Black-eyed Susans are bright, cheerful flowers that light up the garden with their golden-yellow petals and deep brown centers.
They bloom through summer and into fall, often lasting longer than many other perennials.
By the time June rolls around, these flowers are actively growing and preparing to put on their show. This is the month where a little effort goes a long way.
With the right care, you can help them bloom stronger, grow taller, and stay healthy through heat, wind, and rain.
Best Spot to Help Them Thrive
Black-eyed Susans love the sun and need plenty of it to grow at their best.
They prefer full sun for most of the day, and June provides just the right conditions to give them what they need.
If they get less than six hours of direct sunlight, you may notice fewer blooms or tall, floppy stems.
If your plants are already in the ground and struggling, check for nearby trees or shrubs that may be casting shade. You can gently trim back anything that blocks the light.
They also prefer open air and space to breathe. This helps reduce moisture buildup on the leaves, which can lead to mildew or leaf spot.
The soil beneath them should be loose and well-draining. These plants are not picky, but soggy soil will weaken their roots over time.
If your soil tends to stay wet after rain, consider adding compost or sand to improve drainage. You can also mound the soil slightly when planting to lift the roots away from excess water.
Give them space to spread. Black-eyed Susans like to grow in clusters, and planting them too close together can limit airflow and encourage disease.
Choosing the right location in June helps set the stage for the rest of the summer.
Proper Water to Keep Them Strong
Black-eyed Susans are relatively drought-tolerant once established, but they still need a good watering routine, especially during their active growing season.
In June, as the days grow hotter and the plants get taller, consistent moisture helps support flower formation and healthy stems.
Water new plants more often. If you recently planted them in spring, their roots are still shallow and need more help during dry spells.
Aim to water early in the morning. This gives the leaves time to dry before evening, which helps prevent fungus and rot.
Stick to deep watering rather than frequent, shallow splashes. Let the water soak the soil about six inches deep to encourage the roots to grow downward.
For established plants, watering once or twice a week may be enough, depending on rainfall and temperature. Always check the top few inches of soil. If they are dry, it is time to water.
Avoid watering the leaves directly. Use a watering can or hose to deliver water to the base of the plant instead.
Mulch can also help hold in moisture and keep weeds from stealing it. A two-inch layer of straw, bark, or shredded leaves around the base can reduce how often you need to water.
Just be sure to keep mulch a couple of inches away from the stems.
Watering correctly in June keeps your black-eyed Susans strong and resilient when summer heat settles in.
The Right Time to Add Fertilizer
Black-eyed Susans are not heavy feeders, but they do benefit from a light boost during their growing season.
If your soil is poor or has not been amended in a while, June is a good time to offer some support.
You can start with compost. Mixing in a small amount of compost around the base gives the plants access to slow-release nutrients.
For a quicker option, you can use a balanced granular fertilizer like 10-10-10. Sprinkle a light amount around the base, then water it in thoroughly.
Avoid fertilizers that are too high in nitrogen. These can cause the plants to grow tall and leafy but produce fewer blooms.
If your plants look green and healthy but are not producing many buds, the soil may be too rich. In that case, skip the fertilizer and focus on trimming or thinning instead.
One application in June is usually enough to carry black-eyed Susans through the season. They are not like roses or tomatoes that need frequent feeding.
Plants in containers may need a little more attention. Use a diluted liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks, since nutrients in pots wash away faster.
Keep in mind that too much fertilizer can cause floppy growth and attract pests. The goal is to support the plant without overdoing it.
A healthy balance in June helps your black-eyed Susans develop fuller flowers and stronger stems that hold up well in the wind.
Ways to Encourage More Flowers
One of the simplest ways to keep black-eyed Susans blooming through the summer is to remove spent flowers.
This process, known as deadheading, encourages the plant to put energy into new blooms instead of seeds.
Check your plants a few times a week. When you see flowers that are drooping, drying out, or losing their color, it is time to clip them off.
Use clean, sharp scissors or garden shears. Snip the stem just above the next set of leaves or a new flower bud, if one is visible.
This not only keeps the plant looking tidy but also prevents self-seeding in areas where you do not want it to spread.
If you enjoy the look of seed heads or want to feed birds in the fall, you can leave some blooms in place later in the season. But in June, removing them keeps the flower show going strong.
Deadheading is especially helpful for black-eyed Susans in containers or tightly packed borders. It helps improve airflow and prevents mold and mildew from forming on fading flowers.
If you fall behind on deadheading, you can give the plant a light trim to reset it. Cut back about one-third of the stem length, and it will bounce back with fresh growth in a couple of weeks.
Staying on top of deadheading during June leads to more blooms and fewer pests.
How to Keep Them from Spreading Too Far
Black-eyed Susans are vigorous growers, and in June, they may start to expand faster than expected.
Their spreading habit makes them a great choice for filling in empty garden spaces, but it can also crowd out smaller, more delicate plants nearby.
Keep an eye on how much space your patch is taking up. If they are encroaching on other plants or growing beyond their border, you can gently thin or dig up a few sections.
This is easiest to do after watering, when the soil is soft and roots come up more easily.
For a cleaner shape, trim back the tallest stems that have not yet formed buds. This helps control the height and encourages more branching.
You can also pinch the tips of some stems early in the month to prevent flopping and promote a bushier look.
Black-eyed Susans spread both by seeds and underground rhizomes. Removing faded flowers and keeping the base of the plant tidy helps reduce unwanted spreading.
Dividing large clumps is usually done in spring or fall, but if you need to split a few in June, do it early in the month and water them well afterward.
Managing the spread keeps your garden balanced and lets other plants thrive alongside your black-eyed Susans.
Problems to Watch for in Summer
While these flowers are known for being tough, they still face a few problems during June.
One of the most common is powdery mildew. It appears as a white, dusty coating on leaves and often shows up in humid or shaded areas.
To prevent it, make sure your plants have good airflow. Do not plant too closely, and remove any weeds or tall grass growing around the base.
Water at the soil level and avoid splashing the leaves. If mildew appears, trim affected leaves and consider using a gentle spray of neem oil or a homemade mix of baking soda and water.
Slugs and snails may appear in gardens with mulch or damp conditions. They chew on leaves and leave behind slimy trails.
Try setting out shallow dishes of beer or using crushed eggshells to discourage them.
Another pest to watch for is aphids. They cluster on the stems and undersides of leaves. A strong spray of water often knocks them off, or you can use insecticidal soap if needed.
Yellowing leaves may point to poor drainage or overwatering. Always check the soil and adjust watering as necessary.
June is a good month to spot these issues early. Healthy, well-spaced plants are far less likely to suffer from pests or disease.
How to Keep Them from Falling Over
As black-eyed Susans grow taller in June, their stems can begin to lean or bend, especially in areas that receive strong winds or heavy rain.
This issue becomes more noticeable once the flowers start to bloom, as the weight of the blossoms can cause the stems to droop toward the ground.
When left unsupported, the flowers may fall into the soil, which can lead to damage, reduced airflow, or even fungal disease.
Adding gentle support early in the month can help prevent these problems and keep the plants looking tidy.
If you notice stems leaning, insert bamboo stakes or small support hoops into the ground next to the plants. Use garden twine or soft ties to loosely secure the stems without pinching them.
This allows the plant to continue growing naturally while staying upright.
For taller clusters, grouping several stems together with one central support stake can be an easy way to keep them from splaying outward.
Another method is early pinching or cutting back the tips of young stems before they begin to bud. This encourages the plant to grow bushier and more compact, with stronger stems that can support flowers without help.
Trimming back by a third early in June allows time for regrowth and often results in more blooms on shorter, sturdier stalks.
Dense planting also helps. When black-eyed Susans are grown close enough to support one another without overcrowding, they naturally lean on their neighbors for balance.
This works especially well in wildflower gardens or border plantings.
Keeping blooms upright also helps pollinators like bees and butterflies reach the flower centers more easily.
When the flowers are lifted and open to the sun, your garden looks more vibrant and welcoming.
Even a little extra support can help your black-eyed Susans stay healthy and full of color from June through the end of summer.
Final Thoughts
June is a powerful month for black-eyed Susans. The care you give now shapes how they bloom, spread, and thrive all summer.
A little extra effort with watering, shaping, and spacing makes a big difference in how they perform.
These flowers are tough, but they reward attention with long-lasting color, wildlife activity, and natural beauty.
Stay mindful of their water, space, and sunlight, and you will enjoy their golden faces well into the fall.
Gardening with black-eyed Susans is simple, satisfying, and full of color. Let them shine.