I've never seen it locally here. If I want it, it's seeds only for me.

Tracy

I went to my really nice big garden center and asked about it and they too told me they don't carry it and that I would probably only be able to get it by growing my own from seed. I just didn't feel like starting it this late so it looks like I'll have to do without it this year. I did try winter sowing it but it was one of the jugs that didn't sprout. I started it too early. Next year I will wait and try starting it later in the Spring. It needs more heat to sprout.

The local nursery carries the plants....but they are so easy to grow....i buy the seeds.....they come in different varieties of color and height.......the only problme i have had with them.....in late summer they get mildew...

I tried both direct sowing them and sowing in pots . . . nothing! Is there any trick to getting them to germinate? I'd really like them for my butterfly garden this year.

Thanks!

:-) Mel

Mel....i just plant mine in the ground where i want them to be.....they seem to take a bit more time to germinate than some annuals.....but when they come up....they are hardy....i just love the bright orange flowers..so do the butterflies

carol

I have had no luck winter sowing these. I'm thinking they are a late spring sowing candidate using the winter sowing method. I will try that next year.

When you think about whether a seed can be winter sown or not, think about the plant it produces. Those annual seeds from plants originating in hot/dry areas, and love hot/dry growing conditions are poor winter sowing candidates in Ohio. Tithonia, commonly called Mexican Sunflower doesn't even like to germinate until soil is warm. Just the name implies it loves sun/heat and comes from a southern climate.

If I sow them directly outside this one would be sown well past last frost date. Even if the seed didn't die from the cold in winter sowing, the cold, wet and dank conditions of early spring would predispose it to rot before germination.

the mexican sunflower is a robust grower from seed. wait until several weeks past your average last frost date and direct seed in the spot you want it to grow. In 45 days it is virtually full size. They are amazingly fast growers and a beautiful bush.