Tangerine Whirlybird Nasturtium is a compact, ornamental annual that rewards gardeners with prolific citrus-orange blooms and genuine culinary appeal. Hardy in zones 9-11, this heirloom cultivar of Tropaeolum nanum reaches maturity in just 50-60 days, making it one of the quickest edible flowers to produce. The flowers and peppery leaves transform salads and garnishes with both visual brilliance and a distinctive burst of peppery flavor, blending form and function in a single tidy plant.
Full Sun
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9-11
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Compact plants erupt with loads of citrus-hued orange blooms that are every bit as delicious as they are beautiful. The peppery flavor of both flowers and leaves makes this nasturtium genuinely useful in the kitchen, not merely ornamental window dressing. Reaching maturity in 50-60 days under warm conditions, it germinates quickly and grows eagerly, rewarding impatient gardeners with fast results.
The flowers and leaves of Tangerine Whirlybird Nasturtium serve as both edible garnish and salad ingredient, delivering peppery bite and vivid color to plates. The blooms are particularly prized for adding visual drama and floral spice to fresh green salads, while the young leaves contribute a zesty peppery note to mixed greens.
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Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last frost date at a temperature of 55-65°F. Germination occurs quickly, within 7-14 days. Transplant seedlings outdoors once all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures consistently reach 60°F or warmer.
Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before transplanting. Move them to full sun in the garden once nighttime temperatures remain above 50°F and frost danger has completely passed. Space plants 8-12 inches apart.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after all frost danger has passed and soil has warmed to 60°F or above. Sow seeds where they will receive 6-8 hours of full sun daily.
Harvest flowers and leaves continuously once the plant begins flowering around day 50-60 after planting. Pinch off flower blooms at the base of the stem to encourage continued flowering throughout the growing season. Harvest young leaves anytime for maximum tenderness and peppery flavor. Regular harvesting extends the bloom period and keeps plants productive.
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