Whether she’s climbing high or cascading down, the Black-eyed Susan vine is a total showstopper. Because she’s so versatile, you can almost always find a spot for her on your balcony. I say “almost” because this vibrant beauty is a bit of a diva—she only shows off those gorgeous colors if she gets plenty of sun and stays out of the wind.
The Perfect Spot for a Flower Explosion
At a bare minimum, your Black-eyed Susan needs three hours of sun a day, though she’d much prefer more. A south-facing balcony is usually the “sweet spot.” However, there are two other boxes you need to tick: the location needs to be shielded from the wind and tucked away from heavy rain. Steer clear of shady corners, or you’ll find that your plant won’t bloom much at all.
Choosing the Right Containers
These roots like to go deep, so your standard shallow window box isn’t going to cut it. Instead, reach for deep, large planters where you can easily secure a trellis or support. Hanging baskets are another fantastic option—let them dangle from the balcony ceiling or mount them to the wall so the vines can decorate your railing with a curtain of flowers.
Whatever container you choose, make sure it has a large drainage hole. This vine hates “wet feet.” To keep your soil from washing away, just pop a piece of a broken terracotta pot over the hole before filling.
Propagation and Planting
You can get a head start on the season by starting your seeds indoors as early as February. Just remember: don’t move your seedlings outside until mid-May. These plants are not frost-hardy at all! When planting, mix a little sand into your potting soil to help with drainage. Also, give her some breathing room—Black-eyed Susans love good air circulation and don’t like being crowded by other plants.
Balcony Care Tips
- Water frequently, especially during dry spells.
- But be careful: avoid standing water at all costs.
- Feed her every 14 days.
- Use a standard liquid fertilizer or go organic with compost or horn meal.
- Pinch off the tips regularly to encourage bushier growth.
- Deadhead spent flowers promptly to keep the blooms coming.
Overwintering
The Black-eyed Susan vine is a total wimp when it comes to frost. Once the blooming stops around October, her time on the balcony is over. Most gardeners treat her as an annual and start fresh from seed every year, but it is actually possible to bring her indoors to overwinter.
Quick Tip:
These flowers aren’t just eye candy—they look great on a dinner plate, too! Both the flowers and the leaves are edible and have a peppery taste similar to watercress.
