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Marmalade

Family: Asteraceae Flower
Zone 6b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Marmalade to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.

Sun-warmed petals blaze in rich marmalade-gold, radiating outward from a velvety, near-black center that holds the eye like a lantern in late summer.

Marmalade forms sturdy clumps with a crisp, daisy-like texture—bold, slightly tousled rays over deep, green foliage—making it as striking in the garden as it is in fresh bouquets. Grow Marmalade for long-lasting color through the season, where its classic black “eye” and generous blooms bring instant cheer to borders and pollinator paths.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Marmalade

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

Crop Dates

MilestoneDate
Start IndoorsFeb 14th
Last FrostApr 25th
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsApr 25th
Harvest BeginsJul 24th
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)45
Min Night Temp (°F)40
Harden Off (days)7

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Rudbeckia hirta (marmalade), and how can I treat it?
Rudbeckia hirta commonly gets powdery mildew in humid weather, showing as a white, dusty coating on leaves. Remove heavily infected leaves early, improve airflow by spacing plants, and water at the base to keep foliage dry. If it’s spreading, spray an approved powdery mildew fungicide and repeat as directed on the label (avoid spraying in peak sun to prevent leaf burn).
How often should I water Rudbeckia hirta during its main growing phase?
During active growth and bud formation, keep soil consistently moist but not soggy—water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. Aim for deep watering so moisture reaches the root zone, typically about once or twice per week depending on heat and rainfall. Once established, you can reduce frequency, but don’t let the soil fully dry out for extended periods while it’s flowering.
How do I know when to harvest Rudbeckia hirta (marmalade) flowers?
Harvest when the ray florets (the yellow/orange “petals”) are fully open and the center disk florets are just starting to look set rather than faded. For cut flowers, snip blooms in the morning when petals are crisp and before midday heat wilts them. If you’re harvesting seed, wait until the flower heads turn brown and dry, then collect when they feel papery and the seeds release easily.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Marmalade in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-04-25. Wait until soil reaches at least 45°F before transplanting Marmalade.

Garden Alerts

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

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Marmalade in Zone 6b typically begins around 2026-04-25. Wait until soil reaches at least 45°F before transplanting Marmalade.

Garden Alerts

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

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 45°F and nights stay above 40°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

For Rudbeckia (Marmalade), start seeds early but transplant only after consistent spring conditions to avoid cold-stress during establishment.