Mexican Sunflower Tithonia Rotundifolia 25 Seeds
This well-loved annual is pretty tall and wide, almost forming a hedge. The flaming orange blooms nestled among the big, soft leaves draw in tons of butterflies and hummingbirds. Plus, it's super easy to grow, so this plant really has it all!
As the name implies, this vibrant red sunflower hails from Mexico. Gardeners love this plant for its knack for attracting swarms of butterflies. In South Africa, its tough growth has spread into the wild, making it a common sight as a wildflower. The genus name "Tithonia" is derived from Greek mythology, referring to Tithonius, who was the beloved of Aurora, the dawn goddess.
Common Names: Red Sunflower
Latin Name: Tithonia rotundifolia
Species Origin: Introduced US Flower
Type: Garden Flowers
Life Cycle: Annual
USDA Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 2,800
Stratification: No Stratification
Germination Ease: No Stratification
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 60 Inches
Color: Orange
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall
Uses: Cut Flowers
Sowing: In the spring, directly sow Tithonia rotundifolia Mexican Sunflower seeds by pressing them into the soil's surface. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination, which typically happens in 1-2 weeks. You can also start this plant indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost.
Growing: Water the Tithonia rotundifolia seedlings occasionally until they’re established; they thrive in well-drained conditions, so mature plants do well in drought and poor soil. Too much rich and moist soil can be detrimental. If you plant them in a windy area, you might need to stake or support them. Deadheading will help extend the blooming period. This plant can self-seed in favorable growing conditions and is a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies.
Harvesting: For cut flowers, select stems with flowers that have just opened. Remove any foliage that will be submerged in water and place the stems in water right away.
Seed Saving: Once the Tithonia rotundifolia Mexican Sunflowers have faded, spiky seed heads will form; you might want to wear gloves when handling them. Let them dry and change color. Gather them before they start to crumble and drop their seeds. Cut the seed heads and lay them out to dry in a shaded area. Separate the seeds from the husks and store the cleaned seeds in a cool, dry location.
