The Story
Plant Bio
Tithonia rotundifolia 'The Torch' is a vibrant, sun-loving annual that produces large orange flowers and thrives in warm conditions.
This cultivar is known for its bright, fiery orange petals which attract pollinators and add stunning color to gardens.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Annual
Height
60 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Low to moderate
Lifespan
Annual
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Late summer – Early fall
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a sunny location with well-draining soil for planting.
- Tuck seeds ½ inch deep into moist soil in early spring.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage rooting.
- Water consistently during dry spells to promote healthy growth.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
- Prune dead or damaged stems to encourage bushier growth.
Pro Tip
Use organic compost to enrich soil and boost vibrant flowering.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply once a week 🌱
- Prune after flowering to promote new growth
- Use organic fertilizer during active growth
Don't
- Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
- Don’t neglect pruning to maintain shape
- Avoid planting in poorly drained soil ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Stake |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Torch Mexican Sunflower questions
What zones can Torch Mexican Sunflower grow in?
Torch Mexican Sunflower is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Torch Mexican Sunflower deer resistant?
Yes — Torch Mexican Sunflower is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Torch Mexican Sunflower bloom?
Torch Mexican Sunflower typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Torch Mexican Sunflower need full sun?
Torch Mexican Sunflower does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Torch Mexican Sunflower drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Torch Mexican Sunflower handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Tithonia to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Torch Mexican Sunflower with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.