How to Plant, Grow, and Care For ‘Cherokee Sunset’ Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susans are an excellent plant to have around, and ‘Cherokee Sunset’ is a particularly special cultivar. They are wonderfully adaptable and attract a wide range of pollinators. They make wonderful companions in the vegetable garden, and they self-sow freely, multiplying year after year. 

Growing this plant is easy and straightforward, and quite rewarding. They’re also native to most of North America, making them beneficial to the ecosystem and local wildlife. Of the many varieties, ‘Cherokee Sunset’ black-eyed Susans are one of the prettiest.

‘Cherokee Sunset’ Black-Eyed Susan Overview

Plant Type Tender perennial or annual Family Asteraceae Genus Rudbeckia Species Hirta	Native Area North America Exposure Full sun Height 2’-3’ Watering Requirements Low to moderate	Pests & Diseases Aphids, slugs, Japanese beetles, leaf spot, powdery mildew, stem rot Maintenance Low Soil Type Well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic Hardiness Zone 5-9

What Is It?

‘Cherokee Sunset’ black-eyed Susan is an eye-catching, ornamental variety loved for its boldly hued blooms. This dramatically beautiful cultivar is an incredibly prolific bloomer and a pollinator’s dream. It’s wonderful for the cutting garden and is the recipient of a Fleuroselect Award. It also won an All-America Selections award in 2002. 

Characteristics

When it comes to special varieties of classic flowers, ‘Cherokee Sunset’ is at the top of the list. This black-eyed Susan cultivar has the same velvety stems and foliage as the original. This characteristic protects its flowers from ants. It’s a medium-sized variety that’s typical in all respects except for its flowers. 

Where the standard for this species is a cheerful yellow single bloom with a dark eye, this one is bolder. The flowers are double-petaled and, rather than the run-of-the-mill, solid yellow, they come in a range of warm shades. 

This ideal autumn flower has excellent variation between blooms. Some are orange, some brown, some yellow, but most are a melange of colors. All have a signature, dark chocolate center where you’re likely to find a native bee or two. 

Native Area

The species, Rudbeckia hirta, is native to a significant portion of North America. It spans from one coast to the other, and from Florida well north into Canada. When it comes to their environment, these are adaptable and tolerant. 

You will find black-eyed Susans in prairies, meadows, open woodlands, and on rocky slopes. They grow in both moist and dry soil types. They are commonly used in the restoration of disturbed areas. 

Planting

The ideal planting times are in the fall, before the first frost, or in spring, after the last frost. In mild climates, fall planting is preferable, as it results in earlier flowering and better reseeding. In cooler climates, it’s wise to start your seeds about six weeks ahead of the last frost date for a better and longer bloom time. 

While you can grow these in a container, they tend to grow larger when planted in the ground. These plants require about one foot to 18 inches of space between them, in loose, well-drained soil. 

Transplanting

‘Cherokee Sunset’ black-eyed Susans are easy to grow from seeds, and often self-sow in the fall. However, you may find them at a nursery and want to plant established starts for blooming earlier in the summer. They prefer fertile soil, but will tolerate less fertile soil. If you want them to reach their full potential, it’s a good idea to mix some compost into the soil when you plant them. 

Set them in the ground with the crown level with the soil’s surface. After planting, water them well, and apply a light layer of mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Growing From Seed

If you want to get an early start, consider starting your seeds indoors. However, it’s easiest to direct sow them, and typically just as successful. The seeds do need cold stratification, so keep that in mind. If you start them indoors in the spring, place them in the refrigerator for about a month beforehand. 

The ideal time to direct sow these seeds outdoors is in the fall. This way, they receive natural cold exposure and germinate earlier in the spring. 

Prepare your soil by removing weeds and loosening it if compacted. Then rake to smooth it over. 

You can scatter seeds over the prepared area and then lightly cover them with about 1/8 inch of soil. Otherwise, you can space them out and lightly press them into the surface of the soil. Because they are small and won’t germinate until spring, it’s good to plant more than you think you want. 

Gently water the ground where you’ve planted your seeds, being careful not to wash them away. 

In the spring, water the area to keep the soil evenly moist until your seeds sprout. Once they are large enough, thin your plants to about one every foot to two feet apart, keeping the more robust plants.

1. The ideal time to direct sow these seeds outdoors is in the fall. This way, they receive natural cold exposure and germinate earlier in the spring.
2. Prepare your soil by removing weeds and loosening it if compacted. Then rake to smooth it over. 
3. You can scatter seeds over the prepared area and then lightly cover them with about 1/8 inch of soil. Otherwise, you can space them out and lightly press them into the surface of the soil. Because they are small and won’t germinate until spring, it’s good to plant more than you think you want. 
4. Gently water the ground where you’ve planted your seeds, being careful not to wash them away. 
5. In the spring, water the area to keep the soil evenly moist until your seeds sprout. 
6. Once they are large enough, thin your plants to about one every foot to two feet apart, keeping the more robust plants.

How to Grow

‘Cherokee Sunset’ black-eyed Susans are easy to grow and care for. They are easygoing and require minimal maintenance, aside from regular watering during droughts. 

Light

These plants require full sun exposure for optimal performance. They bloom best with a minimum of six hours of sun exposure daily. More is better. In hot climates, give your plants a space that receives some shade in the afternoon. This will prolong their flowers. 

Without sufficient sun, your plants won’t bloom as profusely, and there are other potential issues. They may grow taller, reaching for the light, which makes them leggy and weak. In humid environments, if they don’t get enough sun, they are susceptible to powdery mildew.

Water

While they are young, ‘Cherokee Sunset’ black-eyed Susans need moderate moisture. Keep the soil moist until the plants are substantial. Once mature, they are far more drought-tolerant. They will wilt when dehydrated, so you’ll know when to water them.

Water three times per week when they are young, and then once a week once they are mature. While they are blooming, it’s best to provide them with more consistent watering. This will prolong the bloom period and the life of the individual flowers. 

Soil

Rudbeckia is adaptable and will tolerate poor soil types, but it prefers moderately fertile soil. Well-drained soil is essential, as they are susceptible to root rot if they regularly have wet feet. 

Ideally, a mix of sand and loam, moderate fertility, and slightly acidic soil is ideal. If the soil is too fertile, your ‘Cherokee Sunset’ black-eyed Susans may grow tall and floppy. 

Temperature and Humidity

For the most part, these plants are not particularly sensitive to hot weather, but they perform their best when grown between 60 and 85°F (16-29°C). In periods of prolonged hot and humid weather, their health may suffer. Moderate humidity is best. High humidity can promote fungal disease. 

Fertilizing

As long as you have moderately fertile soil, there is no need to fertilize. In containers, fertilize with a diluted liquid formula every four to six weeks. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas, and instead opt for a bloom booster if you choose to fertilize. 

Maintenance

Deadheading is a good practice for keeping your ‘Cherokee Sunset’ blooming. It will encourage flowering and keep things looking tidy. If your plants get leggy and floppy, give them a midseason trim. Reduce their total size by about one-third. 

Propagation

Propagation is possible by seeds, division, and cuttings, but cuttings are unreliable. Division is suitable for splitting your plants in the fall. However, they are so easy to grow from seeds that this is the most common method. 

Seeds

We previously discussed growing them from seeds, but I have one additional suggestion. If you want to grow more plants in the coming years, wait until the seed heads dry out and harvest them. You can simply spread them in the area or move them to a new location. 

Division

In warmer climates where they are perennial, you can divide your ‘Cherokee Sunset’ black-eyed Susans in spring or fall. Dig up the clumps of roots and use a sharp knife to divide the root ball into sections. 

Make sure that each section has healthy roots attached. Once they’re split up, re-plant your divisions on their own. Apply a thin layer of mulch, and water well. Continue to keep the soil moist, but not soggy, until they’re established.  

Common Problems

Black-eyed Susans have relatively few issues and are generally tough, tolerant plants. There are a few issues you may encounter, and some of them are fatal, but some can affect the overall vigor of your plant. 

Pests

The prickly stems and leaves help ward off a significant number of pests for these plants. We consider them pest-resistant, but there are a few that may pop up. A stressed plant will be more susceptible to pests, so maintaining good care is essential. 

Aphids don’t discriminate, and I’ve yet to meet a plant they won’t feed on. They distort leaves and can leave behind a sticky mess. Their excrement is susceptible to fungal growth. Ladybugs and their larvae are a great control for aphids and many other insects. Blast them with a strong stream of water from a hose. Insecticidal soaps are effective, but they can be harmful to pollinators when the plant is in bloom. 

Slugs and snails may show up, but it’s rare. Picking them off by hand or creating a moat of diatomaceous earth is an effective treatment for these. Japanese beetles are another insect that will feed on this plant, skeletonizing the leaves. Neem oil can deter them, but you can handpick them early in the morning for a more effective solution.  

Diseases

Black-eyed Susans are typically disease-free, but some fungal issues may occur in humid climates. Powdery mildew, leaf spot, and mildew are not uncommon. It’s best to remove all affected foliage. If this doesn’t stop the problem, treat with neem oil or a copper-based fungicide to prevent spread to healthy parts of the plant. 

Avoid overwatering or watering in the evening. Morning watering and proper ventilation are key ways to prevent fungal diseases, as well as using soil line irrigation.