Perennial Flower

When to Plant Black-Eyed Susans in Florida

Cheerful golden blooms that attract butterflies and tolerate drought. A backbone of the low-maintenance perennial garden.

The Short Answer

Black-eyed Susans grow in Florida but perform best in the northern part of the state where winter dormancy is possible. South Florida is marginal.

Florida Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Florida you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Florida 8a, 8b, 9a Feb 15 - Mar 10 Nov 15 - Dec 10
Central Florida 9a, 9b, 10a Jan 15 - Feb 10 Dec 10 - Jan 5
South Florida 10a, 10b, 11a Rare Rare

Black-Eyed Susans Planting Schedule for Florida

North Florida (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)

Average last frost: Feb 15 - Mar 10 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 10

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
1 wks after frost
Direct Sow
1 wks after frost

Central Florida (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 5

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
1 wks after frost
Direct Sow
1 wks after frost

South Florida (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)

Average last frost: Rare · Average first frost: Rare

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
1 wks after frost
Direct Sow
1 wks after frost

Growing Black-Eyed Susans in Florida

State-Specific Growing Tips

North Florida: plant from October through March. The native Florida Rudbeckia hirta is well-adapted. Central Florida: achievable with good drainage. South Florida: marginal.

Recommended Varieties for Florida

Rudbeckia hirta (Florida native) is best adapted. Goldsturm works in north Florida.

Common Challenges in Florida

Root rot in poorly drained sandy soils during wet season. Heat stress in south Florida. Better in north Florida.

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:

Coneflowers Ornamental Grasses

The Bottom Line

Black-Eyed Susans can be grown successfully in Florida with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Florida gardeners work with a last frost around Feb 15 - Mar 10, while South Florida sees frost end around Rare. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Black-Eyed Susans Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Florida Planting Calendar All plants for Florida Black-Eyed Susans in Alabama Alabama planting dates Black-Eyed Susans in Alaska Alaska planting dates Black-Eyed Susans in Arizona Arizona planting dates Black-Eyed Susans in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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