Considering a Black Eyed Susan transplant? These hardy perennials not only bring a touch of wild beauty but also require minimal maintenance.
Transplanting Black-eyed Susans may not require an advanced degree, but it’s more than just a casual stroll in the garden.
You're reading: Black Eyed Susan Transplant: The 3 Processes
Precision is key, akin to measuring ingredients in a recipe, and a delicate touch is essential—treating those blooms like you would a fragile, newborn kitten.
In this article, we will guide you through the optimal times and methods for transplanting these charming flowers, ensuring their seamless adaptation and flourishing in their new environment.
Black-eyed Susan
Meet the cool cats of flowers—Black-eyed Susans!
With their bright yellow or gold petals and dark, moody centers, they’re like the rockstars of the garden, scientifically known as Rudbeckia hirta.
These North American natives belong to the sunflower family, Asteraceae, and are the MVPs of low-maintenance gardening.
Not only do they attract butterflies to their floral concerts, but they also handle drought like it’s just a minor hiccup.
These vibrant perennials steal the show from mid-summer till the first frost, giving your garden that extra touch of glam.
If you want the floral equivalent of a rockstar with zero diva demands, Black-eyed Susans are the green room heroes you’ve been waiting for!
Black Eyed Susan Transplant No.1 – When
Knowing the right time to transplant your Black-eyed Susans is crucial. Ideally, opt for spring or fall when frost is a no-show.
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Fall, in particular, is great—it lets the roots settle in before winter hits.
That said, these resilient plants can handle transplanting at any time of the year.
Their toughness means they can brave the process, even if it’s outside the recommended seasons.
Black Eyed Susan Transplant No.2 – Why
Dividing and transplanting your Black-eyed Susans is like giving them a spa day for optimal health.
Keep an eye out for signs of plant distress, like wimpy stems, a scarcity of leaves, or a decline in blooms—that’s the green light for transplantation.
Also, if your floral friends seem to be rubbing elbows a bit too closely, it’s a cue to step in and divide them.
Black-eyed Susans have a knack for multiplying and can become plant party crashers if left unchecked, swiftly taking over their neighbors.
So, if your Susans are showing signs of needing more elbow room, it’s time to pamper them with a transplant session.
Black Eyed Susan Transplant No.3 – How
Ready to take your plants on a journey?
Assemble your toolkit: a trusty shovel, precision garden shears, and a water-filled bucket to pamper those roots before their big move to a new spot.
1. Prepare Your Plants and Location
To minimize the time your Black-eyed Susans spend out of the ground, it’s best to prepare everything beforehand.
Start by deeply watering the plants.
- This will loosen the roots, making it easier to dig them out. It will also help hydrate and condition the plants for the upcoming move.
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Next, prepare the new location.
- Test the soil to determine if it lacks any nutrients.
- You can use an all-purpose fertilizer or compost to enrich the soil if necessary.
- Dig holes large enough to accommodate the root systems.
- A hole that is at least 12 inches deep and wide should suffice.
2. Dividing the Plant
With the new location prepared, it’s time to divide the Black-eyed Susans.
- Begin by cutting back the plant to make it more manageable for transportation.
- Trim the stems to approximately four inches from the ground.
- Using a shovel, carefully dig a circle around the plant to sever the roots. Angle the shovel into the soil and lift the plant out.
- If you’re dividing the plant, use a small shovel to break up the roots into smaller sections.
- Place the waiting plants in a bucket of water in a shaded area. This will further hydrate and protect them from shock.
- Let them soak for about an hour.
3. Transplanting Procedure
- Soak plants for an hour or less before moving.
- Choose the coolest times of the day, like early morning or late afternoon, to minimize stress during transplantation.
- Plant the soaked specimens into prepared holes, refill with soil, and cover with mulch.
- Apply a one-inch layer of mulch to retain moisture in the roots.
- Be patient; it may take a few weeks for Black-eyed Susans to fully recover from the transplantation process.
Black Eyed Susan Transplant – FAQs
Do Black-eyed Susans Need to be Divided?
Yes! Dividing Black-eyed Susans is essential. Although these plants are not considered invasive, they can spread and overtake neighboring plants if left unattended. By breaking them into smaller plants through division, you can maintain their health and prevent unwanted overcrowding.
Can Black-eyed Susans Grow in the Shade?
While Black-eyed Susans thrive best in full sun, with a minimum of six to eight hours of sunlight, they can tolerate partial shade. If you live in warmer zones, it’s advisable to protect them from intense afternoon sun. However, it’s essential to note that a sunny location is ideal for these flowers. Some varieties, such as Rudbeckia subtomentosa, show greater shade tolerance than others within the Black-eyed Susan family.
How Do You Deadhead Black-eyed Susans?
Deadheading Black-eyed Susans is a simple process. Pinch or cut off dying flowers just below the base of the petals. Alternatively, you can cut the stem all the way back to the bottom of the plant. While not mandatory, deadheading can prolong blooming, stimulate more blooms, and create a bushier appearance. It also helps control the spread of the plant as the flowers turn into seeds upon wilting. By removing the flowers before they scatter more seeds, you can prevent unnecessary plant growth.
How Deep Should You Plant Black-eyed Susans?
Black-eyed Susans have a fibrous root system, so when transplanting them, opt for a relatively shallow hole. A hole around 12 inches deep is sufficient. If you’re moving potted Black-eyed Susans, dig a hole as wide and deep as the pot they are planted in. If you’re growing them from seeds, avoid burying them. These seeds require light to germinate, so be cautious with the amount of soil you put on top of them. Some gardeners even recommend leaving the seeds on the soil’s surface without covering them.
How Long Do Black-eyed Susans Live?
Typically, Black-eyed Susans are treated as biennials or short-lived perennials. They usually live for two to three years, although their lifespan can vary depending on growing conditions. In their first year, these plants focus on developing foliage and establishing a robust root system. In the second (and sometimes third) year, they bloom, set seeds, and eventually die off. However, due to their prolific seed production, the appearance of a perennial presence is maintained in the garden through self-seeding. With proper care, including good soil, adequate sunlight, and proper watering, you can extend their lifespan.
The Resilient Black-eyed Susans
Black-eyed Susans are incredibly resilient plants that can survive transplantation at almost any time of the year.
However, to minimize transplant shock, it’s advisable to move them during late fall or spring.
Remember to divide your perennial Black-eyed Susans every three to four years to ensure their ongoing health and vigor.
To summarize, here’s a quick rundown of the transplanting steps:
- Deeply water the flowers you plan to move.
- Prepare the area where you’re moving the plants.
- Carefully dig out your Black-eyed Susans with roots intact.
- Transfer the plants to their new location.
- Mulch and water your plants.
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Source: https://thelittle.garden
Category: Gardening