When to Plant Black-Eyed Susans in Arizona
Cheerful golden blooms that attract butterflies and tolerate drought. A backbone of the low-maintenance perennial garden.
The Short Answer
Arizona Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Arizona you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Arizona (Flagstaff) | 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a | May 15 - Jun 5 | Sep 15 - Oct 10 |
| Central Arizona (Phoenix) | 9a, 9b, 10a | Jan 15 - Feb 10 | Dec 1 - Dec 20 |
| Southern Arizona (Tucson) | 8b, 9a, 9b | Feb 1 - Feb 25 | Nov 20 - Dec 15 |
Black-Eyed Susans Planting Schedule for Arizona
Northern Arizona (Flagstaff) (Zones 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: May 15 - Jun 5 · Average first frost: Sep 15 - Oct 10
Central Arizona (Phoenix) (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)
Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 1 - Dec 20
Southern Arizona (Tucson) (Zones 8b, 9a, 9b)
Average last frost: Feb 1 - Feb 25 · Average first frost: Nov 20 - Dec 15
Growing Black-Eyed Susans in Arizona
Black-Eyed Susans in Arizona's Climate
Black-eyed Susans grow in the northern parts of subtropical zones (north Florida, south Texas). In the hottest areas, they may underperform compared to more tropical-adapted wildflowers. Native Florida Rudbeckia species are best adapted.
Soil Considerations for Arizona
Alkaline, mineral-rich desert soils. Low organic matter. Heavy amendment with compost essential. Caliche layers may need to be broken.
Arizona Climate & Growing Season
Extreme heat in summer lowlands. Two planting seasons in Phoenix — spring and fall (summer is too hot). High elevation has traditional cold-climate seasons. Black-Eyed Susans can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Arizona's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across Arizona: Northern Arizona (Flagstaff) (4b, 5a, 5b, 6a) has a last frost around May 15 - Jun 5, while Southern Arizona (Tucson) (8b, 9a, 9b) sees frost end around Feb 1 - Feb 25. This difference matters for black-eyed susans — but black-eyed susans handle frost well, so the timing difference is less critical.
Growing Tips
Leave seed heads standing through winter for birds and visual interest. Self-seeds freely — deadhead if you don't want more.
Companion Planting
Plant black-eyed susans alongside these companions for better growth:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026