When summer sun is at its peak, Tithonia rises like a flame. With brilliant orange-red blooms and towering stems, this annual flower draws butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds in droves. Its fast growth, drought tolerance, and long-lasting display make it a favorite for sunny borders and wildflower-style gardens.
Though native to Mexico and Central America, Tithonia has become a standout in global cottage gardens for its tropical feel and wildlife-friendly nature. It performs best in hot, dry climates, thriving with little attention once established.
Portrait of the Tithonia
Tithonia belongs to the Asteraceae family and is most commonly grown as an annual in temperate zones. Its large, daisy-like flowers resemble sunflowers, but with a more compact shape and fiery hue. The plant’s upright growth and bold foliage make it both an ornamental and a habitat plant.
Type: Annual
Family: Asteraceae
Common names: Mexican sunflower, goldflower of the Incas
Foliage and Form
Tithonia grows tall and upright, often reaching 1.5 to 2.4 meters (5–8 feet) in height. Its coarse, slightly fuzzy leaves are deeply lobed and rich green, forming a bushy structure that provides a striking contrast to its vivid blooms.
Height: 1.2–2.4 m (4–8 ft)
Spread: 60–90 cm (2–3 ft)
Growth habit: Upright, bushy, somewhat sprawling
Blooms and Fragrance
The brilliant flowers appear in late summer and continue until frost, with daisy-like petals in orange or red-orange, and a yellow central disc. While they are not strongly fragrant, their visual impact and attraction to pollinators more than compensate.
Bloom Time: Mid-summer to fall
Color: Orange, red-orange
Fragrance: Mild to none
The Right Time to Plant and Care for Tithonia
Tithonia does not require pruning, but deadheading can encourage further blooming and prevent legginess. Plant after the last frost in full sun, either from seed or transplants.
| Month | Planting | Flowering | Deadheading (Pruning) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | ❌ Not advised | ❌ Not in bloom | ❌ Not needed |
| February | ❌ Not advised | ❌ Not in bloom | ❌ Not needed |
| March | ✅ Start seeds indoors | ❌ Not in bloom | ❌ Not needed |
| April | ✅ Harden off seedlings outdoors | ❌ Not in bloom | ❌ Not needed |
| May | ✅ Transplant outdoors or direct sow | ✅ Begins blooming (late May) | ✅ Begin deadheading as needed |
| June | ❌ No new planting | ✅ In full bloom | ✅ Regular deadheading encouraged |
| July | ❌ No new planting | ✅ In full bloom | ✅ Continue deadheading |
| August | ❌ No new planting | ✅ In full bloom | ✅ Continue deadheading |
| September | ❌ No new planting | ✅ Late-season blooming continues | ✅ Deadhead to extend blooming |
| October | ❌ Not advised | ❌ Usually ends with frost | ✅ Final cleanup if needed |
| November | ❌ Not advised | ❌ Not in bloom | ❌ Not needed |
| December | ❌ Not advised | ❌ Not in bloom | ❌ Not needed |
✅ = Recommended ❌ = Not advised or necessary
Ideal Watering, Sunlight, and Environment for Tithonia
Watering
Tithonia is drought-tolerant once established and prefers infrequent, deep watering. Let the soil dry between waterings, as overwatering can reduce flowering.
Sunlight
Needs full sun to thrive—at least 6–8 hours per day. The more sun, the better the bloom production.
Indoor vs Outdoor
Tithonia is strictly an outdoor plant. It grows best in garden beds or large containers and is not suited for indoor growth.
Temperature
Tithonia prefers warm to hot temperatures and is highly tolerant of summer heat. It is frost-sensitive, so wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting.
Ideal Soil Conditions for Growing Tithonia
| Soil Feature | Optimal Condition | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Soil Type | Loamy or sandy | Ensures quick drainage |
| Texture | Light and well-aerated | Prevents root rot in hot climates |
| Drainage | Excellent | Critical for healthy root growth |
| Moisture | Dry to moderately moist | Avoids soggy conditions |
| Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0) | Supports nutrient uptake |
| Fertility | Low to moderate | Too much nitrogen = fewer flowers |
Common Problems & Solutions
| Issue 🐾 | Symptoms 🔍 | Solutions 🛠️ |
|---|---|---|
| Powdery mildew 🌫️ | White film on leaves | Improve airflow, avoid overhead watering |
| Tall flopping stems 🌿 | Plants collapse in wind | Stake tall plants or grow in sheltered area |
| Poor blooming 🌼 | Few flowers, lush foliage | Reduce nitrogen, increase sun exposure |
| Aphids 🐜 | Clusters on stems | Spray with soapy water or neem oil |
Tithonia is bold, easy to grow, and irresistible to butterflies. With just a little space, full sun, and minimal care, it will ignite your garden with color from midsummer to the first frost.