How to Grow Tithonia (Mexican Sunflower): Bold, Butterfly-Magnet Annuals

How to Grow Tithonia (Mexican Sunflower)

Tithonia rotundifolia, the Mexican Sunflower, is a heat-loving, drought-tolerant annual native to Mexico and Central America. It shoots up 3–5 feet (dwarf ‘Goldfinger’ stays 2–3 feet) and produces vivid orange or yellow, daisy-like flowers 2½–3 inches across from summer to fall. A magnet for butterflies and a deer-resistant choice for the back of the border or large containers.

Also called “Golden Flower of the Incas.”

Propagation

Sow seeds outdoors after soil warms to 60°F, or start indoors in cooler zones. Cover lightly (¼ inch). Germination takes 10–21 days—mark the row well! Thin to 2 feet apart.

How to Grow Tithonia

• Light: Full sun.
• Soil: Average to rich, well-drained; amend with compost.
• Water: Drought-tolerant; allow top 3 inches to dry between waterings.
• Fertilizer: General-purpose feed early in season.
• Support: Stake tall varieties against wind.
• Maintenance: Deadhead for continuous bloom.

Bloom Time

Summer to fall.

Pests & Diseases

Few issues. Notably deer-resistant due to hairy leaves.