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Tropaeolum

Common Name(s):

Description

Nasturtiums have fragrant, showy flowers ranging from yellow to red.  It begins blooming in late spring and lasts into early fall. Although it grows in full sun, some protection from strong afternoon sun will be beneficial.  Extended periods of strong sun will stress the plant.  Areas where the summer temperatures are somewhat cooler will allow this plant to perform at its best.   

Its common name, Nasturtium, comes from the oil that the plants produce that is similar to watercress (Nasturtium officinale).  

An edible plant with a peppery taste, it is often used in salads.  The leaves, seeds, as well as the flowers and flower pods are all edible.

Nasturtiums grow best is poor soils.  Fertilization can lead to more foliage and fewer flowers.  Deadheading will prolong blooming.  If growing indoors from seed, using peat or paper pots will help prevent transplant shock when moved outdoors and placed in the garden.  They don't like being transplanted.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious issues, aphids, mealybugs and whteflies are occasional insects that may affect this plant.

Its self seeding can cause the plant to spread.

 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tropaeolum majus
Tags:
#showy flowers#fragrant flowers#edible plant#low growing#edible flowers#low maintenance#deer resistant#companion plant#groundcover#rock garden#edible seeds#edible garden#edible leaves#edible buds#butterfly friendly#annual#herb garden
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tropaeolum majus
Tags:
#showy flowers#fragrant flowers#edible plant#low growing#edible flowers#low maintenance#deer resistant#companion plant#groundcover#rock garden#edible seeds#edible garden#edible leaves#edible buds#butterfly friendly#annual#herb garden
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Tropaeolum
    Family:
    Tropaeolaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Southern America and Mexico Southeast
    Wildlife Value:
    Nasturtium is attractive to butterflies.
    Play Value:
    Attracts Pollinators
    Easy to Grow
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    deer
    Edibility:
    The leaves, flowers and buds, pods, and seeds are edible.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Edible
    Ground Cover
    Habit/Form:
    Mounding
    Rounded
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Cream/Tan
    Gold/Yellow
    Orange
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Head
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Fragrant
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Funnel
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Fragrant, showy flowers.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Leaf Type:
    Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Peltate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Leaves are palmately compound.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Patio
    Slope/Bank
    Walkways
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Cottage Garden
    Edible Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer