How to Grow Tithonia Mexican Sunflower Plants
Annual, Tithonia Rotundifolia
Tithonia, also called Mexican Sunflower, is an annual plant that is
native to Mexico and Central America. This drought tolerant plant likes warm
weather.
Tithonia blooms from summer to fall. The daisy-like flowers in orange and
yellow, grow 2 1/2" to 3 inches across. Remove spent blooms to promote new
flowers.
Grow Tithonia plants at the back of the border. You can also grow them in
groups. They will grow 36" to 60" tall. Some people grow them in containers.
If you choose to do so, put them in large floor pots.
Mexican Sunflowers attract
butterflies.
Tithonia is also referred to as ""Golden Flower of the Incas".
Propagation:
Tithonia are grown from seed. In colder, northern areas, you may want
to start them indoors. In warmer climates, they can be started outdoors.
Keep soil moist until seeds have sprouted.
Sow Tithonia seeds outdoors after the last frost in your area, and after
the soil has warmed to 60 degrees.
Important note: The seeds will take 10-21 days to sprout. So, make
sure the location of outdoor starts is well marked.
Cover lightly with soil, only 1/4". Space seeds 6-8 inches apart. Final spacing
should be two feet apart.
How to Grow Mexican Sunflower Plants:
Mexican Sunflower plants like warm weather, and do not take a liking to the
cold. Grow them in full sun. Soil conditions can vary, from average a to
rich soil. But, it should be well drained. Mix in plenty of compost prior
to planting to promote optimum plant growth.
Tithonia plants are drought tolerant. Allow the top three inches of soil
to dry out between watering. Applying a general purpose fertilizer early
in the season will promote healthy growth.
Staking plants will keep them from falling over, especially in heavy winds.
Flowers will begin to bloom in summer. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage
the plant to produce more blooms all the way to cold weather in the fall.
Insect and Disease:
Tithonia experience few insect and disease problems.
Perhaps best of all, the deer avoid them. Deer do not like the hairy leaves.
More Information:
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