Mexican Sunflower – Tithonia rotundafolia

Description

Mexican Sunflower

Tithonia rotundafolia

Mexican Sunflower is a tall (4-6′), heat-loving, beauty that is easy to start from seed, is a must for the butterfly garden, and is a favorite of our beloved monarch butterfly.  Covered with vibrant orange blooms that are striking against the dark green foliage, the Mexican Sunflower is equally adored by many other butterfly species including, painted ladies, fritillaries, eastern tiger swallowtails, and giant swallowtails.  Honeybees, bumblebees, and hummingbirds flock to these nectar-rich flowers as well. The blooms begin in the mid-summer and last until fall frost. Plant the seeds indoors 1-2 months before your average last frost date or directly in the garden in late spring when the soil has warmed. Once germinated, these plants take off, reaching heights of 4-6’ by 3-4’ wide so place them in the back of the border. Staking these tall plants helps to avoid any toppling over.  Deadheading every 2-3 days ensures continual bloom, equaling more visitors. Mexican sunflowers make great cut flowers and are easy to grow in containers. Don’t leave this beauty out of your pollinator garden!  Watch the Monarch butterflies flock around the blooms in this video!

SPECIAL TREATMENT:

Start Mexican Sunflower seeds indoors 4-8 weeks before final frost. Plant outdoors 3-4 ft. apart in full sun after danger of frost is past. Press the seed into the soil, do not cover. Germination:  10-15 days. Easy to grow in containers and great for cut flowers!

Color:  brilliant orange to yellow
Height: 4-6 ft
Type:  Annual
Climate:  Sun/Part Sun -Avg/ Dry
Seeds/lb.: 46,000
Rate:  1 oz./200 sq.ft.
Bloom time:  Mid-Summer to late Fall
Zones:  4a-9b

Approx: 100 Seeds / 1 gram packet

For more information about planting wildflowers, check out this post.