Seeds, Tithonia Mexican Torch (West Coast Seeds)

Tithonia is highly attractive to pollinators, including hummingbirds, and looks great when planted in big clumps or rows. The seeds are easy to collect and dry for future planting, and the massive stalks from the plants can be used for trellising peas or pole beans the following year. Mexican Torch won an AAS Award in 1951.

Annual

Timing
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, and transplant out once night time temperatures are reliably above 10°C (50°F). Seeds germinate in 5-14 days.

Starting
Sow seeds on the surface of the soil under bright lights, and maintain a soil temperature of 21°C (70°F). Seeds can be direct sown outdoors in spring, but well after last frost, and only where winters are mild.