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Nasturtium

Tropaeolum majus
Also known as: Indian Cress, Garden Nasturtium, Monks Cress

Nasturtium is a herb in the Tropaeolaceae family. It grows best in full sun with medium moisture, and is listed for USDA zones 2-13. Plants reach harvest about 50–70 days after planting and sit about 12 inches apart.

Varieties

13 from True Leaf Market, Seeds Now & High Mowing · sorted by days to maturity
  • Alaska Gold Dwarf50–65 days

    Heirloom; Container; Edible Flower; Annual

    (Tropaeolum majus nanum) Nasturtium is very colorful and easy to grow, making it a great annual ground cover. Deep yellow blooms play across the variegated foliage like gold in a stream.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Alaska Mix50–60 days

    This variety includes a mix of gold, salmon, orange, and deep red/purple colored flowers. Nasturtium flowers are one of the most popular edible flowers grown in home gardens. The petals have a slight peppery taste, and the seeds and leaves are also edible! You can even use the seeds as an alternative to capers. Not only are the flowers pretty, Nasturtiums are great companion plants! They are also known to deter aphids, whiteflies, cucumber beetles & more. Learn more > Nasturtiums should be planted in the spring for a "summer show". Plant in full sun, and in sandy, well drained soil. Generally, the poorer the soil quality, the more flowers the plant will produce! Deadhead your plants regularly to encourage new blooms, all season long. These flowers will self-seed resulting in more flowers for years to come! These are PERFECT for beginner gardeners! These annuals are very easy to grow from seed and can be grown just about anywhere, even places that are susceptible to drought. The bright flower petals will liven up any garden, with very little effort! They are also GREAT for planting in hanging baskets or containers.

    View on Seeds Now
  • Dwarf Jewel Blend51–69 days

    Spreading habit; Edible flowers and foliage; 12-24” tall; Annual

    Brilliant orange, red and yellow flowers contrast nicely with round, green leaves. Makes a beautiful border plant. The peppery-tasting edible flowers are exquisite when stuffed with cream cheese or added to salads for color. Slow to germinate, start as transplants 4-5 weeks before last frost. Plant 16” apart. T. majus. 200 seeds/oz.

    Growing notes: We have selected these easy-to-grow flower varieties for their individual beauty, for the beneficial insects they attract, and/or suitability for cut flower production. By offering an assortment of hues, heights, growth habits and appearances, we strive to fill your flower needs, whether you are adding color to your home garden or selling bouquets for market. Our varieties are tried-and-true standards that are sure to perform well in a wide range of growing conditions. Many of these varieties are well suited for succession plantings to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season. Days to maturity are from seeding. M=1,000.

    View on High Mowing
  • Nasturtium Blend51–69 days

    Trailing; Vines grow to 10’ long; Edible flowers and foliage; Annual

    Attractive, sunny mix of yellow, orange, rose and crimson flowers on trailing plants. Delicate lilypad-like leaves are just as attractive as the bright flowers. Edible flowers and foliage are a gourmet treat with flavor reminiscent of peppery watercress. Perfect for hanging baskets, containers or in the garden. T. majus. 200 seeds/oz.

    Growing notes: We have selected these easy-to-grow flower varieties for their individual beauty, for the beneficial insects they attract, and/or suitability for cut flower production. By offering an assortment of hues, heights, growth habits and appearances, we strive to fill your flower needs, whether you are adding color to your home garden or selling bouquets for market. Our varieties are tried-and-true standards that are sure to perform well in a wide range of growing conditions. Many of these varieties are well suited for succession plantings to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season. Days to maturity are from seeding. M=1,000.

    View on High Mowing
  • Alaska54–63 days

    Container; Vegetable; Annual

    54-63 Days to maturity. Tropaeolum majus. Nasturtium Alaska Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, heirloom. Alaska nasturtium is brilliant, easy to grow from seed, and perfectly suited for many dry and temperate climates. This flower variety has variegated foliage when grown to maturity, and produces edible flowers in a mix of yellow, cherry, salmon, and crimson. Alaska nasturtium seeds are vigorous garden performers and ideal for kids or novice gardeners to try as a vibrant accent to flower beds, fences, and walkways. With exception to its roots, Alaska nasturtium is a popularly edible variety, including worldwide use of its leaves, pods, seeds, buds, and especially its flowers. ~225 seeds/oz.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Jewel Mix54–63 days

    Container; Vegetable; Annual

    54-63 Days to maturity. Tropaeolum majus. Organic Nasturtium Jewel Mix Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, heirloom. Jewel Mix nasturtium is brilliant, easy to grow from seed, and perfectly suited for many dry and temperate climates. Jewel Mix seeds will excite your home, patio, and garden with fast-growing 18-24 inches tall nasturtium bursting with 2.5 inch papery blooms of canary, peach, carmine, and salmon. Jewel Mix nasturtium seeds are vigorous garden performers and ideal for kids or novice gardeners to try as a vibrant accent to flower beds, fences, and walkways. With exception to its roots, Jewel Mix nasturtium is a popularly edible variety including worldwide use of its leaves, pods, seeds, buds, and especially its flowers. ~225 seeds/oz.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Empress of India55–65 days

    Large scarlet blooms will grow on this attractive 1 foot tall, compact plant. Nasturtium flowers are one of the most popular edible flowers grown in home gardens. The petals have a slight peppery taste, and the seeds and leaves are also edible! You can even use the seeds as an alternative to capers. Not only are the flowers pretty, Nasturtiums are great companion plants! They are also known to deter aphids, whiteflies, cucumber beetles & more. Learn more > Nasturtiums should be planted in the spring for a "summer show". Plant in full sun, and in sandy, well drained soil. Generally, the poorer the soil quality, the more flowers the plant will produce! Deadhead your plants regularly to encourage new blooms, all season long. These flowers will self-seed resulting in more flowers for years to come! These are PERFECT for beginner gardeners! These annuals are very easy to grow from seed and can be grown just about anywhere, even places that are susceptible to drought. The bright flower petals will liven up any garden, with very little effort! They are also GREAT for planting in hanging baskets or containers.

    View on Seeds Now
  • Jewel Mix (Organic)55–65 days

    Heirloom; Organic; Annual

    55-65 Days to Maturity. Tropaeolum majus. Organic Jewel Mix Nasturtium Flower Seeds. Non-GMO, organic, open-pollinated, heirloom flower. Annual in zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. In zones 9-11 it is best to grow these flowers during the cooler parts of the year. Deer resistant. Attracts pollinators. Displays red, yellow, and orange colored blooms in the late spring, summer, and fall. Recommended for growing in beds, containers, and hanging baskets. In the landscape Organic Jewel Mix Nasturtiums are great for use as a border, bedding, container, or ground cover plant. It has a creeping or trailing growth habit with tolerance to drought once established. Organic Jewel Mix Nasturtium flowers are edible, including worldwide use of its leaves, pods, seeds, buds, and especially its flowers. These seeds are vigorous garden performers and ideal for kids or novice gardeners. ~198 seeds/oz.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Peach Melba55–65 days

    This variety produces cream-like, yellow petals with splashes of darker red in the center. Compact in size with deep blue/green foliage. Nasturtium flowers are one of the most popular edible flowers grown in home gardens. The petals have a slight peppery taste, and the seeds and leaves are also edible! You can even use the seeds as an alternative to capers. Not only are the flowers pretty, Nasturtiums are great companion plants! They are also known to deter aphids, whiteflies, cucumber beetles & more. Learn more > Nasturtiums should be planted in the spring for a "summer show". Plant in full sun, and in sandy, well drained soil. Generally, the poorer the soil quality, the more flowers the plant will produce! Deadhead your plants regularly to encourage new blooms, all season long. These flowers will self-seed resulting in more flowers for years to come! These are PERFECT for beginner gardeners! These annuals are very easy to grow from seed and can be grown just about anywhere, even places that are susceptible to drought. The bright flower petals will liven up any garden, with very little effort! They are also GREAT for planting in hanging baskets or containers.

    View on Seeds Now
  • Whirlybird55–65 days

    This variety produces jewel-toned flowers, dark green foliage, maximum color! These flowers stand straight and will come in shades of red, orange, cream and gold. Nasturtium flowers are one of the most popular edible flowers grown in home gardens. The petals have a slight peppery taste, and the seeds and leaves are also edible! You can even use the seeds as an alternative to capers. Not only are the flowers pretty, Nasturtiums are great companion plants! They are also known to deter aphids, whiteflies, cucumber beetles & more. Learn more > Nasturtiums should be planted in the spring for a "summer show". Plant in full sun, and in sandy, well drained soil. Generally, the poorer the soil quality, the more flowers the plant will produce! Deadhead your plants regularly to encourage new blooms, all season long. These flowers will self-seed resulting in more flowers for years to come! These are PERFECT for beginner gardeners! These annuals are very easy to grow from seed and can be grown just about anywhere, even places that are susceptible to drought. The bright flower petals will liven up any garden, with very little effort! They are also GREAT for planting in hanging baskets or containers.

    View on Seeds Now
  • Whirlybird Mix55–65 days

    Heirloom; Non-GMO

    Whirlybird Mix is a bushy, mounding nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) producing single, upward-facing flowers in a blend of warm colors including cream, yellow, gold, orange, and scarlet. Both the medium-green leaves and the edible flowers have the classic peppery nasturtium bite, with a hint of fruity sweetness, and are popular in salads. Easy to grow in full sun, the compact plants are well suited to beds, borders, and containers.

    View on True Leaf Market
  • Glorious Gleam60–70 days

    Semi-trailing plant with fragrant flowers that come in a variety of shades and colors. Depth to Plant Spacing Between Plants Days to Germinate (Sprout) Germination Soil Temp Best Season to Plant_________ Sun Requirement Soil Requirements Good Plant Companions Harvest Instructions 1/2" Deep 12" Apart 7-10 Days Approx. 70 degrees F. Early Spring Full Sun Well drained and sandy Roses and most vegetables Harvest blooms regularly to encourage new growth. How to Grow & Harvest Nasturtiums When to Plant Nasturtiums should be planted in the spring for a "summer show" once soil temperatures have reached around 70 degrees F. Nasturtium flowers are one of the most popular edible flowers grown in home gardens. The petals have a slight peppery taste, and the seeds and leaves are also edible! You can even use the seeds as an alternative to capers. Not only are the flowers pretty, Nasturtiums are great companion plants! They are also known to deter aphids, whiteflies, cucumber beetles & more. Learn more > Nasturtiums should be planted in the spring for a "summer show". Plant in full sun, and in sandy, well drained soil. Generally, the poorer the soil quality, the more flowers the plant will produce! Deadhead your plants regularly to encourage new blooms, all season long. These flowers will self-seed resulting in more flowers for years to come! These are PERFECT for beginner gardeners! These annuals are very easy to grow from seed and can be grown just about anywhere, even places that are susceptible to drought. The bright flower petals will liven up any garden, with very little effort! They are also GREAT for planting in hanging baskets or containers. How to Plant Plant in full sun, and in sandy, well drained soil. Generally, the poorer the soil quality, the more flowers the plant will produce! These seeds require darkness to germinate and will do best with planted a half of an inch deep, spaced at least 12" apart. Plants should appear within 7-10 days. These annuals are very easy to grow from seed and can be grown just about anywhere, even places that are susceptible to drought. When to Harvest Deadhead your plants regularly to encourage new blooms, all season long. These flowers will self-seed resulting in more flowers for years to come!

    View on Seeds Now
  • Tall Trailing Mix60–65 days

    This fast-growing, vine-like or "trailing" plant can easily reach 10 feet in length by the end of the growing season! Perfect for growing along fences, or above retaining walls. It boasts colorful flowers in many shades of yellow, orange and even occasionally red. Nasturtium flowers are one of the most popular edible flowers grown in home gardens. The petals have a slight peppery taste, and the seeds and leaves are also edible! You can even use the seeds as an alternative to capers. Not only are the flowers pretty, Nasturtiums are great companion plants! They are also known to deter aphids, whiteflies, cucumber beetles & more. Learn more > Nasturtiums should be planted in the spring for a "summer show". Plant in full sun, and in sandy, well drained soil. Generally, the poorer the soil quality, the more flowers the plant will produce! Deadhead your plants regularly to encourage new blooms, all season long. These flowers will self-seed resulting in more flowers for years to come! These are PERFECT for beginner gardeners! These annuals are very easy to grow from seed and can be grown just about anywhere, even places that are susceptible to drought. The bright flower petals will liven up any garden, with very little effort! They are also GREAT for planting in hanging baskets or containers.

    View on Seeds Now
Family
Tropaeolaceae
Category
Herb
Form
Bush
Lifecycle
annual
Zone
2-13
Height
0.6666666666666666–6 ft
Spread
1–2 ft
Sun
Full sun

Plant spacing

1 plant per square footSquare-foot planting diagram: one nasturtium fills a 1-foot square, spaced 12 inches from its neighbors.
1 plant per square foot

In a square-foot bed, space nasturtium about 12 in apart — that fits 1 plant in each 1-foot square (1×1). Wider rows or containers space the same.

Water
Medium

Plan your nasturtium planting

Add nasturtium to a free GardenDraft plan and get sow, transplant, and harvest dates computed for your ZIP code — with a drag-and-drop bed layout and reminders when it’s time to plant.

Start your free plan →

At a glance

Days to harvest
50–70 days
From transplant or sow to first harvest
Harvest style
Keep picking
Crops over several weeks
After harvest
Use within days
Quality eases off after peak
Frost tolerance
Tender · to ~32°F
Lowest temperature the foliage usually survives

Storing & preserving

Refrigerate stems in water, or wrap in a damp towel for a few days.

  • Dry: Dehydrate or air-dry, then store airtight away from light.
  • Freeze: Freeze chopped in oil or water in ice-cube trays.

General home-preservation guidance — for tested processing times and safety, follow the National Center for Home Food Preservation.

Growing timeline

When to plant and harvest nasturtiumPlanting timeline for nasturtium, relative to last frost: start indoors from 4 weeks before last frost to around last frost; grow from around last frost to 7 weeks after last frost; harvest from 7 weeks after last frost to 10 weeks after last frost.Start indoorsGrowHarvestLast frostTransplant
Start nasturtium indoors ~4 weeks before transplanting around last frost; first harvest 7 weeks after last frost.
Seed to transplant
21-28 days
Outdoor planting
0 to 14 days vs frost
Propagation
Seed
Schedule anchor
Last Frost

Companion planting — with cited sources

From US/Canada cooperative-extension publications and peer-reviewed studies. Evidence-tier dots show how strongly each recommendation is backed: ●●● peer-reviewed mechanism · ●● extension consensus · traditional knowledge with a plausible mechanism.

Pairs well with (3)

  • Common CucumberEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationpest-deter, trap-crop

    Nasturtium is reported in Agriculture Canada and university trials to alter cucumber beetle and squash bug egg-laying behavior, acting as a partial repellent. Effects are documented but modest; nasturtium is best used in combination with trap cropping rather than as a stand-alone control.

    Source: SARE, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

  • Common TomatoEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationtrap-crop, pollinator-attract

    Nasturtium near tomato is traditionally recommended for aphid trapping and pollinator support; pollinator benefit is well-supported, aphid trap-cropping in tomato is less studied than in cucurbits/beans.

    Source: University of Maryland Extension

  • Summer SquashEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationpest-deter

    Nasturtium intercropped with summer squash is reported by Agriculture Canada and several universities to alter squash bug oviposition site preference, reducing egg masses on squash leaves. The effect is partial; nasturtium does not eliminate squash bug pressure but can reduce damage when combined with other measures.

    Source: SARE, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Trap crops for this plant (3)

  • Common BeanEvidence tier B: Extension consensus across multiple US/Canada land-grant institutionstrap-crop

    Nasturtium acts as a strong aphid (especially black bean aphid, Aphis fabae) trap. Documented in multiple Northeast extension publications. Same aphid trap-crop role as T. majus.

    Source: Penn State Extension, UMass Center for Agriculture

  • Common CabbageEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationtrap-crop, pest-deter

    Nasturtium's glucosinolate-like mustard oils attract cabbage white butterfly (Pieris rapae); used as a brassica trap crop with mixed effectiveness. Some Ontario and Massachusetts trials show modest reductions in caterpillar pressure on the cash crop.

    Source: UMass Center for Agriculture, University of Guelph / OMAFRA

  • Squash (Cucurbita spp., generic)Evidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationtrap-crop, pollinator-attract

    Nasturtium attracts squash bug (Anasa tristis) and aphids preferentially, drawing them off the cash cucurbit. Squash bug trap-crop evidence is mixed across trials — strongest in studies with intentional placement and regular trap-plant destruction; aphid trap-cropping is more consistently supported. Same aphid and squash bug trap-cropping rationale as T. majus; compact habit fits row-middle plantings under squash.

    Timing: Sow at same time as squash; pull and destroy heavily infested trap plants weekly.

    Source: Penn State Extension, UMass Center for Agriculture

Sources cited

S15
UMass Center for Agriculture (UMass Extension)
S18
SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education)
S23
University of Guelph / OMAFRA (Ontario)
S25
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
S6
Penn State Extension
S9
University of Maryland Extension — Home & Garden Info Center

Care & troubleshooting— extension-sourced, with citations

When to feed, prune & water

Attract beneficial insects and protect pollinators

Protection
  • Routine carePlant insectary flowers and tolerate light pestsstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Grow a diversity of flowering plants (including small-flowered umbels and asters) to feed predators and parasitoids, and tolerate low pest numbers so natural enemies have prey to stick around.

    Source: UC IPM; UMN Extension

  • Routine careNever spray open bloomsstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Avoid insecticides on flowering plants and apply any needed sprays in the evening when pollinators aren't active, and favor selective products over broad-spectrum ones to spare bees and beneficials.

    Source: UC IPM

Something looks wrong?

Describe what you see on your nasturtiumand we'll rank the likely causes — most likely first, least-invasive fix first.

Cabbage white & looper caterpillars

Pestmoderate

Symptoms: ragged holes chewed in leaves; green caterpillars on undersides; dark frass pellets; white butterflies around plants

  • CulturalHand-pick + insect netting· every 3 days · ~3 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Pick caterpillars by hand and cover plants with insect netting to block egg-laying butterflies.

    Source: Cornell Cooperative Extension

  • OrganicBt (Bacillus thuringiensis) - label use only· every 1 wk · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Spray Bt var. kurstaki on leaf undersides per label; reapply after rain. Spares pollinators.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: Cornell Cooperative Extension

Powdery mildew

Diseasemoderate

Symptoms: white powdery coating on upper leaf surfaces; starts as spots then spreads; leaves yellow and dry under the coating

  • CulturalImprove airflow + remove worst leavesstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Cut out the most heavily coated leaves and thin for airflow; avoid wetting foliage late in the day.

    Source: UC IPM

  • OrganicPotassium-bicarbonate or sulfur - label use only· every 1 wk · ~4 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    Apply a labeled potassium-bicarbonate or sulfur fungicide weekly per the label. No sulfur within 2 weeks of oil or in high heat.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: UC IPM

Flea beetles

Pestmoderate

Unusual this time of year.

Symptoms: tiny shot-hole pits all over young leaves; tiny black beetles that jump when disturbed; worst on seedlings

  • CulturalRow cover seedlingsstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Float insect netting over seedlings until they're large enough to outgrow damage; remove for flowering crops needing pollination.

    Source: UMN Extension: Flea Beetles

  • OrganicSpinosad or kaolin clay - label use only· every 1 wk · ~2 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    For heavy pressure on seedlings, a labeled spinosad or kaolin-clay product helps. Follow the label.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: UMN Extension

Aphids

Pestlow

Symptoms: clusters of tiny soft-bodied insects on new growth and undersides; sticky honeydew or sooty mold; curled distorted new leaves; ants tending them

  • CulturalBlast off with water· every 3 days · ~2 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence

    Knock colonies off with a strong jet of water in the morning; repeat every few days. Light infestations rarely need more.

    Source: UC IPM: Aphids

  • OrganicInsecticidal soap - label use only· every 1 wk · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence

    For persistent colonies apply insecticidal soap to undersides per label. Avoid open flowers.

    Always follow the product label — it is the law.

    Source: UC IPM