How to Grow Black-Eyed Susan Vine

Black-eyed Susan vine can quickly cover a trellis with its wide, five-petaled blooms from mid-summer through frost. Learn how to grow black-eyed Susan vine and add it to your garden.

Black-eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata)

Fast-growing tender perennial (zone 10-11) grown as a warm-season annual in zones 2-9. Black-eyed Susan vine thrives in bright sunny locations in all but the hottest climates. It can be used as a ground cover or grown up a trellis. 

This is what Black-eyed Susan Vine seeds look like. Click here for seeds.

Black-eyed Susan Vine growing on a trellis.

This is what Black-eyed Susan Vine flowers look like.

How to grow Black-Eyed Susan Vine

Black-Eyed Susan Vine planting information:

Start seeds indoors (70-75°F / 21-24°C) six to eight weeks before the last spring frost. In mild winter areas, start seeds directly in the soil in early spring.

Choose an area to plant black-eyed Susan vine with fertile, well-drained soil. Grows best with regular water. I use an oya from Growoya in the container with the vine to give it regular access to moisture.

Size and spacing details for Black-Eyed Susan Vine:

Plant seeds or transplants 12-18 inches apart (30-45 cm).

Grows 6-10 feet (1.8-3m) tall and 1-2 feet (60-90cm) wide.

Black-Eyed Susan Vine growing tips:

Use black-eyed Susan vine for bright pops of color on a fence, trellis, groundcover or even in a hanging basket. This vine grows well in containers. Provide support if you want the vines to climb.

Good to know: Frost kills the top of the plant but not the roots. Avoid reflected heat in hot summer areas. Pests and problems may include red spider mites and aphids.

Are you looking for more information about how to grow vines?

This is just one of 10 vines that grow well from seed. Learn more about my other favorites in this blog post.

This Arizona Vine Planting Guide shares some of my favorite vines that grow well in Arizona and gives growing and planting details for each one. 

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