Description
Like other sunflowers, Tithonia grows to a great height in a single season. Unlike other sunflowers, however, it’s a sturdier plant. It can spread out to about three feet wide and is generally sturdy against most high winds.
Mexican sunflower blooms in late summer, making it an excellent showstopper when earlier season flowers have faded.
Tithonia rotundifolia is sometimes confused with its close relative Tithonia diversifolia. T. Diversifolia is commonly used as a nutrient accumulator in permaculture applications. While not quite as beneficial, T. Rotundofolio also makes an excellent green manure at the end of the growing season.
Mexican Sunflower Benefits
- Attracts a wide range of pollinating insects
- Excellent nectar plant for hummingbirds
- Easy to grow, and tolerant of poorer soils
- Blooms readily in high heat
Germination Tips
Native to Mexico and Central America, Tithonia prefers a warm place to germinate. Plant seeds in a sunny location and cover with 1/4 inch of soil. Keep soil moist until germination.
It can seem slow when compared to other annual flowers, germinating in as long as three weeks.
Once it is a few inches high, water once a week if there is no rainfall. Also, water if it looks wilted by early evening.
Fertilize once or twice when buds begin to appear, but avoid overfeeding. Deadhead flowers regularly until the first frost. http://southerngarden.net/plant-profiles/mexican-sunflower-tithonia-rotundifolia/
Temperature requirement: Sow seeds at 70F minimum Plant in full sun. Bloom increases with sun exposure. Prefers well-draining, sandy soil. Keep moist and water frequently until the plant has germinated and established.
USDA Hardiness Zone: Annual
Terms of Sale
Sold by weight — you will receive 300 mg of seed, approximately 25 to 30 seeds, in a small envelope.
Free shipping to U.S. addresses only. Shipping is by USPS First Class, without tracking. You will receive an email once we ship your seeds, so please look for it. It includes information to contact us if anything goes amiss in your order.
Our policy is to provide a replacement for missing or damaged orders.
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