Tithonia Torch (Mexican Sunflower) (Seeds)
Description
Huge, vivid orange dahlia-like flowers up to 9 cm (3.5″) across are freely produced over the long summer season. A real eye-catcher that is a useful cut flower and attractive to butterflies. Plants can reach a mature height of 90-120 cm (36-48″) under ideal conditions.
How to Grow
125 seed/gram. Seed can be started directly outdoors in late May in a site with full sun & good air circulation. Protect seedlings as they are popular forage for rabbits. When seedlings are 7.5 cm (3″) tall thin or transplant to 60 cm (2′) apart. For an earlier start to flowering, sow indoors in a soil-less mix in mid-April. Leave seed on the surface of the growing medium and keep at 21 C (71 F). After germination grow-on under lights at 15 C (60 F) before hardening off then transplanting outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.