Tithonia Torch

The Mexican Sunflower where it can grow up to 180cm (6ft) but closer to 120-150cm (4-5ft) when grown in the UK. Bushy plants produce luxurious, orange red flowers, adding height and interest to late summer borders as well as being a marvellous autumn cut flower lasting 7-10 days in a vase. Half Hardy Annual Height 120-150cm (4-5ft) SOW March to April PLANT May FLOWERS August to October WHERE TO SOW Sow seeds under cover in a glass house or on a windowsill. Surface sow onto moist well-drained seed compost and lightly cover with vermiculite and place at a tem-perature of 13-18°C. Do not exclude light. Germination takes 7-21 days. WHAT TO DO NEXT Gradually acclimatise plants to cooler conditions before planting outside once danger of frost has passed, spacing the plants 50cm apart. HANDY TIP Plants may require staking in exposed areas.