Thunbergia alata 'Susie Orange with Black Eye' (Susie Series)
black-eyed Susan
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: Fast
- Flowering period: June to September
- Hardiness: Tender (will need winter protection)
Producing an abundance of flowers over several months, this fast-growing climber can be grown in a pot, hanging basket or sunny border. Strictly speaking it is a tender perennial, but if you want to overwinter it, you will need to do so in a warm conservatory or greenhouse. Otherwise treat it as an annual and replace it every year - it's a very good investment!
Keep under glass where temperatures dip below 5C, only moving outside after the frosts have passed. A twining climber, it will need support, and it should be watered freely when in growth - and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly.
Sow under glass into pots or trays of good-quality seed compost and lightly cover with vermiculite. Do not exclude light as this helps germination which takes approx 2-3 weeks at a temperature of between 68-77°F (20-25°C). When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into pots or trays and harden off to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost has passed, 30cm (12") apart.