I don't divide my plants until it cools off in early fall or early spring. If it is too hot and dry it may stress out the plants too much to divide right now.

Penny

When the cooler weather arrives would it be safe to take a hand trowel and just dig up a portion of the root of a large plant and then just replant it somewhere else? Is this the way it's done? Thank You.

I think you can successfully divide Black Eyed Susan with dynamite. They are hard to kill here. Early spring is probably best.

He he he he he to your response harryshoe...I know what you mean!

Catwiskas, I dont think early spring would be good for you only because (having lived in CO Springs for 12 years)the big April snow dumps. November and December are usually so mild there I would think October would be a good time for you. I actually had them continue to bloom through November a few years.
Lisa