How to Grow Tithonia
Tithonia rotundifolia
Tithonia is a tall, tender annual from Mexico producing vivid orange daisy-like blooms loved by butterflies and bees. Sow indoors in April or direct sow after last frost into poor to average, well-drained soil in full sun. It thrives on neglect — rich soil and excess feeding causes tall floppy stems with few flowers. Pinch out once at 30–40 cm for bushier plants. Deadhead regularly; the hollow stems bruise easily so cut with care. Stake in exposed spots. A non-stop pollinator plant from midsummer to first frost.
When to Start
Start seeds indoors 5 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outdoors once night temperatures stay above 10°C and soil has warmed to at least 18°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Light balanced feed once after planting out. Avoid high nitrogen which causes lush, floppy growth at the expense of flowers.
- Excellent pollinator magnet — butterflies and bees love the vivid orange blooms. Hollow stems; handle cut flowers gently to avoid crushing. Tall in exposed positions; stake early or grow near a fence.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 18°C+
- Germination temperature
- 18–24°C
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 60 cm |
| Row spacing | 75 cm |
| Sow depth | 0.5 cm |
| Mature height | 150 cm |
| Mature spread | 60 cm |
Tall, vigorous plants need generous spacing for good airflow and to prevent lodging. In windy sites space at 60 cm and stake early. Shorter cultivars (e.g. Goldfinger) can be spaced at 45 cm.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 18°C |
| Germination temperature | 18–24°C |
| Base growth temperature | 10°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 10.5h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Tithonia?
- Plant Tithonia 60cm apart with 75cm between rows.
- When does Tithonia flower?
- Tithonia typically flowers approximately 65 days after transplanting.
- Is Tithonia frost hardy?
- Tithonia is classified as Tender.
