With its bright orange cup-shaped flowers, the Mexican sunflower is reminiscent of a large zinnia or marigold. We would like to experience so much color in the garden every year. The question arises whether the exotic flower can overwinter in the Central European climate?
The Mexican sunflower is used to Mexican winters and therefore does not tolerate frost
Mexican sunflower is not frost hardy
In contrast to hardy perennial sunflowers, the Mexican sunflower cannot withstand frosty temperatures. The planting season therefore only begins in April/May, when no more ground frosts are to be expected. At the end of their month-long flowering period, cut the stems down to the ground or dig up the root ball in the fall.
Harvest seeds for propagation
A Tithonia diversifolia's lack of hardiness doesn't mean you have to miss out on next year's bloom festival. Harvest the ripe seeds in autumn to sow them on the windowsill at the end of March at 18 to 20 degrees Celsius. You will have vital young plants in your hands until mid-May, which you can plant out in a sunny location.