Mexican Sunflower Seeds - Red
Flower Specifications
Season: Annual
USDA Zones: 4 - 11
Height: 40 inches
Bloom Season: Early summer to early fall
Bloom Color: Red
Environment: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: Well-drained, pH 5.8 - 6.5
Deer Resistant: Yes
Latin Name: Tithonia Speciosa
Planting Directions
Temperature: 70F
Average Germ Time: 7 - 14 days
Light Required: Yes - avoid direct sunlight by shading seeds after sowing
Depth: Do not cover seeds
Sowing Rate: 2 - 3 seeds per plant
Moisture: Keep soil slightly moist, but not wet
Plant Spacing: 12 - 18 inches
Care & Maintenance: Mexican Sunflower
Mexican Sunflower Red (Tithonia Speciosa Red Torch) - Mexican Sunflower Red Torch can be easily grown from Tithonia seeds. The incredible 3 - 4 inch red flowers are excellent for cutting. They also are butterfly magnets, particularly the Monarch butterfly. Red Torch will begin blooming in July or August and continues until frost. Place the Mexican Sunflower plant behind beds or borders where their coarse texture, rangy habit and vivid flowers will stand above less boisterous plantings. Tithonia may grow as a perennial in USDA Zones 10 - 11. The plant does well in hot sunny settings and will benefit from deadheading the spent blooms.
Growing Mexican Sunflower from flower seeds is very easy and rewarding. Directly sow the flower seeds into prepared seed beds after all danger of frost has passed. Amend the soil with organic compost a couple of weeks before sowing the Tithonia seeds. Sow the seeds in groups of 2 - 3 seeds spaced 12 - 18 inches apart. Thin the seedlings to the strongest plant.