Giant Mexican Sunflowers

Gardeners have noticed that the Giant Mexican Sunflowers (Tithonia diversifolia) in the Food Forest have been cut back after blooming. The beautiful yellow flowers appear in the fall and attract many beneficial insects. There are several reasons why these plants occupy a central location in the Food Forest. These sunflowers are fast growing perennial that can be cut back a few times a year. They can grow very tall – 12 feet – and are great “biomass” plants. The leaves and stems can be used as mulch, although the stems should be dried first as they can root where they touch the ground. Since it has a high nitrogen content, it can be used for compost production.