Garden Nasturnium (Tropaeolum majus)

Garden Nasturnium
Scientific Name: Tropaeolum majus L.
Family: Tropaeolaceae

Show Larger Picture Recommended Temperature Zone:
sunset: Annual in all zones, perennial in 15-24
USDA:

Frost Tolerance: Frost tender in Phoenix, protect it on cold nights, or use it as an annual
Sun Exposure: Light shade in Phoenix
Origin: South America
Growth Habits: Tender perennial up to 1 foot tall for dwarf types (30 cm), 5 feet for the climbing varieties (1.5m)
Watering Needs: Regular summer water
Propagation: Seeds sown in place

Nasturniums are easy to grow and make a showy display, with flowers from red to white, and orange to yellow. Young leaves, buds and flowers are edible. Buds can be pickled in vinegar and taste like caper.
The species name "majus" comes from the Latine for "larger".

Cultural Practices:
Tolerates a wide range of soils. Poorer soils produce less leaves, but more flowers

Blooming Habits:
The flower varieties include single or double, with or without spurs. The spurless varieties have flowers facing up.

Propagation:
If possible, it is better to sow nasturniums in place. They seem to suffer when being transplanted. You can also sow them inside at 65°F (18°C). Plant 5 week old seedlings 12 inches apart (30 cm).

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