Perennial Flower

When to Plant Black-Eyed Susans in Hawaii

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

The Short Answer

In Hawaii, plant black-eyed susans based on your regional frost dates. Coastal Hawaii has a last frost around None, while Upcountry/Mountain sees frost end around Rare. Tropical. Year-round growing season at lower elevations. Elevation creates microclimates. Plant warm-season crops...

Hawaii Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Coastal Hawaii 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a None None
Upcountry/Mountain 10a, 10b, 11a Rare Rare

Black-Eyed Susans Planting Schedule for Hawaii

Coastal Hawaii (Zones 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a)

Average last frost: None · Average first frost: None

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

Upcountry/Mountain (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 Hawaii

Black-Eyed Susans in Hawaii'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 Hawaii

Volcanic soils — extremely fertile but can be acidic. Excellent drainage on slopes. Varies dramatically by island and elevation.

Hawaii Climate & Growing Season

Tropical. Year-round growing season at lower elevations. Elevation creates microclimates. Plant warm-season crops anytime. Black-Eyed Susans can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Hawaii's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across Hawaii: Coastal Hawaii (11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a) has a last frost around None, while Upcountry/Mountain (10a, 10b, 11a) sees frost end around Rare. 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:

Coneflowers Ornamental Grasses

The Bottom Line

Black-Eyed Susans can be grown successfully across Hawaii, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Coastal Hawaii gardeners should plan around a None last frost, while those in Upcountry/Mountain can typically plant later. 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 Hawaii Planting Calendar All plants for Hawaii 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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