Climbing Nasturtium
Spitfire Nasturtium is a climbing annual that transforms gardens with glowing, fiery blooms from summer straight through fall. This heirloom variety reaches 48 to 72 inches tall and earns its name from flowers so vibrant they seem to glow like embers. Plant it in partial shade where it tolerates moderate watering and thrives in neutral soil (pH 6.0 to 7.0), blooming reliably 70 to 84 days after sowing. Hardy in zones 9 to 11, it flowers nonstop once established, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators while resisting deer browse.
Partial Shade
Moderate
9-11
72in H x ?in W
Annual
High
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Spitfire's glowing blossoms act as summer beacons that draw hummingbirds continuously through the growing season. The vines climb easily once young plants are trained onto supports, then flower without pause if you avoid over-fertilizing. This heirloom handles drought once established, yet regular watering during bloom season coaxes even more flowers. Unlike many ornamental vines, it thrives in partial shade and asks for minimal fussing beyond initial training.
Spitfire Nasturtium shines as a climbing ornamental for trellises, arbors, and garden structures where its continuous bloom and hummingbird activity create living focal points. The vines are trained onto supports with loose ties, after which they climb readily and fill vertical spaces with color through the entire growing season.
Sow 2 seeds each in individual 4-inch pots of well-drained seed starting mix 3 weeks before your last expected frost date. Push seeds 1 inch deep and keep at 65°F. Provide strong light. When seedlings develop several sets of leaves, pinch out the weaker seedling in each pot, leaving one per pot. Once outdoor temperatures settle in the 50°F range consistently, gradually acclimate the plants to outdoor conditions over several days before transplanting.
Transplant 10 to 12 inches apart once weather is evenly in the 50°F range and after your last frost has passed. Plants are frost-tender, so wait until conditions are reliably mild. Train young vines onto their supports with loose ties; they'll climb readily from there.
Direct sow after your last frost date into well-prepared, well-drained soil. Plant at soil depth of 1 inch and expect germination in 7 to 14 days in warm soil (65 to 75°F).
Train young vines onto their supports using loose ties; once climbing, minimal pruning is needed. You may remove any dead stems or spent growth to keep plants tidy, but the vigorous vines naturally cover space well and flower continuously without heavy pruning.
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