Description
Grow a garden filled with Mexican Torch Sunflowers from freshly harvested Tithonia rotundifolia flower seeds. Mexican Sunflowers will produce 3 inch, red-orange blooms, atop foliage that grows to a mature height of roughly 5 to 6 feet tall. Grown as an annual flowering plant, the Mexican Sunflower will grow quickly, bloom profusely through the summer months and later die with the first frost.
Sunflowers are among one of the easiest plants to establish from fresh flower seeds. They don’t take very long to germinate, need little to no care, and aren’t too picky on soil conditions. Mexican Sunflowers make an excellent cut flower for bouquets and floral arrangements as well. Grow Sunflowers along borders & fences or in flower beds as a background plant. For a splash of more autumn colors, take a look at some of the many other varieties of sunflowers we have to offer, including some of our hybrid varieties such as “Cherry Rose” or “Double Dandy.”
Quick Facts
- Type: Flower
- Color: Orange
- Height: 5' to 6' Tall
- Width: 18" Spread
- Season: Annual
- Zones: All
- Environment: Full sun
Sowing The Seed
Sunflowers are not particularly fond of being transplanted, but if started indoors, sow in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Sow at a depth of 1/2” under topsoil. Transplant entire pots into the garden, or direct sow when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed. Stakes may be necessary to support your Sunflowers, only until the stems become stronger enough to stand on their own.
Growing Conditions
Sunflowers grow long taproots and may rot if the roots become waterlogged. It is recommended to check your sowing area for hard, compacted soil prior to sowing. Renew any hard, compacted soil with a mixture of compost. Sunflowers will enjoy an area of full sunlight for the majority of the day and should be watered daily so that the soil is kept moist until germination has occurred.
Germination & Growth
Your sunflower seeds will begin to germinate within 7 to 10 days after sowing. Plants will grow to a mature height of roughly 5 to 6 feet tall and can be spaced about 12 to 18 inches apart from one another. Tithonia rotundifolia produces 3 inch, red-orange blooms. An excellent cut flower for bouquets and floral arrangements.
