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How to Grow Black-eyed Susan Vine

Thunbergia alata

Tender Warm Season Continuous Harvest

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.

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Growth Stages

Sow seeds
Germination ~14d
Flowering ~100d

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.

Companion Planting

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Growing Conditions

Min. soil temperature: 15°C+

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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.

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Care Guide

Feeding
Feed fortnightly with a balanced liquid fertiliser once flowering begins. Container plants benefit from weekly feeding.
Watch for
  • Whitefly (especially under glass)
  • Spider mites in hot dry conditions
  • Aphids on young growth

Growing Conditions

Min. soil temperature15°C
Base growth temperature10°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.

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