Tithonia or Mexican sunflower is an annual plant native to Mexico and Central America. These plants are drought tolerant and grow well in warm environments.
Mexican sunflower yields dozens of flowers with petals in colour of red, orange, and yellow with yellow centres. The plant blooms from summer to fall.
Common Name | Mexican Sunflower |
Botanical Name | Tithonia Diversifolia |
Plant Type | Annual |
Plant Size | 4-8 Feet |
Bloom Time | Summer to Fall |
Flower Colour | Yellow and Dark Orange |
Native Area | Mexico and Central America |
Species | Around 10-15 |
Growing Area | North India |
Varieties | Torch, Goldfinger |
How to Grow Tithonia
Tithonia is grown from seeds. The seeds usually take 12-21 days to sprout. Place the seeds 6-8 inches apart and cover it slightly with soil. These plants like warm weather and full sun to grow well and bloom, the plant might not bloom if placed in a shady area.
Soil conditions for these plants can vary from average to rich soil but make sure the soil is well drained. You can add jeevamrut which is a combination of natural ingredients like gomutra , gobar, jaggery, grass leaves, neem , sarso ki khali etc before planting to promote maximum plant growth.
Tithonia plants are drought tolerant and need to be watered after around 15 days.
Tithonia Uses
Tithonia flowers attract a variety of bees and butterflies. These plants can be used at the back border and beds to form a backdrop for shorter plants. These flowers add beauty to your garden. The beauty can be enhanced more by adding some seasonal flowering plants with it.