Perennial Flower

When to Plant Black-Eyed Susans in Georgia

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

The Short Answer

Black-eyed Susans are native Georgia wildflowers that bloom along roadsides and in meadows across the state. They're as easy in the garden as they are in the wild.

Georgia Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Georgia Mountains 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Central Georgia 7b, 8a Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15
South Georgia 8a, 8b, 9a Feb 28 - Mar 15 Nov 10 - Nov 25

Black-Eyed Susans Planting Schedule for Georgia

North Georgia Mountains (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

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

Central Georgia (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 1 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 15

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

South Georgia (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)

Average last frost: Feb 28 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25

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

Growing Black-Eyed Susans in Georgia

State-Specific Growing Tips

Plant from fall through spring. Full sun. Tolerates Georgia's clay and heat. Drought-tolerant once established. Self-seeds freely. Leave seed heads for birds.

Recommended Varieties for Georgia

Goldsturm. Georgia's native Rudbeckia hirta is perfectly adapted.

Common Challenges in Georgia

Nearly maintenance-free in Georgia's conditions. Powdery mildew occasionally.

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 Georgia with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Georgia Mountains gardeners work with a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 20, while South Georgia sees frost end around Feb 28 - Mar 15. 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 Georgia Planting Calendar All plants for Georgia 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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