Tithonia 'Goldfinger' Seeds

If you want a plant that glows with the intensity of a setting sun, this is it. Tithonia 'Goldfinger' is a more compact selection of the giant Mexican Sunflower, producing masses of velvety, deep orange-red flowers with a golden centre. The petals feel like soft suede, and the stems are covered in a downy fuzz.

This is a plant with serious presence. It grows rapidly to form a substantial, shrub-like mound of lush green foliage topped with hundreds of vibrant blooms. It is the absolute star of the "Hot Border," bringing an exotic, tropical heat to the garden from late summer right through to the first frost.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Goldfinger'

We love this plant because it is hands-down the best butterfly magnet I have ever grown. The large, flat flowers are rich in nectar and act as a landing pad for Red Admirals, Peacocks, and Painted Ladies. On a sunny September day, the plants are often covered in wings.

It is also a fantastic cut flower. The hollow stems need careful handling, but the flowers last brilliantly in water. 'Goldfinger' is bred to be shorter than the wild species (which can reach 8ft!), making it much more manageable for the average garden while still providing significant height and impact.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Half-Hardy Annual?

Tithonia is a frost-tender Half-Hardy Annual.

It originates from Mexico and Central America, so it loves heat and hates the cold.
The Strategy: Treat it like a Tomato or a Zinnia. Sow it indoors in warmth and do not plant it out until June when the soil is properly warm. If you plant it too early in cold soil, it will turn yellow and sulk.
Top Tip: This plant grows fast! It creates a "hedge" effect in just one season, making it perfect for screening unsightly areas or creating temporary garden rooms.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

Tithonia is easy to germinate but requires patience before planting out.

🌱 Germination:
Sow indoors from March to May. Sow seeds on the surface of good compost and cover lightly with vermiculite (they need light to germinate). Keep very warm (20-25°C). Germination takes 7-21 days.

Where to Sow:
They demand full sun and a sheltered spot. They thrive in rich, well-drained soil. Because the leaves are large and lush, they need plenty of nutrients to keep growing, so digging in manure before planting helps immensely.

Care While Growing:
Support is essential. Tithonia stems are hollow and brittle. Despite looking like a sturdy shrub, a strong wind can snap branches off easily. Stake the plants or grow them in a block so they support each other. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage non-stop blooming.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features.

My Recommended Garden Companions

Tithonia loves the heat. Pair it with other vibrant, late-summer sun worshippers:

• 🍂 Rudbeckia 'Autumn Forest': Create a "Fire & Earth" border. The russet, bronze, and gold tones of the Rudbeckia blend seamlessly with the fiery orange of the Tithonia, creating a warm, glowing display in autumn.
• 🎨 Zinnia 'Lilliput Mix': The heat-seeking duo. Both Tithonia and Zinnias originate from Mexico and thrive in the same conditions. The small, pom-pom heads of the Zinnia provide a shape contrast to the large daisies of the Tithonia.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow indoors in spring. Plant out only when warm. Flowers late summer to frost.

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)