Marmalade

Black-eyed Susan

90d to harvest

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.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 11b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	—
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Oct 1st
Harvest Begins	Dec 30th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

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)	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.