How to Grow Black-eyed Susan Vine
Thunbergia alata
Black-eyed Susan Vine is a tender annual climber with cheerful orange flowers sporting a distinctive dark eye. Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost, or sow direct once soil is warm. Provide a trellis, obelisk, or let it trail from a hanging basket. Flowers appear about 60 days after transplanting and continue until frost. Feed fortnightly once in bloom and deadhead regularly for the best display. Full sun and moist, well-drained soil give the strongest growth.
When to Start
Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outdoors once night temperatures stay above 10°C and soil has warmed to at least 15°C.
Don't know your frost date? Find it here →
Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Feed fortnightly with a balanced liquid fertiliser once flowering begins. Container plants benefit from weekly feeding.
- A vigorous tender annual climber reaching 1.5-2.5m. Iconic orange flowers with dark centres bloom all summer until the first frost. Thrives in full sun with moist, well-drained soil. Ideal for trellises, obelisks, hanging baskets, and containers.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 15°C+
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
Want your full season plan with reminders? Try Leaftide free
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | null cm |
| Mature height | 250 cm |
| Mature spread | 100 cm |
Space 25-35cm apart at the base of a trellis, obelisk, or other support. Also excellent trailing from hanging baskets and containers.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 15°C |
| Base growth temperature | 10°C |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Black-eyed Susan Vine?
- Plant Black-eyed Susan Vine 30cm apart with nullcm between rows.
- When does Black-eyed Susan Vine flower?
- Black-eyed Susan Vine typically flowers approximately 60 days after transplanting.
- Is Black-eyed Susan Vine frost hardy?
- Black-eyed Susan Vine is classified as Tender.
