Tithonia is a heat-loving annual plant that grows very much like a sunflower. It gets quite tall, so works best in the back of the border, but it looks wonderful planted in large groups. The orange flowers of the mexican sunflower are large and amazingly bright. Follow this How to Grow Tithonia from seed guide and grow some sunshine this summer.
Latin
Tithonia rotundifolia
Difficulty
Easy
Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun
Zone: 3-10
Timing
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, and transplant out once nighttime temperatures are reliably above 10°C (50°F). Seeds germinate in 5-14 days.
Starting
Sow seeds on the surface of the soil under bright lights, and maintain a soil temperature of 21°C (70°F). Seeds can be direct sown outdoors in spring, but well after last frost, and only where winters are mild.
Growing
Stake plants, particularly in windy areas, and water only during prolonged dry weather. Plant in full sun, allowing 60cm (24″) between plants. Any light soil will work.