Tithonia Torch Red Seeds

About Tithonia Torch Red Seeds

Tithonia, the Mexican Sunflower, is a heat-loving tall annual whose torch orange-red daisy flowers draw butterflies. Torch Red grows 120–180 cm tall, making it an excellent back-of-border plant.

• Botanical name: Tithonia rotundifolia
• Care level: Easy
• Flower colour: Orange-red
• Plant height: 120–180 cm
• Flowering: Monsoon to autumn (August–November).

Why grow it

• Excellent butterfly magnet
• Thrives in extreme heat and poor soil
• Good cut flower and back-of-border plant

How to Grow

1. Fill a seedling tray or small container with a fine, clean, well-draining seed-starting mix.
2. Sow the seeds: about 5–10 mm deep.
3. Water gently with a spray bottle and keep the medium moist, not waterlogged.
4. Under suitable conditions, sprouts usually appear in 7–14 days.
5. Transplant to the final pot or bed once the seedlings are sturdy, and grow on in full sun.

Light, water, soil and feeding

• Light: Full sun
• Water: Low water needs — drought tolerant once established. Deep-water once or twice a week.
• Soil: Ordinary well-drained soil; even poor soil works.
• Temperature: 22–38°C; it handles Indian summer heat very well.
• Fertiliser: Very little — in rich soil the plant grows tall and flops over.
• Pruning: Deadhead for more blooms; tall plants need staking.

Sowing season in India

February–March and June–July. Exact timing depends on your local temperature and conditions.

Common problems

• Flopping in wind: Stake tall plants and avoid over-rich soil.
• Leggy growth: Rich soil causes soft, floppy growth — go easy on feeding.
• Occasional leaf spot: Remove affected leaves and keep good airflow.