Mexican Sunflower
Yellow Torch Tithonia is a golden-orange flowering cultivar of Tithonia rotundifolia that brings a luminous, mellow contrast to the typical fiery Mexican sunflower palette. Reaching 60 to 72 inches tall with a compact 24-inch spread, this strongly branched variety produces velvety, three-inch flowers on fluted stems that bloom continuously from mid-summer until the first frost. Hardy from zones 2 through 11, it germinates quickly at 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and flowers in roughly 80 days, thriving in full sun with moderate water and well-draining soil between pH 6.0 and 7.5. Easy to grow and remarkably low-maintenance, it stands as a beacon of summer color in any garden.
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
72in H x 24in W
Annual
Moderate
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This variety delivers an unexpected twist on the typical bright orange Mexican sunflower, instead offering a warm, golden-orange tone that feels more refined and harmonious in mixed plantings. The strongly branched growth habit and fluted stems create an architectural presence that fills space generously without becoming leggy or sparse. Flowers three inches across bloom in relentless succession from mid-summer through the first frost, ensuring months of continuous color without deadheading required.
Yellow Torch Tithonia excels as a cutting flower, with its sturdy stems and long vase life making it valuable for floral arrangements. Its height and continuous blooming habit also make it excellent for back-of-border plantings, where it creates a dramatic backdrop for lower-growing perennials and annuals. The vibrant golden-orange blooms draw pollinators and provide late-season color when many other garden plants are beginning to fade.
Start seeds indoors 80 days before your first frost date, maintaining a soil temperature of 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Sow shallowly, press seeds firmly into moist soil, and provide bright light once sprouted. Transplant seedlings into individual pots when they develop their first true leaves.
Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before transplanting. Move seedlings outdoors once all frost danger has passed and nighttime temperatures consistently exceed 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Space transplants 24 inches apart, setting them at the same soil depth as their nursery pots.
Direct sow seeds outdoors once soil has warmed to at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit and all frost danger has passed. Press seeds shallowly into moist soil; they require light to germinate effectively.
Pinch back young plants when they reach approximately six inches tall to encourage branching and a fuller, bushier form. This simple pruning step significantly increases flower production and creates a more compact, attractive plant shape.
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