Mexican Sunflower

The Mexican Sunflower is a striking annual plant often referred to as the Red Torch Sunflower for its brilliant orange-red daisy-like blooms that are 3-4 inches across atop 4-6-foot tall stems that spread 3-4 feet wide, almost forming a hedge. These long-lasting blooms appear from mid-summer until the first frost and add a burst of fiery color that are highly attractive to butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. This sun-loving plant is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care once established, excellent for xeriscaping, and is perfect for borders, containers, or as a focal point in garden beds. In Mexico and Central America where Mexican Sunflower has been cultivated for centuries, it was traditionally used as a natural fence due to its height and dense growth. Mexican Sunflower's hot orange blooms are perfect for adding as splash of color and excitement to indoor floral arrangements.

Also Known As: Mexican Sunflower, Red Torch Sunflower, Golden Torch, Fiesta de Sol, Bolivian Sunflower, Annual Tithonia, Tree Marigold, Marigold Tree, Japanese Sunflower, Nitobe Chrysanthemum, Mexican Marigold.

Plant Name:	Mexican Sunflower
Latin Name:	Tithonia rotundifolia
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Bloom:	90
Plant Height:	4 - 6 Feet
Spread:	1 - 3 Feet
Bloom Diameter:	3 - 4 Inches
Growth Habit:	Bush
USDA Zones:	2-11
Lifespan:	Annual, Perennial 9-11
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 3 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial for flower seeds because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: For earlier blooms, you may optionally start planting indoors in containers 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings at least 65F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when seedlings are strong and nighttime temperature remain above 50F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant after all danger of frost has passed in spring and soil temperatures reach at least 60F. Fall planting is not recommended unless planting outdoors in environments with mild, frost-free winters for a head start in the following spring, or planting indoors with supplemental grow lights.

To plant, make holes 1/4 inch deep and spaced 2-3 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole, then cover thinly with soil. In small plots, flower seeds may be scattered and gently watered in. Once seedlings emerge, plants can separated and spaced 2-3 feet apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/4 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	2-3 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	3-4 feet

Care During the Season:

Mexican Sunflower, thrives with minimal care, prefers warm conditions, and is drought-tolerant once established. Water moderately, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering. Tithonia grows tall and may need staking in windy areas to prevent bending or breaking. Deadheading spent blooms encourages continuous flowering and prevents excessive self-seeding. While it tolerates poor soil, occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer can promote vigorous growth.