Tithonia aka Mexican Sunflower
tithonia rotundifolia

days to maturity:
plant spacing: 1 plant per 3 square feet
sunlight requirements: 6-14 hours
look out for:
harvest notes:
seasons: fall, winter, spring, summer

Tithonia rotundifolia, commonly called Mexican sunflower, is a tall, heat-loving annual that thrives in our zone 10b climate. Reaching 4–6 feet, it produces brilliant orange, daisy-like flowers that stand out against coarse, dark green foliage. The blooms are rich in nectar, making them favorites of butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, even when conditions are hot, dry, or less fertile than ideal. In fact, it often performs best in lean soils where it isn’t overfed. Once established, Tithonia is quite drought-tolerant, though occasional watering during dry spells will keep it looking lush. In our subtropical gardens, it can bloom reliably from summer through fall, adding a strong vertical presence to borders, pollinator plantings, or the back of vegetable beds. Tithonia rotundifolia is also excellent for cutting gardens—the long stems and vivid blooms hold up well in arrangements. Deadheading encourages more flowers, but even when left alone, the plant self-seeds readily, often returning the following season. Few annuals are as tough, colorful, and pollinator-friendly, making Mexican sunflower a top choice for gardeners who want big impact with minimal fuss. Don’t confuse this Mexican sunflower variety with the even larger perennial variety “tithonia diversifolia” that is popular in permaculture plantings and is impossible to remove and extra large.