Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is a warm-weather annual that delivers showy, spurred flowers in vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, and creams from May through September across hardiness zones 2-11. These funnel-shaped blooms reach up to 2.5 inches wide, emit a spicy fragrance, and attract hummingbirds and butterflies without fail. Growing 12 to 120 inches tall depending on the cultivar you choose, nasturtiums thrive on neglect, asking only for full sun, moderate water, and poor to average soil. You'll harvest tender edible shoots in just 14-16 days, making this one of the fastest crops from seed.
12
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
120in H x 36in W
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Moderate
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Nasturtiums bloom prolifically from late spring through early fall with showy, fragrant flowers that hummingbirds cannot resist. The spicy flavor and tender texture of young shoots make them a culinary treasure in cottage and herb gardens alike. Remarkably unfussy plants, they actually produce fewer flowers when over-fertilized, rewarding neglectful gardeners with abundance while punishing the fussy. Deer leave them completely alone, yet pollinators flock to them in droves.
Nasturtiums serve dual purposes in the garden. The showy flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies, making them valuable as ornamental annuals. The tender shoots, harvested when 3-6 inches tall with 2-4 leaves developed, offer a spicy flavor and are eaten fresh in salads or used as garnishes. This combination of beauty and utility makes nasturtiums a staple of herb and cottage gardens.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds indoors in a greenhouse under lights when nighttime temperatures reach at least 60-65°F (16-18°C). Fill flats with 1-1.5 inches of soilless media and sow seeds thickly in a single layer, pressing them lightly into the media. Cover lightly with additional media since seeds require darkness to germinate. Keep the medium moist but not waterlogged using overhead watering or bottom watering in leak-proof trays. Germination occurs in 7-14 days.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the final frost date when the weather is warm and soil temperatures have stabilized above 60°F (16°C).
Direct sow seeds outdoors after the final frost date when soil has warmed to at least 60-65°F (16-18°C).
Cut shoots with a sharp harvest knife or scissors just above the soil line when they reach 3-6 inches tall and have developed 2-4 leaves. Harvest begins around 14-16 days after sowing. Place freshly cut shoots immediately in plastic bags or sealed containers and refrigerate to preserve quality.
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