Description
Torch Tithonia Seeds 6275.
Massive Orange Dahlia-Like Blooms for Pollinators and Vibrant Summer Heights.
Torch Tithonia (Tithonia rotundifolia), commonly known as Mexican Sunflower, is a striking open-pollinated annual celebrated for its vivid, fiery-orange dahlia-like blossoms measuring up to 9 cm across. Thriving in heat and full sun, these impressive, bushy plants typically reach 1 m in height under Canadian growing conditions, though they can easily surge up to 2 m tall during particularly hot, sunny summers. Blooming continuously from late summer into autumn, ‘Torch’ acts as a supreme magnet for Monarch butterflies, native bees, and hummingbirds while making a bold, dramatic addition to cut-flower bouquets and garden backdrops.
Quick Seed Details
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Product Code: 6275
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Botanical Name: Tithonia rotundifolia ‘Torch’
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Type: Open-Pollinated Annual
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Height: 1 m (up to 2 m in warm, hot conditions)
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Flower Size: Up to 9 cm diameter
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Plant Spacing: 60 cm
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Light Requirement: Full Sun
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Soil Preference: Average, well-drained soil (Very heat and drought tolerant)
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Germination: 10–15 days at 21°C (Requires light to germinate)
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Seed Count: Approx. 75 seeds per packet (125 seeds per gram)
What you need to know to Plant & Grow
Torch Tithonia is simple to establish from an early indoor start or direct garden sowing once weather warms.
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Indoor Sowing: For earlier late-summer blooms, start seeds indoors in a quality soilless starter mix during mid-April. Surface sow seeds—leave seed on the surface, as light is beneficial for germination. Maintain a steady temperature of 21°C throughout the 10 to 15 day germination period. Move sprouted seedlings under grow lights at a cooler temperature of 15°C before hardening off and transplanting outdoors after spring frost danger has passed.
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Outdoor Direct Sowing: Direct sow seeds outdoors in late May in a sunny location with good air circulation.
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Garden Spacing & Protection: Thin or transplant seedlings to 60 cm apart when they reach 7.5 cm in height. Protect young seedlings, as they are a favourite forage for rabbits.
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Garden Care: Deadhead spent blossoms regularly as they fade to prolong the flowering season until frost.
Why Torch Tithonia Seeds belong in Your Garden
If you want towering, vibrant orange blooms that thrive through peak summer heat while drawing Monarchs and pollinators from across the neighbourhood, Torch Tithonia is an unbeatable choice. Its dramatic height, drought tolerance, and outstanding performance in cut arrangements make it an essential feature for Canadian sun gardens.
