Flower Garden · Seed to Bloom

How to grow Mexican sunflower

Grow brilliant orange-red flowers on vigorous heat-loving plants that draw butterflies through summer.

Wait for warm soilGive plants full sunCut or deadhead often
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Vintage botanical illustration of orange Mexican sunflower with butterfly
Botanical nameTithonia rotundifoliaMexican sunflower
Sow depth¼ inchCover lightly
Germination7–14 daysWarm conditions
Spacing18–24 inchesBranching plant
Height30–36 inchesFiesta del Sol

Flower profile

Create a heat-loving pollinator beacon.

Fiesta del Sol is a compact Tithonia with vivid orange flowers, velvety foliage, and strong appeal for butterflies. It thrives in full sun and lean, well-drained soil.

Do not overfeedRich soil and excess nitrogen produce coarse leafy growth. Moderate fertility keeps plants compact and flowering.

Mexican sunflower at a glance

From seed to a season-long flower display

01SowAfter frost02Sprout7–14 days03Thin18–24 inches04BranchWarm growth05BloomOrange daisies06CutUntil frost

Planting

Sow after frost when soil is thoroughly warm.

Direct sow or start 4–6 weeks early. Choose a hot sunny site and avoid disturbing roots once plants begin rapid growth.

01

Sow about ¼ inch deep

Keep warm and evenly moist.

02

Transplant after frost

Harden plants gradually.

03

Space 18–24 inches

Allow room for broad branching.

Ongoing care

Keep plants healthy and flowering

Maximize sun

Eight hours of sun supports compact heavy bloom.

Water deeply

Established plants tolerate brief dryness.

Feed sparingly

Lean soil helps flowering.

Deadhead often

Remove old blooms to maintain display.

Season checkpoints

Follow the plant's visible progress.

7–14 days

Seedlings emerge

4–6 weeks

Plants establish outdoors

Midsummer

Orange flowers begin

Until frost

Butterflies visit new blooms

Cutting and garden use

Cut newly opened orange flowers.

Cut stems as flowers open, or leave blooms on plants as nectar sources for butterflies and other pollinators.

  1. Cut above a branching node.
  2. Use clean water immediately.
  3. Leave some flowers for pollinators.

Urban Farmer selections

Grow compact Fiesta del Sol

Fiesta Del Sol product imageCompact · orange-red bloomFiesta Del SolA heat-loving butterfly favorite for sunny beds.Checking availability…Shop Fiesta Del Sol →

Questions flower gardeners ask

Mexican sunflower growing FAQ

When should Mexican sunflower seed be started?

Sow at the season described in the planting section.

How deep should seed be planted?

Cover about ¼ inch.

How long does germination take?

Usually 7–14 days.

Does it need full sun?

Full sun produces the strongest plants and best flowering.

How far apart should plants be?

Space 18–24 inches.

Can it grow in containers?

Yes, in a sufficiently large, freely draining container.

How often should it be watered?

Water during establishment and dry spells without keeping soil saturated.

Should it be fertilized?

Feed lightly; excess nitrogen can reduce flowering.

Can it be direct sown?

Yes, once outdoor conditions suit the crop.

Will it reseed?

It may self-sow when mature seedheads are left in place.

Ready to plant?

Turn a hot sunny bed into a butterfly destination.

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