| Common Name | Mexican Sunflower |
| Genus | Tithonia |
| Species | t. Rotundifolia |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Life Cycle | Tender Annual |
| Tray Size | 125 |
| Plug Care | Harden off and plant out immediately after receiving plugs. Do not allow to become rootbound or to experience drought stress while in their plug trays. These are fast growing plants and should not be held in their plug trays for more than a few days after arrival. |
| Netting / Staking | If spaced appropriately, these plants are very sturdy and resilient to wind and rain. However, in very windy areas, staking or trellising may be required to prevent taller varieties from lodging. |
| Temperature Range | Heat-loving; thrives in temperatures above 70°F. Not frost-tolerant. |
| Spacing | 18" might seem excessive, but this is the minimum spacing we recommend for 'Red Torch' which can get up to 6 feet tall and is very well branched. 'Fiesta del sol' is a more compact variety maxing out at 3 feet in height and can be spaced 9" apart. |
| Soil Preference | Prefers well-drained humus or sandy, moderately fertile soil. Tolerant of poor soils, but this will result in overall smaller plants. Avoid nutrient rich soils or over-fertilization through the growing season as this will encourage lots of vegetation and few flowers. Irrigate well for best quality plants. |
| Day Length | Facultative long-day plants; these plants start flowering under the long days of summer but will continue to flower throughout the short days until they are killed by frost in the fall. |
| Pinching | Optional. Pinching will promote side branching, but un-pinched plants will also be well branched as long as they are given enough space. |
| When to Plant | Plant in the spring, after all threat of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. |
| Harvesting | Cut flowers when blooms are fully open (90-100% open). To condition, cut stems should be placed into deep, lukewarm water to help with hydration. |
| Post Harvest Care | Expect blooms to last up to 7 days in a vase - a floral conditioner may help prolong vase life. |
| Diseases / Insects | Relatively pest and disease resistant. Watch for powdery mildew in humid conditions - avoid overhead watering and space properly to allow for adequate air circulation. |
| Bailey's Notes | These plants are pollinator magnets! It's best to keep the plants deadheaded; once the plant sets enough seed it triggers the plant to start shutting down and bud production will stop. This plant makes a great fast-growing temporary hedge or windbreak with the added bonus of cut flowers later in the summer. |
| Resources | NA |