Cherry Brandy

Family: Asteraceae Flower

Planting Schedule

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Velvety petals in rich cherry-brandy tones—glossy, warm, and unmistakably luminous—give Cherry Brandy Coneflower its signature presence in the garden.

At maturity, the blooms form sturdy, upright cones with a softly layered, daisy-like flare, offering a satisfying texture that holds its shape through breezy summer days. Grow Cherry Brandy for long-lasting ornamental color in borders and cottage beds, where its bold, upright silhouette becomes a seasonal focal point from midseason onward.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Upright

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Cherry Brandy Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b	Protected Environment Only
Zone 2a	Apr 13th	Jul 20th	Oct 18th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Apr 3rd	Jul 10th	Oct 8th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Apr 3rd	Jul 10th	Oct 8th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Apr 7th	Jul 14th	Oct 12th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Apr 3rd	Jul 10th	Oct 8th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Apr 1st	Jul 8th	Oct 6th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Mar 27th	Jul 3rd	Oct 1st – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Mar 23rd	Jun 29th	Sep 27th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Mar 20th	Jun 26th	Sep 24th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Mar 14th	Jun 20th	Sep 18th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Mar 9th	Jun 15th	Sep 13th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Feb 27th	Jun 5th	Sep 3rd – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Feb 18th	May 27th	Aug 25th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Feb 9th	May 18th	Aug 16th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Jan 23rd	May 1st	Jul 30th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Dec 29th	Apr 6th	Jul 5th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	Continuous Production
Zone 10b	Continuous Production
Zone 11a	Continuous Production
Zone 11b	Continuous Production
Zone 12a	Continuous Production
Zone 12b	Continuous Production
Zone 13a	Continuous Production
Zone 13b	Continuous Production

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	7

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Rudbeckia hirta (Cherry Brandy), and how can I treat it?

Rudbeckia hirta is prone to powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions and dense foliage. Water at the soil line (not the leaves), thin plants for airflow, and remove heavily infected leaves early. If it keeps spreading, apply a labeled fungicide for powdery mildew on ornamentals and repeat as directed.

How often should I water Cherry Brandy during the main growing season, and what soil moisture level is best?

During active growth, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil lightly moist, watering about 1–2 times per week depending on heat and rainfall. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings so the roots don’t sit in wet conditions. Once established, it tolerates some drought, but buds and early flowering suffer if it repeatedly dries out.

How do I know when Cherry Brandy is ready to harvest?

For Rudbeckia hirta, harvest when the flower heads are fully open and the petals are at their widest, usually around the 90-day mark from sowing. For cut flowers, clip blooms early in the morning and choose heads that are just beginning to show mature color at the center. If you’re harvesting seed, wait until the seed heads are dry and brown, and the fine seeds easily release when rubbed.