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🚚 Shipping Update:
We’re now shipping nationwide across the continental U.S. again! 🌱
📦 Please note: Shipping to California remains paused due to agricultural regulations.
🌻 Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia) – The Permaculture Powerhouse of the Tropics!
Turn sunlight into soil fertility.
This fast-growing, non-edible perennial isn’t just pretty — it’s a biomass engine that feeds fruit trees, builds soil, and powers pollinator life. Pound for pound, fresh-cut Tithonia rivals chicken manure in nitrogen, while also mobilizing phosphorus and trace minerals. If you want thriving food forests with fewer off-farm inputs, start here.
🌿 Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Tithonia diversifolia |
| Common Names | Mexican Sunflower, Marigold Tree, Tree Marigold |
| Plant Type | Perennial shrub / biomass support plant (non-edible) |
| Size at Sale | Ships in 4” pot 🌱 |
| Mature Size (Unpruned) | 6–12 ft tall × 3–6 ft wide |
| Maintained Size (Pruned) | 3–6 ft tall × 3–5 ft wide with regular cutbacks |
| USDA Zones | 9–11 perennial; 8 borderline/perennial with protection; 5–8 grown as annual (take cuttings before frost) |
| Sun Requirements | Full sun (6–8+ hrs); tolerates light afternoon shade |
| Cold Hardiness | Frost-tender; top dies back after freeze and usually resprouts in spring |
| Growth Habit | Upright, multi-stemmed, extremely fast-growing (biomass producer) |
| Spacing | 3–6 ft apart in rows/guilds (3 ft for hedges; 5–6 ft for chop-and-drop stations) |
🌻 Why Grow Mexican Sunflower (Value First)
- Biomass Champion: Exceptional nitrogen content “on demand.” Perfect for chop & drop around fruit trees and veggie beds.
- Dynamic Accumulator: Brings phosphorus and micronutrients up from depth; returns them via leaf litter.
- Pollinator Magnet: Months of golden blooms pull in bees, butterflies, and beneficials.
- Soil Stabilizer & Shade Nurse: Dense roots and canopy protect young trees, reducing heat and wind stress.
- Low Input: Thrives in poor soils and summer heat once established — ideal for regenerative, low-input systems.
🎥 See it in action on our farm: Using Mexican Sunflower for Soil Fertility | GreenDreamsTV
🍃 How to Use It
- Green Fertilizer / “Chop & Drop”
- Cut back to ~2 ft tall 2–4× per year (every 6–8 weeks in peak season).
- Ring fresh biomass around trees/bed edges.
- Pair with clumping grasses (e.g., vetiver, lemongrass) to slow breakdown and lock carbon.
- Hedgerow & Pollinator Strip
- Plant in a line along orchard rows to feed soil and pull beneficials into the system.
- Ornamental Structure
- Let a few stems reach 8–10 ft for late-season blooms and dramatic tropical texture.
Seasonal Habits (Florida & Similar Climates)
- Spring (Mar–Apr): Vigorous flush from roots; begin structural pruning for bushy form.
- Summer (May–Aug): Fastest growth; ideal time for repeated chop & drop cycles.
- Fall (Sep–Nov): Bloom peak; allow select stems to reach full height for flowers.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Top growth burns back with frost; mulch crown; resprouts when temps warm.
Deciduous behavior in cool snaps: Expect leaf yellowing/drop ahead of freezes; plants rebound from the base in spring.
Best Practices for Planting & Care
Where to Plant
- Full sun; well-draining soil. Tolerates sandy/poor soils; loves organic matter.
- Keep 3–6 ft away from young trees so you can move around them during chop & drop.
How to Plant – “High & Tight” (GreenDreams Method)
- Dig a hole no deeper than the pot, only slightly wider.
- Set root ball slightly above surrounding grade.
- Backfill firmly with native soil + compost; avoid burying the stem.
- Water to settle soil and mulch 2–3 in (keep mulch off the stem).▶️ Planting tutorial: High & Tight Method
Watering
- Establishment: light water daily the first week (hot months), then every 2–3 days for 2–3 weeks.
- After establishment: weekly deep soak in droughts; minimal input in rainy season.
Fertilizing
- Optional. A yearly top-dress of compost or organic blend is plenty — Tithonia largely produces its own fertility.
Pruning (Critical!)
- Plan 2–4 structural cutbacks/year to keep plants dense and upright; prevent lodging/toppling.
- For blooms, allow a few leaders to reach 8–10 ft, then chop after flowering and use biomass.
🌱 Propagation: Multiply Your Own
Method: Cuttings (seeds typically sterile).
Steps:
- Select woody stems with visible nodes.
- Cut 12–18 in sections with 2–3 nodes each.
- Orientation matters: Nodes up. Planting upside-down will not root.
- Insert bottom end 4–6 in into moist soil/compost mix; remove most leaves.
- Keep evenly moist 2–3 weeks. Older/woodier cuttings root fastest.
Companion & Support Plants (from our collection)
- Carbon/Silica Structure: Vetiver grass, Lemongrass & Fakahatchee grass — slow biomass breakdown, wind filtering, erosion control.
- Nitrogen & Biomass: Pigeon pea (where available), Chaya — steady leafy biomass and N-cycling.
- Pollinator Pull: Firebush (native + compact), Blue Porterweed & Sweet Almond — extend nectar season near orchards.
- Aesthetic Pairings: Turmeric & gingers, bananas — lush tropical layers with contrasting foliage.
(We carry many of the plants above — perfect partners for your orchard guilds.)
🌻Ornamental Appeal
- Foliage: Broad, bright green leaves; bold tropical texture.
- Stems: Upright, multi-stemmed; easily cut with pruners/machete.
- Flowers: Golden daisies (late summer–fall) that buzz with life; fragrant on warm days.
Container Growing:
- Works in 10–15 gal containers; prune harder/more often.
- Use a well-drained mix; keep evenly moist in summer heat.
Indoor Growing:
- Not recommended — needs high light and space. Treat as outdoor support plant.
Industry Uses & Origin Story
- Origin: Native to Mexico/Central America; now used globally in agroforestry as green manure, fodder, hedgerows, and living fence.
- Fodder & Biogas: Widely explored for cut-and-carry fodder and biodigester feedstock thanks to rapid regrowth and high nutrient content.
- Soil Rehabilitation: Applied in tropical projects to jump-start poor/degraded soils and reduce synthetic inputs.
⚠️ Cautions
- Must be managed: Unpruned plants become leggy/spindly and may topple — chop and use as mulch.
- Cold: Top kills in frosts; mulch crown to protect roots.
- Re-rooting stems: Thick cut stems can root if left on wet soil; move biomass just off the crown line or layer over coarse mulch.
- Not for eating: Sold as non-edible support plant; any folkloric medicinal uses are outside our recommendation.
🌟 Is This Plant Right for You?
✅ Ideal for:
- Food-forest builders, homesteaders, eco-landscapers
- Growers wanting on-site organic fertility
- Pollinator habitat projects and soil rehab
❌ Not ideal for:
- Tiny spaces with strict height limits
- Growers who want “plant & forget” zero-maintenance shrubs
- Indoor-only gardeners
Troubleshooting Guide
- Leggy / Falling Over: Not enough pruning. Cut to ~2 ft, stake if needed, and resume regular cycles.
- Slow Growth / Pale Leaves: Often poor drainage or cool temps. Improve drainage; wait for heat; add compost.
- Wilting After Planting: Typical transplant stress in heat. Shade cloth for 3–5 days; keep evenly moist (not soggy).
- Frost Burn/Dieback: Normal. Mulch crown, remove dead wood in spring.
- Aphids / Mites on Tender Tips: Blast with water; apply neem or insecticidal soap in the evening; increase chop frequency to stay ahead of soft flushes in drought.
❓ FAQ
Does it make viable seed?
Seeds are typically sterile; propagate by cuttings.
How often do I chop & drop?
Every 6–8 weeks in warm/rainy seasons or when stems reach 4–6 ft.
Will it invade my yard?
It spreads by cuttings, not seed. Don’t leave thick green stems touching wet soil if you don’t want them to root.
How many should I plant per fruit tree?
We like 1 Tithonia + 1–2 clumping grasses per tree to balance fast N with slower carbon.
Can I grow it in a pot?
Yes — 10–15 gal with frequent pruning and steady water in summer.
🚚 Shipping & Handling (4” Size Plants)
This 4” size ships best to Florida, the Southeastern U.S., and Texas. We can ship nationwide, but northern & western customers should expect a recovery period after transit.
- Carrier: UPS Ground
- Ship Day: Every Monday
- Seasonal Risk: Buyer discretion during peak heat/cold. We are not responsible for extreme-temperature stress in transit. Acclimate in bright shade, then move to sun.
📍 Local Pickup (Retail Nursery)
GreenDreams Nursery & Farm
18709 US Hwy. 41, Spring Hill, FL 34610
Open: Tues–Fri 9 AM–5 PM | Sat 8 AM–3 PM
Come see how we use Tithonia in our own orchard guilds 🌿
🌿 Beyond the Plant: GreenDreams Services
We don’t just grow plants — we design, build, and restore ecosystems across Florida.
- 🌳 Onsite consultations & edible landscape design
- 🏗️ Installation & project management
- 🚚 Bulk delivery of compost, mulch, biochar, and soil materials
- 🌾 Wholesale & large-scale regenerative solutions
Let our team help you create a thriving edible paradise — starting with Mexican Sunflower! 🌞
IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS:
*Please be advised that our online store selections are NOT available for pickup at our retail location in Spring Hill, Florida.
Inventory for our online store is located at a separate facility and are priced and handled exclusively for packaging & shipping.
Click here to learn more about our Spring Hill, FL retail nursery location, including countless more nursery selections ready for pickup - larger sizes and wider variety of plants not suitable for nationwide delivery.
1. Shipping Stress: Transportation can be stressful for plants, particularly when they spend several days in a confined, dark environment. It’s common for plants to experience leaf drop during this period. Rest assured, most plants typically recover quickly and thrive with minimal aftercare. However, some may need extra attention, love, and care, requiring appropriate watering and exposure to gentle light post-unboxing.
2. Potential Physical Damage: Despite our dedicated efforts to ensure that your plants are securely packaged, they may incur damage during shipping and handling by UPS. Rest assured, our shipping team is committed to packing your selections with utmost care and precision to minimize any potential harm.
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For significant box damage, please reach out to UPS within 30 days to initiate a claim.
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For minor damages, such as a broken branch or stem, we advise allowing the plant time to recover and regenerate with proper care and attention.
3. Long-Distance Shipping Considerations: Orders shipped over long distances, particularly to the western US, may take 3 - 5 business days to arrive due to various factors, including agricultural inspections in Arizona, California, and Texas. Such extended transit times can be particularly challenging for tender, young plants, affecting their quality due to prolonged confinement.
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We take additional measures during packaging to facilitate a swift recovery of the plants upon unboxing.
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Initial extra care and attention might be required over the first few weeks post-transport.
For further guidance, kindly review our detailed policies on returns and refunds, as well as our comprehensive plant care guide. We appreciate your understanding and patience in nurturing your new plants.
🌿 Important Shipping Information
Please take a moment to review our shipping protocols designed to ensure your plants arrive in optimal condition.
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Countdown Clock: At the top of our online store, you'll notice a countdown clock. This tool helps communicate our weekly shipping schedule, providing clarity on when you can expect your orders to be dispatched.
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Shipping Schedule: Our nursery, located in the heart of Central Florida, ships orders once weekly, every Monday. This is a strategic decision to prevent packages from being stationary over the weekends, ensuring that our plants travel as swiftly as possible across the country, even reaching as far as California.
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Shipping Method: At present, we offer ground shipping rates to meet various needs while maintaining the well-being of our plants during transit.
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Our Dedicated Team: We are a boutique nursery with a passionate team. Our members wear many hats, contributing to shipping, nursery operations, and engaging in valuable local projects. As we blossom and expand, rest assured that enhancing and streamlining our processes remains a priority to serve you better
Terms and Conditions for Purchasing Live Plants
1. Understanding of Shipping Stress
By purchasing live plants from our store, the customer acknowledges that transportation can be stressful for plants. It is common for plants to undergo leaf drop or experience other temporary issues during shipping. However, it is understood that most plants recover quickly with adequate care and attention post-shipping.
2. Awareness of Potential Physical Damage
Customers acknowledge that despite our best efforts in packaging, there may be occurrences of damage during shipping and handling. For substantial damages to the package, customers agree to contact UPS within 30 days to initiate a claim.
3. Acknowledgement of Long-Distance Shipping Considerations
Customers recognize that shipments, especially those directed to the western US, may be subjected to longer shipping durations of 3-5 business days. Customers agree to provide necessary care to the plants, recognizing that the quality of the plants may be affected due to prolonged shipping times.
4. Agreement with Shipping Information and Schedule
Customers, by making a purchase, have reviewed and agreed upon our shipping protocols and schedules. They acknowledge the presence of a countdown clock on the website and our once-weekly shipping policy every Monday, recognizing the rationale behind avoiding weekend layovers for the plants.
5.Extreme Weather Conditions
Customers acknowledge that our store is not responsible for damage or loss of live plants due to extreme weather conditions during transit and delivery. This includes exposure to cold or freezing temperatures during the winter months and extreme heat during the summer. We provide tracking information when orders are processed every Monday to ensure customers are aware of the delivery schedule. It is the customer's responsibility to prevent packages from being left outside in conditions that may cause damage. Our store does not accept responsibility for any adverse effects caused by weather conditions beyond our control.
6. No Refund Policy
Customers agree that refunds are only processed under exceptional circumstances. Our store will not be held responsible for poor plant choices relative to location suitability, extreme conditions during and/or post-shipment, and improper post-purchase plant care.
7. Responsibility of Care
Upon purchase, customers agree to assume full responsibility for the ongoing care of the plants. This includes, but is not limited to, appropriate watering, exposure to suitable light, and adherence to specific care instructions pertinent to each plant type.
8. Consent
By proceeding with this purchase, customers consent to all the terms and conditions stated above, confirming understanding and agreement to all stipulations mentioned.
These terms and conditions aim to ensure clarity, mutual understanding, and agreement between the seller and the customer to facilitate a smooth transaction and foster a positive customer experience.
