What are the preferred growing conditions for Mexican sunflower?

Mexican sunflower thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including poor soils, and is drought-tolerant once established.

How tall does Tithonia diversifolia typically grow?

Under optimal conditions, Tithonia diversifolia can reach heights of 1 to 3 meters, sometimes even taller, with a sprawling habit.

When does Mexican sunflower bloom?

Mexican sunflower typically blooms from summer through fall, with peak flowering often occurring in late summer and early autumn.

Is Mexican sunflower a perennial or an annual?

In frost-free climates, it is a perennial shrub. In areas with freezing temperatures, it may die back to the ground in winter and regrow from the roots, or it may be grown as an annual.

How should I prune my Mexican sunflower?

Pruning can be done to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, or control its size. Heavy pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia) – Benefits, Growing Guide & Care

Mexican Sunflower Toxicity

Safety information from plant toxicity data

Toxicity details for Mexican Sunflower
Attribute	Value
Toxic for humans	No 0/5 intensity
Toxic for pets	No 0/5 intensity

Non-toxic

Mexican Sunflower Quick Facts

Key traits and growing stats from plant data

Plant Type: Shrub
Plant Category: Ornamental
Plant Place Type: Garden, Pot
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Height: 1.5 - 3 m
Spread: 1 - 1.5 m
Tall Or Wide: Taller than wide
Growth Rate: Fast
Dormancy: None
Leaf Color: Green
Leaf Type: Lobed
Flower Size: 5 - 10 cm
Optimal Sunlight (lux): 60000

Care guide for Mexican Sunflower

Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data

Water

Water regularly, especially during dry periods, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Established plants are somewhat drought-tolerant, but consistent moisture promotes better flowering and growth.

Avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Reduce watering in cooler months.

Pruning

Prune back hard in late winter or early spring to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch back young plants to promote branching.

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong blooming and maintain a tidy appearance. Remove any dead or damaged stems at any time.

Propagation

Easily propagated from seeds sown in spring or from stem cuttings taken in late spring or summer. Cuttings root readily in moist soil or water. Seeds germinate best with consistent warmth and moisture.

Both methods are very effective for increasing plant numbers.

Repotting

Repot young plants annually or every two years in spring, or when they become root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix.

Established plants in the ground generally do not require repotting unless moving them to a new location. Choose a pot slightly larger than the current one.

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Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · NovPeak fruit · Nov

FloweringFruiting

Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JanPeak fruit · Jan

FloweringFruiting

Image Gallery

Photos of Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia)

Distribution

Where Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia) is found

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Distribution map for Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia)

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Mexican Sunflower Names & Synonyms

Common names and botanical synonyms

Common Names

Arbol Maravilla
Girasol Mexicana
Japanese-Sunflower
Mexican Bush-Daisy
Mexican Sunflower
Mexican Sunflower-Weed
Shrub-Sunflower
Tithonia
Tree Marigold

Synonyms

Helianthus quinquelobus Sessé & Moc.
Mirasolia diversifolia Hemsl.

Mexican Sunflower Taxonomy

Botanical classification

Taxonomic classification of Mexican Sunflower
Rank	Name
Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Asterales
Family	Asteraceae
Genus	Tithonia
Species	Tithonia diversifolia

Similar Plants

Similar in genus Tithonia

Clavel De Muerto

Tithonia rotundifolia

Tithonia calva

Tithonia brachypappa

Tithonia fruticosa

Mexican Sunflower FAQs

Answers based on plant encyclopedia data

What are the preferred growing conditions for Mexican sunflower?
Mexican sunflower thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including poor soils, and is drought-tolerant once established.
How tall does Tithonia diversifolia typically grow?
Under optimal conditions, Tithonia diversifolia can reach heights of 1 to 3 meters, sometimes even taller, with a sprawling habit.
When does Mexican sunflower bloom?
Mexican sunflower typically blooms from summer through fall, with peak flowering often occurring in late summer and early autumn.
Is Mexican sunflower a perennial or an annual?
In frost-free climates, it is a perennial shrub. In areas with freezing temperatures, it may die back to the ground in winter and regrow from the roots, or it may be grown as an annual.
How should I prune my Mexican sunflower?
Pruning can be done to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, or control its size. Heavy pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Mexican SunflowerTithonia diversifolia

Mexican Sunflower Care Summary