Black-Eyed Susan vs Tomato

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

Black-Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta

Asteraceae · flowers

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum

Solanaceae · vegetables

EdibleMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Black-Eyed Susan (Zones 3-9)

Tomato (Zones 2-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Black-Eyed Susan	Tomato
Scientific Name	Rudbeckia hirta	Solanum lycopersicum
Family	Asteraceae	Solanaceae
Category	flowers	vegetables
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	3'	6'
Spread	1' 6"	3'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Summer
Bloom Color	Yellow	Yellow
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Eastern North America	South America
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Special Traits

Black-Eyed Susan

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Tomato

Yes — EdibleNo — 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.

Tomato

✓Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost.
✓Plant deep — bury 2/3 of stem.
✓Consistent watering prevents blossom end rot.
✓Stake or cage indeterminate types.

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 Tomato if you don't mind medium maintenance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–9. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

View Black-Eyed SusanProfile →View TomatoProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

Black-Eyed Susan needs full sun and medium water, while Tomato needs full sun and medium water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Black-Eyed Susan or Tomato?

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

Are Black-Eyed Susan and Tomato deer resistant?

Black-Eyed Susan is deer resistant, but Tomato is not. If deer are a concern, Black-Eyed Susan is the better choice, or protect Tomato with fencing.

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

Black-Eyed Susan has low maintenance while Tomato has medium maintenance. Black-Eyed Susan may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Black-Eyed Susan	Tomato
Scientific Name	Rudbeckia hirta	Solanum lycopersicum
Family	Asteraceae	Solanaceae
Category	flowers	vegetables
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	3'	6'
Spread	1' 6"	3'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Summer
Bloom Color	Yellow	Yellow
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Eastern North America	South America
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Care Tips

Black-Eyed Susan

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

Tomato

✓Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost.
✓Plant deep — bury 2/3 of stem.
✓Consistent watering prevents blossom end rot.
✓Stake or cage indeterminate types.

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 Tomato if you don't mind medium maintenance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–9. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

Black-Eyed Susan needs full sun and medium water, while Tomato needs full sun and medium water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Black-Eyed Susan or Tomato?

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

Are Black-Eyed Susan and Tomato deer resistant?

Black-Eyed Susan is deer resistant, but Tomato is not. If deer are a concern, Black-Eyed Susan is the better choice, or protect Tomato with fencing.

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

Black-Eyed Susan has low maintenance while Tomato has medium maintenance. Black-Eyed Susan may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.