Black-eyed Susan (Thunbergia alata)
The Black-eyed Susan is often found in gardens in our region, as it is one of the most popular annual climbers. And there's good reason for this: Not only is it undemanding and easy to care for, but its variety of flower colors also makes it a real eye-catcher. Incidentally, not all varieties have the "black eye" implied in their name; there are also Black-eyed Susans that bloom completely "eyeless."

Blossom:
Depending on the variety, the flat, funnel-shaped flowers shine in white, yellow, or orange. Some have a dark center, others lack one. The flowers usually grow to 3 to 4 cm in size.
Growth:
The growth is very dense, quickly overgrowing walls or trellises, reaching heights of 150 to 200 cm. The leaves are heart-shaped, slightly hairy, and sit on winged stems.
Flowering time:
The first flower usually forms about 15 weeks after sowing.
Location:
The Black-eyed Susan prefers very warm locations, preferably with direct sunlight. Furthermore, the location should be sheltered from the wind, as cold, rain, and wind quickly damage the delicate flowers. Loose, humus-rich soil is ideal. Make sure that waterlogging does not occur, as this plant is very sensitive to this.
Care:
The Black-eyed Susan does not require much care, but it should be watered and fertilized regularly.
Reproduction:
The plants can be sown in spring, starting in March, initially in a seed tray. Seedlings should appear approximately two to three weeks later. Then, plant the seedlings three to a pot and pinch them to encourage branching. Plant them outdoors after the Ice Saints. The first flowers usually appear about 15 weeks after the first sowing.
Varieties:
Usually, it is not a single variety that is offered in stores, but mixtures of different varieties, as this results in a more beautiful floral display.