Tip Top Mahogany Nasturtium is a compact heirloom cultivar of Tropaeolum minus that packs rich mahogany blooms into a perfectly proportioned 12-inch plant, reaching full color in just 50 to 60 days from seed. These opulent flowers hold themselves proudly above the foliage, creating a lush, layered display that transforms window boxes, hanging baskets, and garden borders. The real draw is dual: the blooms are genuinely edible with a distinctive spicy kick, and they attract pollinators while resisting deer browsing, making this a sophisticated choice for kitchen gardens in zones 9 through 11.
8
Full Sun
Moderate
9-11
12in H x 12in W
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Moderate
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The compact form and prolific mahogany blooms make this nasturtium an exceptional choice for contained spaces where taller varieties would overwhelm. Each flower sits above the foliage rather than nestled within it, creating an almost topiary-like effect that catches the eye. The edible blooms deliver an authentic peppery flavor, turning salads and garnishes into something genuinely memorable rather than merely pretty.
The edible flowers are the primary draw here. Gardeners use them to garnish salads, add to cheese boards, crystallize for cake decoration, or incorporate into vinegars and syrups where their spicy bite becomes a distinctive ingredient. Beyond the kitchen, the abundant blooms and pollinator magnetism make this variety a working plant in garden design, particularly useful in smaller spaces where every plant needs to earn its spot.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds indoors in pots 2 to 4 weeks before your last frost date. Keep soil at 65°F for germination, which typically occurs within 7 to 14 days. Transplant outdoors after all frost danger has passed and nighttime temperatures consistently reach 60°F or warmer.
Harden off seedlings gradually over several days before transplanting. Space 8 inches apart in beds and borders after the last frost has passed and soil temperatures stabilize in the 60 to 80°F range. These plants are frost-tender, so wait until frost danger is completely eliminated.
Direct sowing is recommended after your last frost date. Sow seeds directly where you want them to grow, spacing 8 inches apart. Water gently to settle soil around seeds.
Begin harvesting edible blooms once flowers are fully open and display their rich mahogany color, typically 50 to 60 days after sowing. Pick blooms in the morning after dew has dried for the crispest texture. Harvest individual flowers at the base where they attach to the stem, leaving the plant to produce additional blooms throughout the season.
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