SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Cherry Brandy

Family: Asteraceae Flower
Zone 6b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Cherry Brandy to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.

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

Botanical illustration of Cherry Brandy

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

MilestoneDate
Start IndoorsMar 14th
Last FrostApr 25th
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsJun 20th
Harvest BeginsSep 18th
Harvest EndsOct 16th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity90
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitUpright
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
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.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Cherry Brandy in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-06-20. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Cherry Brandy.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 6b, the average last spring frost is around April 25. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Cherry Brandy.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Cherry Brandy in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-06-20. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Cherry Brandy.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 6b, the average last spring frost is around April 25. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Cherry Brandy.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

For fastest establishment, start indoors 6–8 weeks before your last spring frost, then transplant after nights stay reliably warm and the seedlings are well hardened off.