Black-eyed Susan vine Thunbergia alata Sunny Susy Red-orange = 'Sumthun 02' (PBR)

Water

Black-eyed Susan vine prefers consistent moisture, so water it deeply enough to saturate the root zone, typically once a week, and more frequently during hot, dry weather. Adequate watering would be about one to two gallons per week, depending on the local climate and the plant's exposure to the sun. Reduce the amount of water during the winter months when the plant is not actively growing. Always check the soil moisture by feeling it a few inches down; if it's dry, it's time to water. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf diseases and make sure the plant has good drainage to prevent root rot.

Light

Black-eyed Susan vine thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It needs at least four to six hours of direct sunlight a day, but it can benefit from some shade during the hottest part of the day. An ideal spot would be one where it gets morning sunlight and light, dappled shade in the afternoon to protect it from the intense midday sun.

Temperature

The ideal temperature range for Black-eyed Susan vine is between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature down to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit but will suffer if exposed to frost. It is not frost-tolerant and should be protected or brought indoors if temperatures threaten to dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

Pruning Black-eyed Susan vine encourages bushier growth and more flowers. It can be pruned throughout the growing season as needed to shape the plant or to remove any dead or damaged stems. The best time for a major prune is early spring, before the new growth starts.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Black-eyed Susan vine thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mixture of peat, compost, perlite, and garden soil in equal parts creates an ideal environment for its growth.

Repotting

Black-eyed Susan vine should be repotted every 1-2 years, or when it outgrows its current pot, to ensure adequate room for root growth and to replenish the nutrients in the soil.

Humidity & Misting

Black-eyed Susan vine prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is adaptable to lower humidity conditions indoors. Strive for a humidity level between 40-60% for optimal growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light; keep soil moist, not wet.

• Outdoor

  Full to partial sun, protect from strong winds, keep well-watered.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

Thunbergia alata, commonly known as Black-eyed Susan vine, begins its life as a seed, which upon germination, develops into a seedling with characteristic heart-shaped leaves. As a fast-growing annual, it quickly enters the vegetative stage, where it extends its vine tendrils, aggressively climbing and spreading with the aid of its twining stems. During the flowering stage, which occurs in summer and continues into fall, it produces vibrant red-orange flowers with a dark center resembling an eye, hence the common name. After pollination, often facilitated by bees and other insects, the plant sets seeds within small capsules. Following seed set, as an annual plant, it completes its life cycle by senescing and dying off with the onset of cold weather or after setting seed. The seeds can then overwinter and germinate the next spring to start a new cycle, or they may be collected and sown by gardeners to propagate new plants.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Black-eyed Susan vine, specifically the Thunbergia alata Sunny Susy Red-orange 'Sumthun02' (PBR), is commonly propagated through the method of seed sowing. The ideal time for sowing these seeds is late winter to spring, ensuring that the danger of frost has passed when planting outdoors. The process involves filling a seed tray or pots with a seed-starting mix, gently pressing the seeds into the soil, and covering them lightly with more mix. The seeds typically require a warm environment; placing the tray or pots in a propagator or covering with plastic can maintain the necessary warmth and humidity. Seedlings usually emerge in 10 to 14 days when kept at a temperature within the range of 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius). Once seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots and allowed to grow stronger before being moved to their final location outdoors.