Planting flowers is a wonderful way for kids to connect with nature and learn about gardening. This list covers easy-to-grow, colorful flowers similar to Black Eyed Susans that are perfect for children to plant and care for. Each flower is chosen for its bright blooms, low maintenance, and ability to thrive in a variety of garden settings, making them ideal for young gardeners.
Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Black Eyed Susans are cheerful, daisy-like flowers with bright yellow petals and a dark brown center. They bloom from early summer to fall and are drought tolerant, making them easy for kids to grow. These flowers attract butterflies and bees, offering a hands-on way to learn about pollinators while adding sunny color to any garden.
Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, produces clusters of yellow or gold flowers resembling Black Eyed Susans. They are hardy perennials that bloom profusely from early summer through fall with minimal care. Their long-lasting blooms and tolerance to poor soil make them excellent for children’s gardens.
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata)
Blanket Flowers sport bright red and yellow petals with a similar daisy shape to Black Eyed Susans. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, blooming from early summer into fall. These flowers are heat and drought tolerant, which means kids can watch them flourish even in warm, dry conditions.
Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
Cosmos flowers come in shades of pink, white, and deep red with a simple daisy-like form. They grow quickly from seed and bloom profusely all summer long. Cosmos are perfect for kids because they are easy to grow, attract pollinators, and can reach heights of 3 to 6 feet, making a dramatic, colorful display.
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Sunflowers are iconic tall plants with large yellow petals and dark centers, similar in appearance to Black Eyed Susans but on a grander scale. They grow quickly and can reach heights over 6 feet, which is exciting for children to watch. Sunflowers are hardy, drought tolerant, and produce edible seeds, adding an educational element to gardening.
Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Zinnias come in a wide range of colors including bright yellows, reds, and oranges, and have a similar daisy shape. They are very easy to grow from seed, bloom heavily all summer, and tolerate heat well. Their bright colors and simple care make them ideal for kids learning to garden.
Gaura (Gaura lindheimeri)
Gaura, often called bee blossom, produces delicate white or pink flowers on tall, airy stems. It blooms from late spring to fall and attracts bees and butterflies. Gaura is drought tolerant and thrives in poor soil, making it a resilient choice for young gardeners wanting a graceful, long-blooming plant.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, has bright orange or yellow daisy-like flowers that bloom from early summer into fall. It grows quickly and can tolerate cooler temperatures, giving kids a longer growing season. Calendula petals are edible and have been used in teas and skin salves, adding a fun, practical twist to planting.
Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia)
Mexican Sunflowers have large, bright orange blooms with a dark center, closely resembling Black Eyed Susans but with bolder colors. They grow rapidly to 4-6 feet tall and love full sun. Their vibrant flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, providing kids with plenty of wildlife to observe.
Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum)
Shasta Daisies have classic white petals with sunny yellow centers similar in shape to Black Eyed Susans. They are perennial plants that bloom from early summer to fall and prefer full sun with well-drained soil. Their sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms make them easy for kids to handle and enjoy.
How to Choose
When selecting flowers like Black Eyed Susans for kids to plant, consider ease of growing and care requirements first. Choose annuals or perennials that germinate quickly and bloom abundantly to keep children engaged. Look for flowers tolerant of your local climate, especially heat and drought resistance, since kids may forget to water regularly. Bright, colorful blooms attract pollinators, adding an educational aspect to gardening. Also, plants with larger flowers or those that grow quickly offer more visual excitement and a sense of accomplishment. Finally, consider the safety of the plant—avoid toxic species and those with thorns or irritating textures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take for Black Eyed Susans to bloom?
Black Eyed Susans typically bloom about 8 to 12 weeks after planting seeds, usually starting in early summer and continuing into fall.
Q: Can kids plant these flowers from seeds?
Yes, most flowers on this list, including Black Eyed Susans, Coreopsis, and Zinnias, are easy to start from seeds, which is great for teaching kids about plant growth.
Q: Do these flowers need full sun?
Most of these flowers, like Black Eyed Susans and Blanket Flowers, prefer full sun (at least 6 hours daily) to thrive and bloom well.
Q: How often should kids water these flowers?
Watering once or twice a week is usually enough, depending on rainfall and heat, but soil should be kept moist—not soggy—especially when plants are young.
Q: Are these flowers safe for kids and pets?
Yes, the flowers listed are generally non-toxic and safe for children and pets, but it’s best to supervise to prevent ingestion of large amounts.
Q: Can these flowers attract beneficial insects?
Absolutely. Many, like Black Eyed Susans, Cosmos, and Mexican Sunflowers, attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which is great for learning about ecosystems.
Final Thoughts
Choosing flowers like Black Eyed Susans for kids to plant combines fun, education, and beauty in the garden. These flowers offer bright, engaging colors and simple care that help young gardeners succeed and stay motivated. Whether starting seeds or transplanting young plants, kids can enjoy watching their flowers grow, attract pollinators, and bring life to outdoor spaces. With a little guidance and patience, these easy-to-grow blooms can spark a lifelong love of gardening and nature.
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