Everyone
knows intuitively what a "normal" sunflower looks like. Tall and
bright, they take on an almost majestic appearance by the time
they've grown to full height. Mexican sunflowers are striking in the
way they look, but many passersby would be surprised to discover
that the plants are actually part of the sunflower line. They look
different, they're shorter, but they look no less regal than their
taller brethren.
In this article, we'll explore
growing Mexican sunflowers (it's scientific name is Tithonia
rotundifolia). I'll describe some of the traits that are exclusive
to the breed as well as how to plant and care for them to encourage
the best crop.
Their Appearance
They typically grow to a full
height of only 5 feet. Some varieties have been known to reach 8
feet while others only reach 2 or 3. In most cases, the plant is
relatively short when compared to a regular sunflower at twice the
height. One of the reasons why people don't realize that they're
part of the same breed is because they look completely different.
Tithonia have heads that are only a few inches in diameter and they
boast a deep orange-red color. Through cross-breeding, some
varieties have been grown with yellow heads, though most growers
prefer the distinctly sharp orange or vibrant red.
The leaves of the Mexican sunflower
are usually coarse and reach a length between 6 and 8 inches.
They're green, shaped like a spade, and have a noticeable fuzz
across their surface.
Traits Of The Breed
Tithonia love the sun and grow
quickly under full exposure. They have 2 flowering seasons: one in
the summer (from July to the middle of September) and one during the
fall (from October through the end of November). When grown to
harvest, they'll only yield approximately 50 seeds, a tiny amount
compared to the several hundred seeds produced by a regular
sunflower. Most gardeners who grow them do so for their appearance
rather than their seed yield.
How To Plant Them
Most varieties of Tithonia are
extremely easy to grow as long as they have direct, plentiful access
to sunlight. They'll develop well in fertile soil that has been
drained properly, but can also thrive in sites that haven't been
drained or offer less fertility. Like regular sunflowers, they're
resilient. That said, they should be planted after the last trace of
frost has disappeared; while the plant can withstand arid or dry
climates well, it can't tolerate frost.
Also, it's important to note that
Tithonia are soil scavengers. Because they tend to scavenge the
nutrients within the soil and grow outward, they should be planted
approximately 3 feet apart. That will prevent them from
cannibalizing the site.
How To Care For Them
Mexican sunflowers need plenty of
water when they're grown in extremely dry climates. However, take
care not to drown them. They absorb water well and don't need a
constant supply. When you first plant them, you should water them
daily. After a week, watering them every other day is sufficient.
Also, consider using a compost or fertilizer mix, especially if the
site in which they're planted isn't particularly fertile.
You may also want to mulch the soil
around each plant and stake them once they've reached nearly a foot
in height.
A Dazzling Display
Because this variety has such a
vibrant color, it makes an ideal ornamental plant. When used within
an outside garden, only a few are necessary to have a noticeable
impact. When used in a bouquet of flowers, 1 or 2 heads in the
middle can have an unparalleled intensity. Inside or out, in gardens
or bouquets, Tithonia captures attention and makes an unforgettable
impression.
By Ryan Bell This sunflower information is brought
to you by The Sunflower Guy, the best way to send
sunflowers anywhere.
