Mexican Sunflower Tithonia is a radiant late-season cut flower that brings warmth and movement to arrangements from midsummer through frost. Growing 60 to 72 inches tall with a naturally compact growth habit, this open-pollinated flower thrives across hardiness zones 2 through 11, blooming reliably 85 to 90 days from sowing. Its true gift lies in attracting beneficial insects to the garden while producing abundant, long-lasting flowers that stand up beautifully in water, making it a favorite among gardeners who value both ecological impact and floral beauty.
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Moderate
2-11
72in H x ?in W
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High
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This variety flowers late in the season when many other cut flowers have faded, extending your harvest deep into autumn. It tolerates poor soil and moderate water, asking little while giving generously in return. The blooms open slowly, reaching peak freshness when 90 to 100 percent open, and respond well to deadheading, rewarding you with weeks of continuous color. Its ability to draw beneficial insects into the garden transforms it from a mere ornament into a living anchor for a healthier growing ecosystem.
Mexican Sunflower Tithonia excels as a fresh cut flower for arrangements and bouquets. The blooms are harvested when fully or nearly fully open and conditioned by standing in deep, warm water for several hours before arranging. Regular deadheading extends the flowering period, making it valuable for gardeners who want continuous bloom from a single planting.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds 6 weeks before your intended planting-out date. Sow on the soil surface or barely cover seeds, as light aids germination. Keep soil warm at 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 29 degrees Celsius) during germination. Transplant seedlings outdoors once soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Harden off seedlings gradually over 7 to 10 days before transplanting. Move plants outdoors once soil temperature reaches 70 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer and all frost danger has passed. Space transplants 12 inches apart.
Direct seed once soil temperature reaches 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 29 degrees Celsius). Barely cover seeds or leave them uncovered on the soil surface, as light is required for germination. This is the recommended sowing method.
Cut flowers when they are 90 to 100 percent open for maximum vase life. Harvest in early morning or evening when stems are fully hydrated. Immediately place cut stems in deep, warm water for several hours before arranging to condition the blooms and extend freshness.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to extend the blooming season and encourage continued flower production throughout the late growing period.
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