Tithonia rotundifolia 'Goldfinger' Seeds

Tithonia 'Goldfinger' is a Half-Hardy Annual (H2), meaning it's frost-tender and must be protected from cold.

This plant originates from Mexico and Central America, where it thrives in hot, sunny conditions. It's perfectly adapted to heat and loves long, warm summer days—but it absolutely hates the cold! The key to success is treating it exactly like you would Tomatoes or Zinnias: sow indoors in warmth and do not plant out until June when the soil has properly warmed up. If you rush it into cold soil in May, it will turn yellow, sulk, and refuse to grow.

The "Shrub Effect": One of the most remarkable things about Tithonia is how quickly it creates bulk. In just one season, it forms a substantial, hedge-like mass of foliage topped with flowers. This makes it absolutely brilliant for creating instant screens, filling gaps in new borders, or forming temporary "garden rooms." It's like getting a flowering shrub's worth of presence without the wait!

The Hollow Stem Paradox: Despite its robust, shrubby appearance, Tithonia stems are surprisingly hollow and somewhat brittle. This is important to know because while the plant looks incredibly sturdy, strong winds or heavy rain can snap branches surprisingly easily. The solution? Always provide support with stakes or grow plants in blocks where they can lean on each other.

The Suede-Petal Appeal: Run your fingers over a Tithonia petal and you'll understand why it's so beloved. The texture is distinctly velvety—almost like soft suede or chamois leather. This textural quality, combined with the intense orange-red colour and the soft fuzz on the stems and leaf undersides, makes the whole plant incredibly tactile and sensory. It's a plant you want to touch!

Why 'Goldfinger'? This particular variety has been selected for its more compact habit (90-120cm vs the species which can reach 2m+) and its exceptionally vibrant flower colour. The 'Goldfinger' epithet refers to both the golden-orange centre of each flower and the plant's Midas touch with pollinators—everything that visits it seems to turn to gold!

Tithonia is easy to germinate but requires patience—don't be tempted to plant out too early!

How to Sow:
Sow indoors from March to May. Surface sow seeds onto moist seed compost and cover lightly with a fine sprinkling of vermiculite—the seeds need some light to germinate, so don't bury them deeply. Keep very warm at 20-25°C (a heated propagator or warm windowsill is ideal). Germination is usually reliable and takes 7-21 days. The seedlings emerge with distinctive, broad seed leaves and grow vigorously once they get going.

Pricking Out:
When seedlings are large enough to handle (usually when they've developed 2-3 true leaves), pot them up individually into 9cm (3.5-inch) pots. They grow fast, so don't leave them cramped in seed trays for too long or they'll become leggy and weak. Keep them in warm, bright conditions and water regularly—they're thirsty plants even as seedlings!

The Critical Wait - Hardening Off and Planting Out:
This is where patience is essential! Do not plant out before early June, even if it looks mild. Tithonia needs genuinely warm soil to thrive. Harden off gradually over 7-10 days, introducing plants to outdoor conditions slowly. Choose the warmest, sunniest, most sheltered spot in your garden. Plant at generous 60cm (24-inch) spacing—they need room to develop their shrubby bulk. They thrive in rich, well-drained soil—unlike some Mexican plants that prefer lean conditions, Tithonia actually appreciates fertility. Digging in well-rotted manure before planting produces spectacular results.

Staking and Support:
Support is essential. Despite their sturdy appearance, those hollow stems are vulnerable to wind damage. Either stake individual plants with bamboo canes or (better still) grow them in blocks where they can support each other. Link stakes around groups with twine to create a supportive grid.

Feeding and Watering:
Tithonia is a hungry, thirsty plant. Water regularly, especially during dry spells—those large, lush leaves transpire a lot of moisture. Feed fortnightly with a liquid tomato feed from July onwards to keep the flowers coming. Unlike some annuals that resent rich feeding, Tithonia absolutely thrives on it!

Deadheading:
Regular deadheading is crucial! Remove spent flowers promptly and you'll get non-stop blooming from August right through to the first killing frost in October or November. Leave them on and the plant will slow down flower production as it puts energy into seed.

As a Cut Flower:
Tithonia makes a spectacular, long-lasting cut flower. Cut stems in early morning when fully hydrated. Sear the cut ends briefly in boiling water or over a flame (this seals the hollow stems), then plunge immediately into deep, cool water. They'll last 7-10 days in the vase, often opening more buds after cutting. The exotic, tropical appearance is perfect for hot-coloured autumn arrangements.

Tithonia loves heat and glowing colour. Pair it with other vibrant, late-summer sun worshippers to create truly spectacular "hot border" schemes:

• 🍂 Rudbeckia 'Autumn Forest': The "Fire & Earth" Border. Create a smouldering, glowing display by pairing the deep orange-red of Tithonia with the russet, bronze, and burnished-gold tones of 'Autumn Forest' Rudbeckia. Both are late-summer stars that peak together in August and September, and both share the same love of sunshine and rich soil. The colour combination is absolutely stunning—it's like capturing a woodland bonfire in flower form. Plant the taller Tithonia at the back with the Rudbeckia in front for a perfectly layered, fiery display that glows even more intensely in evening light.
• 🎨 Zinnia 'Lilliput Mix': The Mexican Heat-Seekers' Duo. Both Tithonia and Zinnias are Mexican natives that absolutely thrive in the same conditions—hot sun, rich soil, and plenty of water. This makes them perfect companions! The tight, pompom heads of 'Lilliput' Zinnias provide wonderful shape and textural contrast to the larger, open daisy flowers of the Tithonia. Plant them in drifts together, with the taller Tithonia providing a backdrop for the shorter Zinnias (which grow to about 45cm). The vibrant colour mix—oranges, reds, pinks, yellows, and whites—creates an incredibly cheerful, high-energy display from mid-summer right through to the first frost. Both are also fantastic for cutting!

Sow indoors in spring. Plant out ONLY when warm (June). Flowers late summer to frost.