Tithonia ‘Torch’ Seeds
I grew tithonia a few years ago for the very first time, my garden hasn’t been without it since. Even though I’m not a huge fan of orange flowers, I grow these. Tithonia provides a very important source of late season food for pollinators, particularly migrating monarchs.
Not only are these plants great for pollinators, they’re tough plants, thriving in poor, dry soil. Mine are blooming like crazy in the less than stellar side of the garden. They also grow fairly tall, making them a really nice border around the vegetable patch. I use them as a wind break since they grow to about 5 feet tall.
Every time I’m in the garden, there are monarchs on the tithonia and the echinacea. Both very important plants to have in our gardens for pollinators. If you are interested in growing these for monarchs, hummingbirds, and bees, I’m saving loads of seeds and they will be part of my seed launch this winter.
What’s your favorite beneficial plant for monarchs and other pollinators?
Susy, how do they stand up in wind. I tried growing echinacea a couple times but they always were blown over and looked like a tangled mess. We get winds at least once or twice a year up to 50 MPH. It’s difficult to grow anything with tall thin stems.
How much would you be selling the seeds for? I’ll give it a try. Monarchs were not so prevalent this year.
Have a great day in the garden with Tithonia Torch.
to Nebraska Dave's comment
They stand up pretty well to the wind, mine get blasted and still stand. Occasionally they will lose a branch, but for the most part they do quite well.
to Susy's comment
I leave all of the milkweed patches in my fields unmowed. I also try to keep the road crew from mowing the patch along the road (sometimes successfully, sometimes not…)
My tithonia (thanks!) also provides a bright patch of color as well as food for pollinators.
to Joan Ray's comment