Mexican Sunflower Seeds – Bold Orange Annual (Tithonia rotundifolia)

If you want a garden that stops traffic, plant the Mexican Sunflower. Native to Mexico and Central America, Tithonia rotundifolia produces a breathtaking flush of deep, velvety orange blooms up to 4 inches wide from early summer all the way through fall. Towering, dramatic, and irresistible to bees and butterflies — this is one of the most rewarding annuals you can grow.

Variety Highlights

• 🌸 Stunning deep orange flowers up to 4" wide — a true showstopper in any border or cutting garden
• 🐝 Powerhouse pollinator magnet — bees and butterflies flock to every bloom
• ☀️ Heat and drought tolerant — thrives where other flowers struggle
• 🌿 Annual — blooms generously in its first season
• 📏 Height: ~28 inches — ideal for the back of borders and cutting gardens
• 🌞 Bloom season: Early summer through early fall
• 🌍 USDA Zones: 4–11
• 🪴 Perfect for pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, and fresh-cut arrangements

Planting Guide

Site Selection

• Choose a full sun location — Mexican Sunflowers need long, hot days to bloom their best
• Slightly acidic to mildly alkaline soil (pH 5.8–6.5) suits them well
• A sheltered spot near a fence or building protects tall plants from strong winds

Sowing Seeds

• Direct sow outdoors after all frost danger has passed and soil has warmed to 55–60°F (mid-April to late May)
• Sow 2–3 seeds per planting spot, barely covering or not covering seeds — light aids germination
• Plant no more than 1" deep in loose, well-dug soil
• Space seeds 4–6 inches apart; thin to 2 feet apart once plants reach 6 inches tall
• Space rows 30 inches apart for full-size varieties
• Stagger plantings over 5–6 weeks for continuous blooms throughout the season
• A light application of fertilizer at planting strengthens root establishment

Germination Details

• Soil temperature: 70°F ideal
• Average germination: 7–14 days
• Light: Required — shade seeds lightly after sowing to avoid direct sun scorching
• Moisture: Keep soil slightly moist but never waterlogged

Care & Maintenance

• Watering: Deep, infrequent watering encourages strong, deep roots — avoid frequent shallow watering
• Fertilizing: Feed sparingly; over-fertilizing promotes lush foliage at the expense of blooms and can weaken stems
• Staking: Tall varieties benefit from bamboo stakes or similar support as they mature
• Netting: If birds are scratching for seeds, cover the area with netting until germination occurs

Bold. Brilliant. Built for summer. The Mexican Sunflower transforms any garden into a living canvas of orange — and keeps pollinators coming back all season long.

Select your desired seed quantity from the options above.