Try giving half of them some compost and some water. "Poor dry soil" didn't impress my tithonia nearly as much as a rich bed and regular watering.

Unless you planted dwarf tithonia, you'll need a really big container. Mine grew taller than me.

Nell

Maybe in that case I'll put them in the ground to cover the spots where the bunnies killed 7 of my shrubs. Thanks.

ps I did grow one of the smaller varieties-I think.

I have some blooming now that I started from seed. They are about 2' tall

I grew them last year. The one I planted in a rich garden bed grew to about 9 feet tall with hundreds of blossoms! The one I grew in a container on my patio stayed a lot smaller. Then in early Fall the huge one finally blew over. It snapped right off at the bottom of the huge main stem. It had bloomed like crazy all summer though! I think I grew the one called "Torch" which is the really big one.
Joann

belleville rose how long ago did you start them from seed? Are you in the south?

I am in Canada so I haven't put mine in the ground yet. We got sleet and freezing rain last Wednesday so it has been not a good spring. They are starting to look a bit stressed at the moment as if they really would like to see some hot dry weather but it is still too early to put them out, I think. Our nights are still down to the low 40's F or 5-8 degrees Celcius. I put them outside today when it was up to 70 degrees F. and sunny. They still look sad though.

Do you have any ideas?

Mine is in the garden, not dying but not thriving either. Just sitting there waiting for me to read its mind and give it whatever it needs. (still working on that)

Triple B, Your tithonia may be waiting for hot, hot weather. If you've given it good soil, fertilizer and water, that's about all that is left except maybe sunshine if it's in shade.

Nell

Hi,
I grew mine from seed last year. They did stay fairly small at first. I think like many other tall late blooming plants, they need to get some good roots down. Come August, they will be huge : )
Remy

Remy - you are so right - mine just exploded in the last two weeks - about 4 feet wide clear up - about 7 feet. and absolute butterfly magnets - swallowtails, admirals, and monarchs by the dozen. Can I save seed for next year, and will they reseed. This zone 5/6 in Nebraska. My gardens will never be without these. If seeds can be saved, I will share with anyone and hope we can establish a butterfly trail throughout my section of the city.

Piegirl