Perennial Flower

When to Plant Black-Eyed Susans in New Hampshire

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

The Short Answer

In New Hampshire, plant black-eyed susans based on your regional frost dates. Northern New Hampshire has a last frost around May 20 - Jun 5, while Southern New Hampshire sees frost end around May 1 - May 20. Short growing season especially in north. Cold winters. Cool summers. Hardy varieties important.

New Hampshire Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern New Hampshire 3b, 4a, 4b May 20 - Jun 5 Sep 10 - Sep 25
Southern New Hampshire 5a, 5b, 6a May 1 - May 20 Sep 25 - Oct 10

Black-Eyed Susans Planting Schedule for New Hampshire

Northern New Hampshire (Zones 3b, 4a, 4b)

Average last frost: May 20 - 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

Southern New Hampshire (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10

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

Growing Black-Eyed Susans in New Hampshire

Black-Eyed Susans in New Hampshire's Climate

Black-eyed Susans are native wildflowers that thrive in cold-climate conditions. Plant divisions or nursery plants from spring through early fall. They handle poor soil, drought once established, and cold winters without complaint. Leave seed heads standing through winter for bird food and visual interest.

Soil Considerations for New Hampshire

Rocky, acidic New England soils. Glacial deposits. Granite bedrock. Raised beds essential in many areas.

New Hampshire Climate & Growing Season

Short growing season especially in north. Cold winters. Cool summers. Hardy varieties important. Black-Eyed Susans can handle frost well, which is an advantage in New Hampshire's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing season length varies across New Hampshire: Northern New Hampshire (3b, 4a, 4b) has a last frost around May 20 - Jun 5, while Southern New Hampshire (5a, 5b, 6a) sees frost end around May 1 - May 20. 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 New Hampshire, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern New Hampshire gardeners should plan around a May 20 - Jun 5 last frost, while those in Southern New Hampshire can typically plant earlier. 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 New Hampshire Planting Calendar All plants for New Hampshire 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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