Mexican Sunflower ( Tithonia ) Seeds

Chocolate Sunflower is a unique and eye-catching ornamental sunflower prized for its rich, deep mahogany to chocolate-brown blooms. The velvety petals surround a dark central disk, creating a dramatic appearance unlike traditional yellow sunflowers. Its warm, earthy coloring adds elegance and sophistication to flower gardens while still providing the cheerful charm and easy-growing nature that sunflowers are known for. Chocolate Sunflower stands out beautifully in both garden beds and fresh-cut floral arrangements.

Garden Uses: Chocolate Sunflower is an excellent choice for cottage gardens, cutting gardens, mixed annual borders, pollinator gardens, and seasonal landscape displays. The rich flower color pairs beautifully with golden yellow sunflowers, orange tithonia, purple salvias, and ornamental grasses. Its unusual blooms make it a favorite among gardeners seeking something different from traditional sunflower varieties.

Growing Information: Sow seeds directly outdoors after danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Plant seeds approximately 1 inch deep in fertile, well-drained soil. Choose a sunny location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart to encourage healthy branching and air circulation. Water regularly during establishment and provide supplemental moisture during extended dry periods. Plants are generally easy to grow and perform well in most garden soils.

Quick Facts:

• Botanical Name: Helianthus annuus
• Common Name: Chocolate Sunflower
• Plant Type: Annual
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Height: 5 to 7 feet
• Spread: 2 to 3 feet
• Bloom Color: Chocolate-brown, mahogany, burgundy tones
• Bloom Season: Summer through early fall
• Growth Habit: Branching
• Best Uses: Cut flowers, borders, pollinator gardens, cottage gardens

Red Mexican Torch Sunflower is a spectacular heat-loving annual grown for its brilliant scarlet-red to fiery orange-red blooms and exceptional ability to attract butterflies. Despite its common name, this plant is actually a species of Tithonia rather than a true sunflower. The vivid flowers appear atop tall, sturdy stems and seem to glow in the summer sunlight, creating one of the most dramatic displays available for hot-weather gardens. Its tropical appearance and nonstop flowering make it a favorite among pollinator enthusiasts and gardeners seeking bold seasonal color.

Garden Uses: Red Mexican Torch Sunflower is ideal for butterfly gardens, pollinator plantings, cottage gardens, cutting gardens, wildlife landscapes, and back-border displays. The vibrant flowers create striking combinations with zinnias, cosmos, salvias, ornamental grasses, and traditional sunflowers. Its tall growth habit makes it especially useful as a seasonal screen or dramatic background planting.

Growing Information: Sow seeds outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed thoroughly. Seeds may also be started indoors several weeks before transplanting. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, Red Mexican Torch Sunflower is remarkably tolerant of heat, drought, and poor soils. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for proper airflow and branching. Avoid excessive fertilization, which can encourage foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Quick Facts:

• Botanical Name: Tithonia speciosa
• Common Name: Red Mexican Torch Sunflower
• Plant Type: Annual
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Height: 4 to 8 feet
• Spread: 2 to 4 feet
• Bloom Color: Scarlet-red to fiery orange-red
• Flower Size: 3 to 5 inches across
• Bloom Season: Mid-summer through frost
• Growth Habit: Tall, branching, upright
• Best Uses: Butterfly gardens, pollinator gardens, borders, wildlife plantings

Mexican Torch Sunflower Goldfinger is a spectacular selection of Tithonia prized for its brilliant golden-orange blooms, vigorous growth, and extraordinary ability to attract butterflies and pollinators. The large daisy-like flowers seem to glow in the summer sun, producing a display of fiery color that lasts from midsummer until frost. Goldfinger combines the rugged heat tolerance of its Mexican heritage with nonstop flowering, making it one of the most dependable annuals for hot, sunny gardens.

Garden Uses: Goldfinger is ideal for butterfly gardens, pollinator plantings, cottage gardens, wildlife habitats, cutting gardens, and back-border displays. Its bright golden-orange flowers blend beautifully with zinnias, cosmos, salvias, celosia, ornamental grasses, and traditional sunflowers. The tall plants create an impressive backdrop while providing months of vibrant color.

Growing Information: Sow seeds directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed. Seeds may also be started indoors several weeks before transplanting. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, Goldfinger thrives in hot weather and tolerates drought remarkably well. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for branching and airflow. Avoid overly rich soils, as excessive fertility may encourage foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Quick Facts:

• Botanical Name: Tithonia speciosa
• Common Name: Mexican Torch Sunflower Goldfinger
• Plant Type: Annual
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Height: 4 to 6 feet
• Spread: 2 to 4 feet
• Bloom Color: Brilliant golden-orange
• Flower Size: 3 to 5 inches across
• Bloom Season: Mid-summer through frost
• Growth Habit: Tall, branching, upright
• Best Uses: Butterfly gardens, pollinator gardens, borders, wildlife habitats