Growing Thunbergia / Black Eyed Susan Vine

Thunbergia Alata, Half Hardy Annual

While Thunbergia is also called Black Eyed Susan Vine, it is not even in the same family as the Black Eyed Susan that we know of as a bush plant, which is Rudbeckia Hirta.

Native to Eastern Africa, this climber has become naturalized all over the world. It produces attractive, profusion of daisy-like flowers in colors of orange, pale yellow and white.

Thunbergia will look great on a fence, a trellis, mail box posts, lampposts, or in a hanging container. You can also grow it in a container and let it hang down from your balcony or deck.

Some flower gardeners allow Black Eyed Susan vines to sprawl and grow directly on the ground as a ground cover.

Other Names: Clock Vine

Plant Height: As an annual, vines can grow up to 8 feet. In frost free areas, it can be grown as a perennial and reach up to 20'.

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Propagating Thunbergia / Black Eyed Susan Plants:

Black Eyed Susan plants are grown from seed. Black Eyed Susan seeds can be directly seeded into your flower garden, after the last frost in your area. Or, start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.

For indoor starts, we recommend using peat pots, as the plants do not like to have their roots disturbed.

Seeds take a long time to germinate. When planting seeds directly into your garden, mark the area where you plant them.

Thunbergia can be propagated by cuttings. Take a 6 to 8 inch stem from a tender, growing tip, and root it in water.

You can also propagate Black Eyed Susan vines by "layering". Take a low growing vine, and bend it carefully to the ground. At about 8 inches from the end of the vine, cover the vine with soil. Stake the vine down, so the wind will not pull it up. Keep the area that is in contact with the soil well watered. A few weeks later, it will have formed roots. Cut the vine just before the root, and replant your new Thunbergia plant.

Days to Germinate: 10 - 25

Garden Tip: Soak seeds in water overnight

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How to Grow Black Eyed Susan Vine:

Black Eyed Susan Vines are very easy to grow.

Grow the plants in full sun to light shade. In hotter regions, plant where they will receive afternoon shade.

Grow Thunbergia in rich soils to help fuel growth. Prior to planting, mix in ample amounts of compost. Add a general purpose fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.

Thunbergia plants do not tolerate droughts very well. Keep soil well watered, especially when young, and during hot and dry weather. If grown in containers, be vigilant that they do not dry out.

Keep young plants well weeded, until they get established and begin to climb.

Thunbergia plants can be trimmed, as needed.

Plants need support of a fence, trellis or post. Train young plants to reach the support.

Flowers Bloom: Summer through Fall

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Insect and Disease:

Thunbergia seldom have problems with insects and disease. White flies and spider mites can infest the plants. Treat with insecticidal soap, if needed.

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