Tithonia Goldfinger
Tithonia 'Goldfinger' Seeds
Mexican Sunflower 'Goldfinger' is a refined, compact selection of the giant species, bred specifically to offer the same fiery drama without the gangly height. It produces spectacular, velvety flowers in a vibrant shade of deep orange-red, each centred with a brilliant golden eye. These blooms glow with the intensity of a setting sun, providing an architectural and tactile punch to the late summer garden.
One of the most remarkable features of Tithonia is its "Shrub Effect"—it is capable of rapidly creating a substantial, hedge-like mass of foliage topped with dozens of flowers in just a single season. The petals have a luxurious, suede-like texture, while the hollow stems are covered in a soft, tactile downy fuzz. It is officially recognised as a top-tier butterfly magnet, acting as a high-energy landing platform for Red Admirals, Peacocks, and Painted Ladies during the hottest months of the year.
Read More
🌿 Understanding the Plant
Tithonia rotundifolia 'Goldfinger' is a Half-Hardy Annual (H2). Originating from the heat of Mexico, it is a sun-worshipper that is highly sensitive to the cold. In the UK, it is a true "summer performer," hitting its stride in August and continuing until the first frosts.
The "Sulk" Warning: Zinnias and Tithonias are heat-seekers. If they are planted out too early into cold, wet May soil, they will turn yellow and "sulk," often refusing to grow. Patience is essential; wait until the soil is genuinely warm in June before transplanting them into the garden.
Wildlife Champion: It holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM) and is frequently cited as one of the single best flowers for attracting butterflies to the cottage border. Its broad, flat-topped blooms are filled with nectar that is easily accessible to larger insects.
🌱 Growing Guide
Tithonia is wonderfully easy to grow but requires a warm start and careful handling of its brittle stems.
How to Sow:
Sow indoors from March to May. Surface sow onto moist seed compost and do not cover the seeds (or cover only with a very fine dusting of vermiculite)—they need light to germinate. Keep them warm at 20-25°C and seedlings should appear in 7-21 days.
Where to Plant:
Plant out in June once the risk of frost has passed and the weather is warm. They demand full sun and a sheltered spot. While they are drought-tolerant once established, they perform best in rich, fertile soil that receives regular watering.
Ongoing Care:
Staking is Essential: Despite their robust appearance, Tithonia stems are hollow and brittle. They must be supported with stakes or grown in blocks where they can lean on each other to prevent snapping in wind or heavy rain. Feed every two weeks with a liquid tomato fertiliser from July onwards to support the heavy flowering.
📋 Plant Specifications
| Botanical Name | Tithonia rotundifolia 'Goldfinger' |
| Common Name | Mexican Sunflower / Red Torch |
| Plant Type | Half-Hardy Annual |
| Hardiness | H2 (Frost Tender) |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun ☀️ (Essential) |
| Height | 90cm - 120cm (Compact selection) |
| Spread | 60cm (Shrubby habit) |
| Spacing | Plant 60cm apart |
| Flowering Period | August to October/November |
| Perfect For | 🦋 Butterfly Magnet 🔥 Hot Border Themes 🏗️ Instant Screens & Hedges ✂️ Bold Cut Flowers |
| Seeds per Packet | Approximately 20 seeds |
🤝 Beautiful Garden Combinations
The intense, smouldering orange of Tithonia pairs brilliantly with other heat-loving sun worshippers :
- 🌼 Rudbeckia 'Marmalade': The Fire & Earth Border. Pairing the deep orange-red of Tithonia with the glowing golden-orange of 'Marmalade' creates a smouldering display perfect for August and September.
- 🎨 Zinnia 'Lilliput Mix': The Mexican Heat-Seekers. Both love the same hot sun and plenty of water. The tight, colourful pompom heads of the Lilliput Zinnias provide a wonderful shape contrast to the large Tithonia daisies.
📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar
Sow indoors in spring. Plant out only in June once the soil is genuinely warm.
🦋 Butterfly Magnet
Tithonia 'Goldfinger' is arguably one of the best plants for late-summer biodiversity in the UK. Its broad, vibrant flowers act as massive landing pads for bees and butterflies, ensuring your hot border is a bustling hub of wildlife until the very first frosts.
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Description
Tithonia 'Goldfinger' Seeds
Mexican Sunflower 'Goldfinger' is a refined, compact selection of the giant species, bred specifically to offer the same fiery drama without the gangly height. It produces spectacular, velvety flowers in a vibrant shade of deep orange-red, each centred with a brilliant golden eye. These blooms glow with the intensity of a setting sun, providing an architectural and tactile punch to the late summer garden.
One of the most remarkable features of Tithonia is its "Shrub Effect"—it is capable of rapidly creating a substantial, hedge-like mass of foliage topped with dozens of flowers in just a single season. The petals have a luxurious, suede-like texture, while the hollow stems are covered in a soft, tactile downy fuzz. It is officially recognised as a top-tier butterfly magnet, acting as a high-energy landing platform for Red Admirals, Peacocks, and Painted Ladies during the hottest months of the year.
Read More
🌿 Understanding the Plant
Tithonia rotundifolia 'Goldfinger' is a Half-Hardy Annual (H2). Originating from the heat of Mexico, it is a sun-worshipper that is highly sensitive to the cold. In the UK, it is a true "summer performer," hitting its stride in August and continuing until the first frosts.
The "Sulk" Warning: Zinnias and Tithonias are heat-seekers. If they are planted out too early into cold, wet May soil, they will turn yellow and "sulk," often refusing to grow. Patience is essential; wait until the soil is genuinely warm in June before transplanting them into the garden.
Wildlife Champion: It holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM) and is frequently cited as one of the single best flowers for attracting butterflies to the cottage border. Its broad, flat-topped blooms are filled with nectar that is easily accessible to larger insects.
🌱 Growing Guide
Tithonia is wonderfully easy to grow but requires a warm start and careful handling of its brittle stems.
How to Sow:
Sow indoors from March to May. Surface sow onto moist seed compost and do not cover the seeds (or cover only with a very fine dusting of vermiculite)—they need light to germinate. Keep them warm at 20-25°C and seedlings should appear in 7-21 days.
Where to Plant:
Plant out in June once the risk of frost has passed and the weather is warm. They demand full sun and a sheltered spot. While they are drought-tolerant once established, they perform best in rich, fertile soil that receives regular watering.
Ongoing Care:
Staking is Essential: Despite their robust appearance, Tithonia stems are hollow and brittle. They must be supported with stakes or grown in blocks where they can lean on each other to prevent snapping in wind or heavy rain. Feed every two weeks with a liquid tomato fertiliser from July onwards to support the heavy flowering.
📋 Plant Specifications
| Botanical Name | Tithonia rotundifolia 'Goldfinger' |
| Common Name | Mexican Sunflower / Red Torch |
| Plant Type | Half-Hardy Annual |
| Hardiness | H2 (Frost Tender) |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun ☀️ (Essential) |
| Height | 90cm - 120cm (Compact selection) |
| Spread | 60cm (Shrubby habit) |
| Spacing | Plant 60cm apart |
| Flowering Period | August to October/November |
| Perfect For | 🦋 Butterfly Magnet 🔥 Hot Border Themes 🏗️ Instant Screens & Hedges ✂️ Bold Cut Flowers |
| Seeds per Packet | Approximately 20 seeds |
🤝 Beautiful Garden Combinations
The intense, smouldering orange of Tithonia pairs brilliantly with other heat-loving sun worshippers :
- 🌼 Rudbeckia 'Marmalade': The Fire & Earth Border. Pairing the deep orange-red of Tithonia with the glowing golden-orange of 'Marmalade' creates a smouldering display perfect for August and September.
- 🎨 Zinnia 'Lilliput Mix': The Mexican Heat-Seekers. Both love the same hot sun and plenty of water. The tight, colourful pompom heads of the Lilliput Zinnias provide a wonderful shape contrast to the large Tithonia daisies.
📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar
Sow indoors in spring. Plant out only in June once the soil is genuinely warm.
🦋 Butterfly Magnet
Tithonia 'Goldfinger' is arguably one of the best plants for late-summer biodiversity in the UK. Its broad, vibrant flowers act as massive landing pads for bees and butterflies, ensuring your hot border is a bustling hub of wildlife until the very first frosts.
