Also known as Mexican Sunflower, Tithonia is a heat-loving powerhouse with brilliant orange blooms that double as a bold natural dye and a pollinator magnet.
Tithonia is fast-growing, drought-tolerant, and striking in the landscape. Its vivid flowers not only support butterflies, bees, and birds—they also produce rich golden-orange hues when used in natural dyeing. A must-have for hot climates and sunny garden borders.
Basic Info:
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Common Names: Tithonia, Mexican Sunflower
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Color (for dyeing): Orange-gold to yellow; can shift to mossy green or rust with modifiers
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Flower Type: Sunflower-like composite
- Scientific Name: Tithonia rotundifolia
Cultivation Info:
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Days to Maturity: 60–80 days
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USDA Hardiness Zone: Annual in Zones 2–11
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Planting Depth: 1/4 inch; lightly cover seeds
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Plant Spacing: 18–24 inches apart
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Growth Habit: Tall, bushy; 4–6 feet (or more)
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Soil Preference: Well-drained soil; tolerates poor, dry soil
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Light Preference: Full sun
Additional Information:
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Taxonomy: Family Asteraceae
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Seed Type: Open-pollinated
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Sow Instructions: Start indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost or direct sow after frost; germinates in 7–14 days at 70–75°F
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Diseases: Generally disease-free
- Pests: Minimal; deer-resistant
Natural Dyeing Use:
Tithonia petals are rich in carotenoid pigments, yielding strong golden-orange dyes. When used fresh or dried, they impart color to protein fibers like silk and wool with minimal effort. Use an alum mordant for true orange tones, or shift toward olive or rust with modifiers like iron. Tithonia is excellent for simmer dye baths and adds vibrancy in bundle dyeing.
Troubleshooting Tips:
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Tall and leggy? Pinch back young plants to encourage bushiness or provide support.
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Few flowers? Needs full sun and should not be over-fertilized.
- Slow germination? Maintain consistent warmth and moisture during the sprouting period.