Black-Eyed Susan vs Kale

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Black-Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta

Asteraceae · flowers

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Kale

Brassica oleracea var. sabellica

Brassicaceae · vegetables

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Black-Eyed Susan (Zones 3-9)

Kale (Zones 2-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Black-Eyed Susan	Kale
Scientific Name	Rudbeckia hirta	Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
Family	Asteraceae	Brassicaceae
Category	flowers	vegetables
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	3'	2'
Spread	1' 6"	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Spring, Fall, Winter
Bloom Color	Yellow	Yellow (second year)
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Eastern North America	Mediterranean
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Black-Eyed Susan

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Kale

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Black-Eyed Susan

✓Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming.
✓Divide clumps every 3-4 years.
✓Tolerates poor soil and drought once established.

Kale

✓Direct sow or transplant.
✓Harvest outer leaves for continuous production.
✓Frost improves flavor.
✓Resistant to many pests.
✓Can overwinter in zones 6+ with protection.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Black-Eyed Susan if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–9.

Choose Kale if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View Black-Eyed SusanProfile →View KaleProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Black-Eyed Susan and Kale grow in the same hardiness zone?

Black-Eyed Susan grows in USDA zones 3-9, while Kale grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 9.

Do Black-Eyed Susan and Kale have the same sun and water needs?

Black-Eyed Susan needs full sun and medium water, while Kale needs full sun to part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Black-Eyed Susan or Kale?

Black-Eyed Susan grows taller at 3' compared to Kale at 2'. Black-Eyed Susan spreads 1' 6" while Kale spreads 1' 6".

Are Black-Eyed Susan and Kale deer resistant?

Yes, both Black-Eyed Susan and Kale are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Black-Eyed Susan or Kale?

Both Black-Eyed Susan and Kale have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Black-Eyed Susan	Kale
Scientific Name	Rudbeckia hirta	Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
Family	Asteraceae	Brassicaceae
Category	flowers	vegetables
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	3'	2'
Spread	1' 6"	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Spring, Fall, Winter
Bloom Color	Yellow	Yellow (second year)
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Eastern North America	Mediterranean
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Black-Eyed Susan

✓Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming.
✓Divide clumps every 3-4 years.
✓Tolerates poor soil and drought once established.

Kale

✓Direct sow or transplant.
✓Harvest outer leaves for continuous production.
✓Frost improves flavor.
✓Resistant to many pests.
✓Can overwinter in zones 6+ with protection.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Black-Eyed Susan if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–9.

Choose Kale if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Black-Eyed Susan and Kale grow in the same hardiness zone?

Black-Eyed Susan grows in USDA zones 3-9, while Kale grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 9.

Do Black-Eyed Susan and Kale have the same sun and water needs?

Black-Eyed Susan needs full sun and medium water, while Kale needs full sun to part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Black-Eyed Susan or Kale?

Black-Eyed Susan grows taller at 3' compared to Kale at 2'. Black-Eyed Susan spreads 1' 6" while Kale spreads 1' 6".

Are Black-Eyed Susan and Kale deer resistant?

Yes, both Black-Eyed Susan and Kale are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Black-Eyed Susan or Kale?

Both Black-Eyed Susan and Kale have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.