Name: Organic 'Mexican Sunflower' Seeds
Brand: Gaia
SKU: GAI-SEMENCES
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Sale Sold out

Open-pollinated heirloom seeds, ecologically grown; not stated as certified organic Asteraceae

Gaia

Tithonia diversifolia

From seed to harvest

Common nameMexican Sunflower; Tithonia diversifolia

FamilyAsteraceae

GenusTithonia

Speciesdiversifolia

TypeOpen-pollinated heirloom seeds, ecologically grown; not stated as certified organic

Botanical nameTithonia diversifolia

Organic 'Mexican Sunflower' Seeds (Tithonia diversifolia). This open-pollinated heirloom forms a tall, highly branched plant covered with deep orange flowers approximately 3.5 inches across. Bloom begins in midsummer and continues until the first frost, creating a vivid backdrop for sunny borders. Gaia lists a height of 3 to 6 feet and a width of 2 to 3 feet. The packet contains approximately 20 organic seeds, with no organic certification stated, and germination above 85% for lot GOGO284. The flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinating insects. This is a vigorous warm-season ornamental for Canadian gardens. For practical seed starting, growing from seed succeeds best when the verified product depth, moisture and temperature guidance is followed.

Direct sow at the end of May after frost risk has passed and soil has warmed. Optional soaking in warm water for no more than 12 hours can precede sowing. Place seeds approximately 1/2 inch deep and space plants 12 to 24 inches apart. Full sun and average to poor, well-drained soil encourage abundant flowering without excessively soft growth. Gaia’s table lists 12 to 18°C while separately giving 23°C as the optimum; because those values conflict, maintain moderate warmth and watch for emergence in the stated 10 to 14 days. Protect young seedlings from cold nights. Use the product details as a clear guide on how to start seeds while keeping the growing medium evenly moist, never saturated.

Gaia lists maturity at 80 to 90 days. Cut flowers as they begin to open for bouquets, or allow some heads to dry on their stems for seed saving. A breathable paper bag helps protect them from birds and squirrels. Finish drying in a dry, ventilated place before placing seed in an airtight container. Gaia recommends keeping at least 12 inches between this plant and neighbouring crops. Kew recognizes Tithonia diversifolia as an accepted species in the Asteraceae family, naturally a tropical shrub or subshrub from Mexico to Central America and grown as an annual in Canadian climates. It is not native to Québec.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun
Life cycle: Grown as an annual in Québec; a shrub or subshrub in tropical climates

Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

Approximately 1.25 (13 mm (1/2 in))

Spacing / density

30 to 61 cm (12 to 24 in) between plants; Gaia table: 30 cm (12 in) between rows

Germination temperature

Conflicting Gaia table: range of 12 to 18°C and separate optimum of 23°C; maintain moderate warmth

Germination time

10 to 14 days after optional soaking; the lot lists germination above 85%

Sowing period

Direct sow at the end of May after the last frost and once soil has warmed

Propagation

Direct sowing

Growing method

For Mexican Sunflower; Tithonia diversifolia, follow these sowing and growing guidelines for the variety. If desired, soak seeds in warm water for no more than 12 hours, then direct sow at the end of May after the last frost. Sow 1/2 inch deep and space plants 12 to 24 inches apart. Gaia's table lists 12 inches between rows. Approximately 1/2 in (1.25 cm) Conflicting Gaia table: range of 12 to 18°C and separate optimum of 23°C; maintain moderate warmth 10 to 14 days after optional soaking; the lot lists germination above 85% Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. This seed starting sequence supports reliable growing from seed while preserving the product-specific depth and temperature facts.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Care level

Moderate

Watering

Maintain even moisture during emergence. Once established, water deeply when the surface dries and avoid leaving roots in waterlogged soil. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering.

Soil type

Average to poor, loose, well-drained soil. Very rich soil or excessive fertilizer can produce abundant foliage and weaker stems. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering.

Seasonal care

For Mexican Sunflower; Tithonia diversifolia, adjust seasonal care to the plant’s actual growth cycle. If desired, soak seeds in warm water for no more than 12 hours, then direct sow at the end of May after the last frost. Sow 1/2 inch deep and space plants 12 to 24 inches apart. Gaia’s table lists 12 inches between rows. Approximately 1/2 in (1.25 cm) Conflicting Gaia table: range of 12 to 18°C and separate optimum of 23°C; maintain moderate warmth 10 to 14 days after optional soaking; the lot lists germination above 85% Cut flowers as they begin to open for bouquets. To save seed, wait until heads dry on their stems and protect them from birds and squirrels with a breathable paper bag. Bush Beans, Squash, Cucumber, Corn, Lettuce, Any Plant With Aphids. The packet contains Approximately 20 seeds. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Growing Mexican Sunflower; Tithonia diversifolia in a container requires suitable volume, drainage, and exposure. 10 to 15 L per plant with free drainage. Match the container to the plant's development and provide free drainage from planting onward. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

0.9 to 1.8 m (3 to 6 ft) (91 to 183 cm (36 to 72 in)); Gaia’s commercial copy mentions approximately 1.8 m (6 ft)

Width / spread

0.6 to 0.9 m (2 to 3 ft)

Flower color

Deep orange

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Herbaceous

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

Tall, upright, and highly branched

Harvest

Cut flowers as they begin to open for bouquets. To save seed, let heads dry on the plant, protect them with a breathable paper bag, then finish drying in a ventilated place.

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Gaia suggests bush beans, squash, cucumber, corn, lettuce, and plants carrying aphids. However, maintain at least 12 inches around the plant as stated on the packet. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.

Plants to avoid

Gaia advises against growing potato nearby.

Garden use

In the garden, place Mexican Sunflower; Tithonia diversifolia according to its habit, vigour, and access for harvest. Cut flowers as they begin to open for bouquets. To save seed, wait until heads dry on their stems and protect them from birds and squirrels with a breathable paper bag. Bush Beans, Squash, Cucumber, Corn, Lettuce, Any Plant With Aphids. The packet contains Approximately 20 seeds. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume.

Frequently asked questions

How many 'Mexican Sunflower' seeds are in the packet?

For Mexican Sunflower; Tithonia diversifolia, the packet information states: Approximately 20 seeds · lot GOGO284 · germination >85%. This wording preserves the commercial approximation when one is provided and helps plan the number of containers or the length of the row without turning an estimate into a guaranteed count. Keep the packet closed in a cool, dry, dark place until sowing time. Keep the label with the seedlings so the variety remains correctly identified throughout the season. Use clean containers and write the sowing date on a water-resistant label. Avoid exposing unused seed to moisture or large temperature swings.

How should I start 'Mexican Sunflower' seeds in Canada?

For Mexican Sunflower; Tithonia diversifolia, the stated sowing period is Direct sow at the end of May after the last frost and once soil has warmed. The recommended method is Direct sowing, at a depth of Approximately 1.25 (13 mm (1/2 in)). Follow these product-specific directions and adjust timing to the average last-frost date in your area. Moisten the growing medium before placing the seed so the first watering does not displace it. Label every container and maintain even moisture without allowing standing water. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge to encourage balanced growth. Thin carefully when several seedlings compete for the same space. For seed starting, label the cultivar and use the stated sowing depth instead of a generic estimate.

How long do 'Mexican Sunflower' seeds take to germinate?

For Mexican Sunflower; Tithonia diversifolia, the stated germination period is 10 to 14 days after optional soaking; the lot lists germination above 85%, with a germination temperature of Conflicting Gaia table: range of 12 to 18°C and separate optimum of 23°C; maintain moderate warmth. Keep these conditions as steady as practical while allowing excess water to drain away. The temperature of the growing medium matters more than the surrounding air during this stage. Check moisture below the surface before watering again and avoid saturating the medium. Good air circulation helps young plants remain vigorous after emergence. Wait until the normal germination window has passed before assuming a seed will not emerge. When growing from seed, keep conditions stable for the full stated germination window before disturbing the mix.

Where should I grow 'Mexican Sunflower' in the garden?

For Mexican Sunflower; Tithonia diversifolia, the recommended exposure is Full sun. The stated spacing guideline is 30 to 61 cm (12 to 24 in) between plants; Gaia table: 30 cm (12 in) between rows. For container growing, the product record recommends: 10 to 15 L per plant with free drainage. Allow for the mature habit so neighbouring plants do not restrict light or access for harvest. Choose a site that is easy to water and leave enough room for air to circulate around the foliage. In a container, make sure several holes allow excess water to drain freely. A light mulch can steady moisture after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

When and how should I harvest 'Mexican Sunflower'?

For Mexican Sunflower; Tithonia diversifolia, observe seasonal development and use the period of interest stated in the product record as a guide for enjoying the plant in the garden. No part should be eaten without explicit confirmation that it is edible for the exact species. Use a clean tool and handle the harvest carefully to avoid unnecessary injury to the plant. Harvest in dry weather when practical and remove damaged portions promptly. Wash only the parts intended for the kitchen and refrigerate perishable produce promptly. Never eat a plant part whose identity or edibility is uncertain.