- Species and varieties: Tithonia rotundifolia, commonly known as Mexican Sunflower, is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is known for its bright orange-red flowers and is often grown as an ornamental plant. There are several varieties of Tithonia rotundifolia, including 'Torch', 'Goldfinger', and 'Fiesta del Sol'.
- Hybrid or heirloom: Tithonia rotundifolia seeds are typically heirloom varieties, meaning they are open-pollinated and have been passed down through generations without genetic modification. These seeds produce plants that are true to type, preserving the characteristics of the parent plant.
- Pruning and training: Tithonia rotundifolia requires minimal pruning. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage more blooms and extend the flowering period. The plants can grow quite tall, so staking may be necessary to support the stems, especially in windy areas.
- Fertilization needs: Mexican Sunflower is not particularly demanding in terms of fertilization. A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied at planting time is usually sufficient. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Organic compost or well-rotted manure can also be used to enrich the soil.
- Hardiness zones: Tithonia rotundifolia is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 8-11. It thrives in warm climates and can tolerate heat and drought conditions.
- Climate requirements: Mexican Sunflower prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is a heat-loving plant that requires warm temperatures to germinate and grow. It is not frost-tolerant and should be planted after the last frost date in your area.





