Also known as Mexican Sunflower · 18 saves
Tithonia
Tithonia, the genus most gardeners know as mexican sunflower. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Tithonia varieties
2 species of Tithonia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Tithonia in Sow
Save the Tithonia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Tithonia
Whats common across all Tithonia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Tithonia year
- PlantApril and May100% of varieties
Sow seeds directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed.
- StakeJune and July100% of varieties
Provide staking for tall stems, especially in windy locations.
- DeadheadJuly–September100% of varieties
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming.
- Pinch TipsMay67% of varieties
Pinch young plants when 12 inches tall to encourage branching.
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming
- Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season
- Provide full sun for optimal growth
- Water deeply once a week 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not neglect pruning, which encourages healthy growth
- Refrain from planting in poorly drained soil
- Avoid excessive fertilization which can cause legginess
What goes wrong with Tithonia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Increase humidity and spray with insecticidal soap |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and spray with insecticidal soap |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply neem oil or sulfur-based fungicide |
Making more Tithonia
Cuttings
- Select healthy stem with 2-3 leaves
- Dip in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist soil and keep warm for 6 weeks
Seeds
- Tuck seeds into moist soil surface in early spring
- Keep soil consistently moist for 2 weeks
- Transplant seedlings after they develop 2-3 true leaves
Tithonia questions
How many types of Tithonia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Tithonia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 18 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Tithonia grow in?
Across its varieties, Tithonia covers USDA Zones 6–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Tithonia bloom?
Most Tithonia varieties bloom in late summer, mid-summer to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Tithonia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.