Do I need to fertilize my Rudbeckia?

They generally do not need much fertilizer. A light application of compost in the spring is usually enough.

Will deadheading help?

Yes, removing faded flowers prevents the plant from setting seed and encourages it to produce more blooms.

Why is my Black-eyed Susan not blooming? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Count the hours of direct sun the plant gets each day.
Check if you have recently applied a heavy nitrogen fertilizer.
Ensure the plant is mature enough to bloom.

Likely causes

Insufficient Sunlight
Most likely
How to tell: The plant looks healthy and green but produces no flower buds. It may also look slightly stretched or weak.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily. If it is in the ground, consider trimming back nearby shrubs that might be shading it.
Excess Nitrogen Fertilizer
Possible
How to tell: The plant has lush, dark green foliage but no flowers. This happens when you feed it too much nitrogen, which encourages leaves instead of blooms.
What to do: Stop using high nitrogen fertilizers immediately. Switch to a balanced fertilizer with a higher middle number, like a 5-10-10, to encourage flower production.

Other plants that won't flower

Find out what's wrong with your black-eyed susan

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

It is normal for young plants in their first year to focus on root growth rather than flowers. Worry if the plant is well established and still refuses to bloom by mid summer.

Stopping it coming back

Plant in a location with full sun and avoid over fertilizing. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage the plant to put energy into new flowers.

Black-eyed Susan: not flowering? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your black-eyed susan and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Do I need to fertilize my Rudbeckia?: They generally do not need much fertilizer. A light application of compost in the spring is usually enough.
Will deadheading help?: Yes, removing faded flowers prevents the plant from setting seed and encourages it to produce more blooms.

Why is my Black-eyed Susan not blooming?