SUNFLOWER 'Mexican' --Tithonia rotundifolia 'Torch'-- - Plant Nursery (2024)

FAQs

Do Mexican sunflowers come back every year? ›

Mexican sunflower grows as an annual in USDA zones 2-11 and can't be overwintered. It can survive temperatures as low as 30°F for a brief period but will incur some damage. Mexican sunflowers like dry weather and don't do well in areas with high humidity.

Because of its tall stature, Mexican sunflower works best at the back of garden beds and borders to form a backdrop for shorter plants. For the most prolific display of blooms, plant in a spot that receives full sun (at least 6 hours daily).

Mexican sunflower, T. rotundifolia, is a vigorous, drought tolerant warm season annual that is easy to grow in the ornamental garden with other common names of red sunflower of just tithonia. Tithonia plants grow 4-6+ feet tall with a large central stalk and a somewhat gangly branching habit.

It's critical that Mexican sunflowers receive full sunlight. Otherwise, they will not grow as tall and offer as many blooms. If growing in a spot that gets at least six hours of sun, these plants should bloom readily.

Mexican sunflower, Tithonia rotundifolia

Either way, every year outside my bedroom, I plant two of these fast-growing annuals in large pots that flank the door.

Water – These plants are drought tolerant, so they don't need that much watering. If there are dry periods of drought, they will still require watering. Too much water is not good for the plant so if you're in an area that receives a lot of rain, make sure the soil is well-draining.

A Great Summer Planting with Mexican Sunflower, Zinnia and Grasses. Annual blooms infuse summer gardens with vibrant hues and dynamic energy.

Toxicity: There are no significant concerns regarding toxicity to humans or pets. Wildlife: Mexican Sunflower attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators and beneficial insects.

Without deadheading, you will get fewer blooms overall, and the Mexican sunflowers may grow too tall to support themselves and require staking or training up a trellis. You may also find your sunflower has done the planting of seeds without you, as seeds germinate in spring and flowers bloom in summer.

Wait until side buds are visible before pinching back any seedling. By the way, Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia) tends to branch just fine on its own without any pinching. In fact, they can get HUGE!

How fast does Tithonia grow? ›

Once in the ground, seedlings virtually explode with growth and vigor, quickly reaching 4 feet tall by June and towering to 6 feet by August. Yes, you'll need a big, sunny space if you want to really appreciate Tithonia. By end of summer, one plant can exceed 7 feet in height and 4 feet in width.

What you saw was an unusual, but fairly common plant called Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia). But there is bad news about this beauty; it is listed by the University of Florida as highly invasive, DO NOT PLANT! It will spread not only throughout your garden but into neighboring gardens and forests.

“Mexican sunflowers are loved as a pollinator favorite, supporting butterflies, hummingbirds and a host of beneficial bugs,” says Tabar Gifford, a master gardener with American Meadows. “They are a low-maintenance choice, great for new gardeners, plus deer and other hungry critters tend to leave them alone.”

Give tithonia plants room to grow

Growing tithonia plants in the back of a border provides a colorful backdrop for smaller plants. What is this? Plants spaced about 2 feet apart will provide support for each other. Grow staked plants 3 to 4 feet apart.

Mexican sunflowers can grow to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall, with numerous side branches. Three plants grown as a group resembles are large, summer-blooming shrub. Butterflies and bees love the open blossoms. In warm climates, Mexican sunflower is a modest reseeder.

The common sunflower typically has a large, single flower head with yellow petals surrounding a central disk. On the other hand, Mexican Sunflower plant produces smaller, daisy-like orange-red flowers in clusters. The plant itself is usually tall and bushy, reaching heights of 6 to 10 feet.