If you want to move your Black Eyed Susans to a new spot, you’re in the right place. Learning how to transplant Black Eyed Susans is a simple way to spread their cheerful color around your garden or share them with friends. These tough perennials handle moving well if you follow a few key steps at the right time.
This guide will walk you through the entire process, from choosing the perfect moment to helping them settle in. With a little care, your transplanted Rudbeckia will thrive and bloom beautifully in their new home.
How to Transplant Black Eyed Susans
Transplanting is basically giving your plant a new home. You dig it up from one location and replant it in another. For Black Eyed Susans, this is often done to thin out a crowded clump, control their spread, or simply move them to a sunnier spot. The good news is they are very resilient plants.
When is the Best Time to Transplant?
Timing is the most important factor for success. The ideal times are when the plant is not actively flowering and the weather is mild.
- Early Spring: This is the absolute best time. Transplant just as new growth emerges from the ground. The cool, moist soil helps roots establish with minimal stress.
- Early Fall: The second-best option. Aim for at least 6-8 weeks before your first hard frost. This gives the roots enough time to anchor before winter dormancy.
- Avoid Summer: The heat and dry conditions put immense stress on the plant, often leading to wilting or death.
- Avoid Peak Bloom: Don’t transplant while they are covered in flowers. The plant’s energy is focused on blooming, not root growth.
What You’ll Need
Gathering your tools before you start makes the job smoother. Here’s a simple list:
- A sharp shovel or spade
- A garden fork (very helpful)
- Pruners or sharp scissors
- A tarp or bucket for holding the plant
- Watering can or hose
- Compost or other organic matter
- Mulch (like shredded bark or leaves)
Step-by-Step Transplanting Guide
Step 1: Prepare the New Planting Hole
Always dig the new hole first. This minimizes the time the plant’s roots are exposed to air. The hole should be about twice as wide as the root ball you expect to dig up, and just as deep. Mix some compost into the soil you removed from the hole to improve nutrients and drainage.
Step 2: Water the Plant Thoroughly
The day before you plan to transplant, give your Black Eyed Susans a deep, slow watering. Well-hydrated plants handle the shock of moving much better than dry ones. This is a step many gardeners forget, but it’s crucial.
Step 3: Dig Up the Plant
Use your shovel to dig a wide circle around the plant, about 6-8 inches from the base. Push the shovel straight down to get as much of the root system as possible. Loosen the soil around the edges with a garden fork. Gently lift the entire clump onto your tarp or into a bucket.
Step 4: Divide the Clump (Optional)
This is the perfect time to divide your plant and get more for free! Lay the clump on its side. You can often pull it apart by hand, or use two garden forks back-to-back to pry tough roots apart. Each division should have several healthy shoots and a good amount of roots attached. Trim any dead or damaged roots with your pruners.
Step 5: Prune the Top Growth
To help balance the plant after root loss, cut back the foliage by about one-third to one-half. This reduces the demand on the roots and helps prevent excessive wilting. Don’t be afraid to cut them back—they’ll grow back bushier.
Step 6: Plant at the Right Depth
Place the division or whole clump in the new hole. The crown (where the stems meet the roots) should be level with the surrounding soil, not buried deeper. Backfill the hole with your soil-compost mix, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
Step 7: Water and Mulch Deeply
Water immediately and slowly until the soil is completely saturated. This is called “watering in.” Then, apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the plant (not touching the stems). Mulch conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature.
Aftercare for Your Transplanted Susans
Your job isn’t quite done after planting. Consistent aftercare ensures a quick recovery.
- Water Regularly: Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) for the first 4-6 weeks. Water deeply every few days if it doesn’t rain.
- Hold the Fertilizer: Do not fertilize at planting time or right after. This can encourage leaf growth at the expense of root development. Wait until next growing season.
- Monitor for Wilting: Some wilting in the first few days is normal. If it persists, provide some temporary afternoon shade with a cloth or basket for a week.
- Stake if Needed: Tall varieties might need staking in their first season if they seem floppy in the new location.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with care, sometimes issues arise. Here’s how to fix them.
- Severe Wilting: This usually means the roots are struggling to take up enough water. Ensure the soil is moist, provide temporary shade, and consider cutting the plant back a bit more.
- Yellowing Leaves: Could be overwatering, poor drainage, or transplant shock. Check that the soil isn’t waterlogged and adjust your watering schedule.
- No New Growth: Be patient. If you transplanted in fall, the plant may not show new growth until spring. If it was a spring move and nothing appears in a few weeks, the plant may not have survived—check the roots for rot.
Why Transplanting Sometimes Fails
Understanding the common mistakes helps you avoid them. The main reasons for failure are:
- Transplanting in hot, sunny summer weather.
- Letting the roots dry out during the process.
- Planting too deep in the new hole, which can cause crown rot.
- Not watering consistently after the move.
- Choosing a new location with poor sunlight (they need full sun!).
FAQ About Moving Black Eyed Susans
Can you transplant Black Eyed Susans in the summer?
It’s not recommended. The heat stress is significant. If you must, do it on a cool, cloudy day, cut the plant back hard, water relentlessly, and provide shade. Success is less guaranteed.
How often should you divide and transplant them?
Every 3-4 years is a good rule. You’ll know it’s time when the center of the clump dies out, leaving a ring of growth, or when flowering diminishes.
Do transplanted Black Eyed Susans bloom the first year?
If you transplant in early spring, they may bloom a bit later that same summer, but perhaps not as heavily. Fall-transplanted ones will focus on roots and should bloom normally the following year.
How deep do Black Eyed Susan roots go?
Their root systems are relatively shallow but fibrous and wide-spreading. This is why digging a wide circle when lifting them is more important than digging extremly deep.
What is the best soil for them?
They are adaptable but prefer well-draining soil. They tolerate clay if it doesn’t stay wet, and they thrive in soil amended with compost. Good drainage is key to prevent root rot.
Transplanting Black Eyed Susans is a rewarding garden task that helps manage and propagate these beloved flowers. By following the simple steps of choosing the right time, handling the roots with care, and providing good aftercare, you can successfully move them to create new displays of golden color in your landscape. Remember, their toughness is on your side, so don’t be nervous to give it a try.