If you have a patch of Black Eyed Susans that’s getting crowded or you simply want to move them to a sunnier spot, you might be wondering, can you transplant Black Eyed Susans? The answer is a resounding yes, and with the right timing and technique, these cheerful perennials will settle into their new home with ease.
This guide walks you through the simple process of relocating these garden favorites. We’ll cover the best times to move them, how to prepare the new site, and the steps to ensure they thrive after the move. With a little care, you can enjoy their golden blooms in a better spot for years to come.
Can You Transplant Black Eyed Susans
Transplanting Black Eyed Susans is a straightforward task that even beginner gardeners can handle. These plants are surprisingly tough and adaptable. The key to success lies in minimizing root shock and giving them the conditions they prefer in their new location.
When is the Best Time to Transplant?
Timing is the most important factor for a successful move. Getting it right gives your plants the best chance to establish new roots before facing extreme weather.
- Early Spring: This is the ideal time. Transplant just as new growth begins to emerge from the soil. The cool, moist weather helps plants recover without the stress of summer heat.
- Early Fall: The second-best option. Aim for about 6 weeks before your first expected frost. This allows the roots to get settled before winter dormancy.
- Avoid Summer: The heat and dry conditions of summer put immense stress on transplanted perennials. Survival rates drop significantly.
- Avoid Full Bloom: Try not to move them when they are flowering heavily. The plant’s energy is focused on blooming, not root growth.
Preparing the New Planting Site
Before you dig up a single plant, have the new hole ready. This reduces the time the roots are exposed to air and sunlight.
- Sunlight: Choose a spot that gets full sun, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily.
- Soil: Black Eyed Susans aren’t picky but prefer well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or aged manure to improve texture.
- Spacing: Dig holes about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for good air circulation, which prevents fungal diseases.
- Depth: The hole should be slightly wider than the root ball you expect to dig up, and just as deep.
Gathering Your Tools
You won’t need anything fancy. Just gather these basic items:
- A sharp spade or garden fork
- A garden trowel
- Watering can or hose
- Gardening gloves
- Wheelbarrow or bucket (for moving the plant)
- Compost or other organic matter
Step-by-Step Transplanting Guide
Follow these numbered steps for a smooth relocation process.
Step 1: Water Thoroughly
One or two days before you plan to move them, give your Black Eyed Susans a deep watering. Moist soil will hold together better around the roots, and a hydrated plant handles stress better.
Step 2: Dig Up the Plant
Use your spade to dig a wide circle around the plant, about 6 to 8 inches from the base. Push the spade deep to get under the root system. Gently lever the plant up, trying to keep the root ball intact. Lift it out and place it in your wheelbarrow.
Step 3: Prepare the Root Ball
Once the plant is out, you can gently shake off some of the excess soil to inspect the roots. If the clump is very large and dense, you can actually divide it now. Use your spade or even two garden forks back-to-back to pry it apart into smaller sections. Each division should have several shoots and a healthy bunch of roots.
Step 4: Place in the New Hole
Set the plant or division into the prepared hole. The crown of the plant (where the stems meet the roots) should sit level with the surrounding soil surface. Avoid planting to deep, as this can cause rot. Backfill the hole with the native soil, mixed with a bit of compost if you have it. Gently firm the soil around the base with your hands.
Step 5: Water and Mulch
Immediately after planting, give the transplant a slow, deep watering to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Then, apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, like shredded bark or straw, around the plant. Keep the mulch a couple inches away from the stems themselves. This helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool.
Aftercare for Transplanted Black Eyed Susans
Your job isn’t quite done after planting. A little extra attention in the first few weeks ensures strong establishment.
- Consistent Watering: This is crucial. Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) for the first 3-4 weeks. Water every other day if there’s no rain.
- Hold the Fertilizer: Don’t fertilize at planting time or right after. This can encourage leafy growth at the expense of root development. Wait until next spring.
- Deadhead Spent Blooms: If your plant was in bud when you moved it, go ahead and let it flower. But snip off the spent flowers to encourage more blooms and direct energy to the roots.
- Stake if Needed: Tall varieties might be a bit loose in the ground. Use a simple stake for support in their first season.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with good care, you might encounter a minor issue or two. Here’s what to look for.
Transplant Shock (Wilting)
Some wilting in the first few days is normal. The plant is focusing on root repair. Continue your regular watering schedule and provide afternoon shade if possible with a temporary cloth. They should perk up within a week or so.
Failure to Thrive
If the plant still looks sad after several weeks, check the soil drainage. Soggy soil is a common killer. Also, ensure it’s getting enough sunlight; too much shade leads to leggy growth and few flowers.
Pests and Diseases
Healthy, well-spaced plants have few problems. Watch for powdery mildew in humid conditions, which looks like a white powder on leaves. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent it. Slugs might nibble new growth; use an organic slug bait if needed.
Why Transplanting is a Great Idea
Moving your Black Eyed Susans isn’t just about fixing a mistake. It’s a valuable gardening technique.
- Revitalizes Old Clumps: Mature plants can become thin in the center. Dividing and transplanting reinvigorates them.
- Controls Spread: These plants can self-seed and spread. Transplanting lets you manage where they grow.
- Free Plants: Dividing one large plant gives you two or three new ones for free! Share them with friends or fill other areas of your garden.
- Better Garden Design: It allows you to adjust your garden layout as it matures, creating more pleasing groupings of color and texture.
FAQ: Your Transplant Questions Answered
Can I move Black Eyed Susans in the summer?
It’s not recommended. The heat stress is significant. If you must, do it on a cloudy, cool day, water excessively, and provide temporary shade. Expect some loss.
How deep should I plant them?
Plant them at the same depth they were growing before. You can usually see a soil line on the stems. Burying the crown to deep is a common error.
Can I transplant seedlings or young plants?
Yes, young plants are actually very easy to move. Follow the same steps, just be extra gentle with their smaller root systems.
Should I cut them back before moving?
In spring or fall, it’s a good idea to trim the foliage back by about one-third. This reduces water loss through the leaves and helps the plant focus on roots. Don’t cut them all the way down.
How soon will they flower after transplanting?
If you transplant in early spring, they should flower on schedule that same summer. Fall transplants will focus on roots and will bloom normally the following year.
Transplanting Black Eyed Susans is a simple and rewarding garden task. By choosing the right time, preparing the new site, and providing attentive aftercare, you can successfully relocate these resilient flowers. They’ll thank you for it with seasons of reliable, sunny blooms in their new, better-suited spot. Remember, a well-placed plant is a happy plant, and moving them is often the secret to a healthier, more beautiful garden.