Perennial Flower

When to Plant Black-Eyed Susans in Michigan

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

The Short Answer

Black-eyed Susans are reliable Michigan perennials that bloom from July through September, providing late-summer color when many other perennials have finished.

Michigan Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Upper Peninsula 4a, 4b, 5a May 15 - Jun 5 Sep 10 - Sep 25
Northern Lower Michigan 5a, 5b May 10 - May 25 Sep 20 - Oct 5
Southern Michigan 5b, 6a, 6b Apr 25 - May 10 Oct 1 - Oct 15

Black-Eyed Susans Planting Schedule for Michigan

Upper Peninsula (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a)

Average last frost: May 15 - Jun 5 · Average first frost: Sep 10 - Sep 25

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

Northern Lower Michigan (Zones 5a, 5b)

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

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

Southern Michigan (Zones 5b, 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 25 - May 10 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15

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

Growing Black-Eyed Susans in Michigan

State-Specific Growing Tips

Plant from late April through September. Full sun. Tolerates Michigan's varied soils including clay. Drought-tolerant once established. Leave seed heads for winter bird feeding. Divide every 3-4 years.

Recommended Varieties for Michigan

Goldsturm, Indian Summer. Michigan's native black-eyed Susans grow along roadsides statewide.

Common Challenges in Michigan

Powdery mildew in humid summers. Otherwise trouble-free.

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 Michigan with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Upper Peninsula gardeners work with a last frost around May 15 - Jun 5, while Southern Michigan sees frost end around Apr 25 - May 10. 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 Michigan Planting Calendar All plants for Michigan 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

Ready to Start Planting?

Enter your zip code and pick your plant. We'll tell you exactly when to plant, start seeds, and harvest — based on where you live.

Find Your Planting Dates