Mexican Sunflower

Hi Motinot - I don't know the answer but wanted to leave a comment so that i can keep up with this one as I want to grow this plant! :-)

Ok Sid....I saw it in full flower last summer on Gardeners World and i loved it....I sent for the seed...planted some in-doors in seed compost and some in situ....no success, just the one in the pic...I still have about 10 seed left...im treating them like 'gold dust'....lol

Well Motinot, I've read that they can be overwintered in a heated greenhouse if it has sufficent light. It is susceptible to powdery mildew if I grow it in too much shade in the garden so I doubt you can overwinter it in a house, unless you have excellent lighting in there. ( fluorescent grow lights ). I would give it a try either way though,you never know. ! If it dies, I'll have a million seeds if you'd like to try it again. There's also a dwarf variety called 'Fiesta Del Sol' that may be better suited for you to grow in pots, that only gets about 30 inches tall when it starts to bloom. instead of 6 ft tall like the 'torch". Will have to look and see if I still have any of those seeds left, if I do they are getting pretty old but may still germinate.

Oh thanks Flcrazy for your help...I'll try to over-winter it and see what happens....You are probably right about the height, 6' is a bit tall for my little garden....I didnt know there was a smaller one...If you have seeds to spare i would love some.....thank you again Flcrazy....:>)

I will get back to you as soon as I have a chance to go through my seeds...:-)

Thanks a lot Flcrazy...:>)