TITHONIA (Tithonia diversifolia) Subtropica

A pioneer species in the forest, Tithonia is a powerhouse for transforming tough grasses into the perfect environment for establishing a food forest. Also called Mexican Sunflower, it produces vibrant yellow, sunflower-like flowers in winter, providing much-needed fodder for bees and other beneficial insects.As a mulch or green manure, Tithonia is nutrient-rich, supplying good amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, making it an ideal chop-and-drop crop. Its vigorous growth pattern helps shade out tough grasses, and the resulting biomass can be used to mulch and smother weeds. Tithonia also possesses an allelopathic effect that further combats persistent grasses, making it particularly effective on kikuyu.Tithonia does not set viable seed and is propagated via cuttings. Cuttings root best in a pot in a warm environment before being transplanted into the field. Direct planting of cuttings in the field can also be successful if done during the warmer months. We currently have fre...