Tithonia (Mexican Sunflower) in Zone 7a & 7b

Tithonia rotundifolia

When to plant tithonia (mexican sunflower) in zone 7b

Zones 7a and 7b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.

Method: Either: Start indoors for an earlier harvest, or direct-sow outside for less fuss. Tithonia (Mexican Sunflower) tolerates either.

Start indoors	Feb 27–Mar 6
Direct sow / transplant outside	Apr 24–May 1
Estimated bloom	Jul 21–Jul 28 (~88 days after planting)

Spacing: about 2 square feet per plant (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 4-6 ft.

Tithonia, better known as Mexican sunflower, is a fast-growing, heat-loving annual that produces vivid orange-red blooms on tall, sturdy stems late in the season, just as many other cut flowers are winding down.

How tithonia (mexican sunflower) fits zone 7's season

Zone 7b's frost-free window runs about 198 days, from April 10 to October 25. Tithonia (Mexican Sunflower) needs about 88 days from sowing to first harvest.

Good companions

No standout companions recorded yet for Tithonia (Mexican Sunflower).

Where to buy tithonia seeds

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See it growing

Search YouTube for "growing tithonia (mexican sunflower)" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)

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Growing Tithonia (Mexican Sunflower) in USDA zone 7b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.

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