Butterfly Flowers
Heirloom Torch Tithonia
(Tithonia rotundifolia)
Blazing Torch Tithonia is also known as Mexican Sunflower. These spectacular tall Central American natives bloom non-stop from midsummer, with multitudes of star shaped, 3 to 4 inch red-orange flowers on densely branching velvety stems. Maturing 5 to 6 feet high, tithonia plants are brilliant welcoming beacons for both Monarch and Swallowtail butterflies. These dramatic garden flowers offer a non-fussy, carefree way to fill your garden with a bright fiesta of color.
ANNUAL
Summer/fall bloom
Frost tender
TO START OUTDOORS
In spring when all danger of frost is past and weather is warm and settled, sow seeds in well-worked soil in full sun. Space seeds 2 to 3 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart, cover 1/2 inch deep and gently firm soil. Keep soil evenly moist while awaiting germination in 7 to 10 days.
TO START EARLY INDOORS
Four to five weeks before last frost date, sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart in well drained seed starting mix. Keep warm and moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are well established and ready to plant outdoors.
THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Space seedlings 10 to 12 inches apart when seedlings are large enough to handle to give these big plants room to mature.
GROWING NOTES
Tithonia grows readily in ordinary garden soil in full sun. Use as a living hedge or garden screen, especially effective with brightly colored zinnias planted in front of them. Kept well watered and weeded when young, mature plants can handle hot and dry conditions well. Given plenty of space, vigorous Tithonia plants will need no staking.
Plant In |
Sun/Shade |
Planting Depth |
Space Seeds |
Days To Germinate |
Mature Height |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
April ā June
|
Full sun
|
1/2 inch
|
2 ā 3 inches
|
7 ā 10 days
|
5 ā 6 feet
|
Plant In |
Sun/Shade |
Planting Depth |
Space Seeds |
Days To Germinate |
Mature Height |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
April ā June
|
Full sun
|
1/2 inch
|
2 ā 3 inches
|
7 ā 10 days
|
5 ā 6 feet
|
Plant In
April ā June
|
Sun/Shade
Full sun
|
Planting Depth
1/2 inch
|
Space Seeds
2 ā 3 inches
|
Days To Germinate
7 ā 10 days
|
Mature Height
5 ā 6 feet
|