Dwarf Cherry Rose Jewel

Family: Tropaeolaceae Flower / Herb

Fragrant, jewel-bright blooms—rose-pink to warm cherry-red with velvety petals—rise above a compact mound, releasing a peppery perfume that feels both vivid and alive.

Dwarf Cherry Rose Jewel forms tender, crisp leaves and succulent seed pods with a lively, tangy bite, perfect for adding color and zing to fresh arrangements and garnishes. Grow it for its quick 35-day payoff and its nonstop show: a compact nasturtium that delivers beauty first, with flavor that follows at every glance.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 35 DaysHabit: Bush

Botanical illustration of Dwarf Cherry Rose Jewel

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	May 30th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	35
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	40
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

This dwarf nasturtium is built for eating: the petals bring a fragrant, rosy top note while the leaves and especially the seed pods deliver that snap of peppery tang. Use it late and lightly—dressing early or long heat exposure will bully the crisp bite.

Best Uses

flake-finished as a garnish over salads and grain bowls
toss into fresh spring salads where the pepper keeps its crispness
quick pickles of the immature seed pods for tangy, burger-ready crunch
fold into herb-forward compound butters for a vivid edible-flower hit

Flavor Profile

peppery bite tender, juicy crunch rose-petal perfume with a warm cherry-red vibe tangy seed-pod snap

Kitchen Pairings

citrus (lemon or lime) goat cheese olive oil black pepper vinegar-dressed greens prosciutto or roast chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem affects Tropaeolum majus (Jewel/Dwarf Cherry Rose Jewel), and how can I control it?

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) commonly get aphids, especially on new shoots and flower buds; blast them off with a strong jet of water and repeat every 2–3 days for a week. If you see gray, fuzzy growth on leaves, improve airflow and avoid wetting foliage—remove badly affected leaves and water at the soil line instead. For severe aphid outbreaks, spot-spray with insecticidal soap, targeting the underside of leaves early in the morning.

How often should I water Tropaeolum majus during its main growing phase?

During active growth and until the plants are established, water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, then water thoroughly so moisture reaches the root zone. In hot weather, this may be about every 2–4 days, but reduce frequency if the soil stays moist or rainfall is regular. Avoid consistently soggy soil because Tropaeolum majus dislikes waterlogged conditions and can develop leaf issues.

How do I tell when Dwarf Cherry Rose Jewel (Tropaeolum majus) is ready to harvest?

Harvest flowers at about 35 days from sowing: pick blooms when they have fully colored petals and the buds are just about to open. For leaf harvest, take young, tender leaves that are bright green and not heavily aged, typically after the plant has started flowering. Stop harvesting leaves if flowering slows—keep picking flowers to maintain production.