spray with a sulfur-based fungicide labeled for ornamental flowering plants and reapply per the label interval.

How often should I water Rudbeckia hirta during its main growing phase?

During the active growing and bloom period, keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—about 1 inch of water per week, increasing slightly during hot spells. Let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry before watering again, since Rudbeckia hirta tolerates short dry periods better than continuously wet soil.

How can I tell when Rudbeckia hirta is ready to harvest for cut flowers (or seed)?

For cut flowers, harvest when the ray petals are fully open and the center disk is firm and fully dark (typically around 75 days). For seed, leave heads on the plant until the center disk turns dry and brittle and seeds look mature; cut the heads and dry them in a warm, airy spot before removing the seed.

Velvety petals unfurl in warm, sunlit tones around a bold, inky center—Maya Black-eyed Susan is a living bouquet that seems to glow from within. Expect a sturdy, upright clump with richly textured blooms that hold their form through breezy days, delivering long-lasting color in the garden. Ideal for creating carefree drifts and vivid borders, Maya shines as a standout ornamental perennial/biennial for seasons of effortless, eye-catching presence.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 45°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

Start early and transplant into warm, well-drained soil; Rudbeckia establishes faster with full sun and consistent moisture until it roots.