Mexican Sunflower Seeds - Red
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
AAS WINNER
1951
About...
Mexican Sunflower Red (Tithonia Speciosa Red Torch) - Start flower seeds for these vivid red blooms on this beloved annual! Mexican Sunflower may grow as a perennial in USDA Zones 10 - 11 as heat and drought tolerant plants. To keep the plant blooming its best, deadhead the spent blooms.
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
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. Heat and drought tolerant plants.
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.
1951 AAS Flower Winner. Tithonia Torch produces bright orange-red 3 - 4 inch flowers borne on 16 inch stems. It has multiple uses for both garden beds and for cutting. This easy to grow from seed Tithonia is loved by pollinators.
Common Questions
Do I need to prune my Mexican sunflowers?
Pruning these flowers is not necessary. However, deadheading spent blooms encourages more blooms. You can prune to shape the plant promoting bushier growth but may lose some flowers.
What do I do with Mexican sunflowers at the end of the season?
Cut them down, chop up the stalks, and add them to your compost bin. These flowers provide excellent nutrients to the garden.
Will pollinators be attracted to the Mexican sunflower?
Yes, bees, butterflies and hummingbirds all like these flowers.
What are some good companion plants?
Crocosmia, zinnia, coreopsis and ornamental grasses all make wonderful companion plants for Mexican sunflowers.
Videos