Start seeds directly in the garden once the threat of frost passes. Plant seeds in a sunny, sheltered spot in well-drained, rich garden soil. Plant seeds 6 inches apart and ½ inch deep. Place a climbing support, such as a trellis or tripod, nearby at planting time. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Don’t panic if seedlings don’t emerge right away; black-eyed Susan seeds often require 21 or more days to germinate. After germination, the plants grow slowly until midsummer, after which they grow quickly—scurrying up a trellis and creating towers of sunny yellow blossoms. Build a trellis for your flowers to climb on.
Pollinators’ Buffet
Black-eyed Susan vine is a favorite nectar source for bees and butterflies. Plant it near a patio or porch where you can enjoy the antics of winged visitors when they visit. Pair this cheerful flowering vine with other nectar-rich plants for a grand backyard nectar buffet. Easy-to-grow annuals for bees and butterflies include ageratum, zinnias, cosmos, and nasturtium. See more plants that attract pollinators.
More Varieties of Black-Eyed Susan Vine
‘Little Susie’ black-eyed Susan vine
A Thunbergia alata that bears white flowers with a chocolate-purple center. It climbs to 8 feet. Zone 10-11, but it’s usually grown as an annual.
‘Orange A-Peel’ black-eyed Susan vine
Bright orange blossoms with dark eyes. A Thunbergia alata that looks great in containers. Zones 10-11.
Orange Clock Vine
Thunbergia gregorii is distinguished from the closely related black-eyed Susan vine by its rich, pure orange flowers. This vine climbs 8-10 feet high with support or will scramble over the ground and become a groundcover. Zones 10-11, but usually grown as an annual.
‘Sunny Lemon Star’ black-eyed Susan vine
This variety of Thunbergia alata offers big yellow flowers with brown centers. It climbs to 8 feet. Zone 10-11, but it’s usually grown as an annual.
‘White-Eyed Susie’ black-eyed Susan vine
Profuse blossoms of Thunbergia alata that are clear white with bold black eyes. Zones 10-11.
