Kaleidoscope Nasturtium is a robust organic mix that celebrates chaos and color in a single plant. This open-pollinated cultivar produces an ever-shifting display of blooms, each flower a unique combination of hues, that flowers in 55 to 65 days from seed. The bushy growth habit makes it ideal for edging beds or containers, thriving in partial shade where other bright annuals might falter. Both the vibrant petals and peppery leaves are edible, making this as much a kitchen garden as an ornamental one.
Partial Shade
Moderate
9-11
?in H x ?in W
—
High
Hover over chart points for details
What sets Kaleidoscope Nasturtium apart is its unpredictability, a true genetic lottery where no two flowers are quite alike. The mix delivers the vigorous, reliable growth nasturtiums are known for without the monotony of a single color. Unlike hybrid mixes that can feel manufactured, this open-pollinated blend retains the full personality of the species, with flowers you can save and grow again, each generation bringing fresh surprises. It's a plant that rewards close attention, inviting you to study the subtle shifts in tone and pattern from bloom to bloom.
Kaleidoscope Nasturtium shines as a bedding plant that adds movement and visual intrigue to garden beds and containers. The edible flowers, best harvested when fully open, make stunning garnishes for salads and plates, their peppery bite and jewel tones transforming everyday food into something memorable. The young leaves can be harvested at any time and added to salads or used as a peppery green in the kitchen, giving gardeners continuous harvests long before the flowers arrive.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds indoors 3 to 4 weeks before your planned transplant date. Sow seeds at a depth of 1/2 to 1 inch and cover them completely, as darkness is required for germination. Keep soil consistently moist and maintain warm conditions until seedlings emerge.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date once they've been hardened off. Space plants 8 inches apart in partial shade. They can tolerate cooler conditions but grow most vigorously once soil has warmed.
Direct seed into the garden 1/2 to 1 inch deep, covering seeds well since darkness aids germination. Sow after the last spring frost when soil is workable. Direct seeding often produces stockier plants and is recommended for this variety.
Harvest edible flowers when they are fully open, selecting blooms that are vibrant and show no signs of wilting. Edible leaves can be picked at any time during the growing season, they're tender and mild when young and become more peppery as they mature. Both flowers and leaves are best harvested in the morning and used fresh the same day for maximum crispness and flavor.
No formal pruning is necessary for Kaleidoscope Nasturtium's bushy growth habit. Pinching back the growing tips when plants are young will encourage branching and a fuller shape. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the season keeps the plant flowering more abundantly and prevents energy from going into seed production.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.