{"product_id":"ga-tournesol-mexican-sunflower-bio","title":"Organic sunflower 'Mexican Sunflower'","description":"\u003ch3\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eOrganic 'Mexican Sunflower' sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia) from Gaia seed company, a fiery and imposing bloom for a vibrant garden\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eThe Mexican sunflower 'Mexican Sunflower' is a spectacular heirloom variety, forming large, highly branched plants that can reach 1.5 to 1.8 m (5 to 6 ft) in height. Its deep orange, 9 cm (3.5\") wide flowers provide a dazzling display from midsummer until the first frosts. This warm-hearted plant attracts an abundance of pollinators – butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds – and creates a vibrant display in any garden. Very vigorous, it produces strong stems and numerous flowers, making it perfect for sunny borders or the back of flower beds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e The Mexican sunflower also has the particularity of greatly increasing the growth of its own stems, but slowing down that of plants within 30 cm (12\") around it: it is therefore better to offer it space to fully enjoy its ornamental power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompanion plants\u003c\/strong\u003e : Dwarf beans, squash, cucumber, corn, lettuce, all plants susceptible to aphids\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEnemy plants\u003c\/strong\u003e : Potato\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSpread\/Habit\u003c\/strong\u003e : Very branched, bushy\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePlant height\u003c\/strong\u003e : 90 to 180 cm (36 to 72\")\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSpecial features\u003c\/strong\u003e : Edible flowers, edible leaves, strongly attracts pollinators\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eQuantity per pack\u003c\/strong\u003e : To be specified according to the packaging (not indicated in your source sheet)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCertification\u003c\/strong\u003e : Environmentally friendly product\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e Farming method\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eSoaking the seeds in warm water for up to 12 hours is recommended to improve germination. Sow directly outdoors in late May, at a depth of 1.2 cm (1\/2\"). Space the plants 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24\") apart and leave at least 30 cm around each plant to prevent it from crowding out neighboring plants. Choose a location in full sun (level 3) and water regularly (watering level 3), especially at first.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e Germination occurs in 10 to 14 days at an optimal temperature of 23°C, but can also occur within a range of 12 to 18°C. Maturity is reached in 80 to 90 days, with abundant and sustained flowering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e Harvesting and preservation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eHarvest the seeds when the flower heads are completely dry on their stems. To prevent birds or squirrels from eating them, place a brown paper bag around the head as the seeds begin to ripen. The flowers can also be harvested for fresh arrangements, while the petals and young leaves are edible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e Usage ideas\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e • Perfect for creating a spectacular backdrop in flowerbeds\u003cbr\u003e • Very effective at attracting butterflies, bees and hummingbirds\u003cbr\u003e • Ideal for ecological or naturalistic gardens\u003cbr\u003e • Edible flowers to decorate desserts, cocktails or salads\u003cbr\u003e • Ideal for creating vibrant bouquets\u003cbr\u003e • To be grown as a refuge plant against aphids (trap plant)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eThe 'Mexican Sunflower' sunflower is a magnificent, vibrant, and resilient plant, perfect for adding a tropical and lively touch to the garden. A must-have variety for gardeners who love spectacular blooms and vibrant gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gaia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53075570983072,"sku":"GAI-SEMENCES","price":4.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0655\/3878\/5440\/files\/MexicanSunflower5Gaia.jpg?v=1764948739","url":"https:\/\/www.pepiniere.ca\/en\/products\/ga-tournesol-mexican-sunflower-bio","provider":"Pépinière.ca","version":"1.0","type":"link"}