Dwarf Jewel Mix

Family: Tropaeolaceae Flower / Herb

Planting Schedule

Provide your location or planting zone to unlock dates and add Dwarf Jewel Mix to a garden.

A riot of jewel-toned blooms—fiery scarlet, warm apricot, sunny yellow, and creamy white—tumbles over the garden with a peppery snap that’s as vivid as it looks.

Dwarf Jewel Mix forms compact, tidy plants with tender, succulent leaves and crisp, flavorful flowers, perfect for adding lively color and zing to fresh arrangements and garnishes. Grow it for a quick 50-day payoff: abundant blossoms that keep coming, with a delightful bite that shines in salads, spring mixes, and bright pickled accents.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 50 DaysHabit: Bush

Botanical illustration of Dwarf Jewel Mix

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Dwarf Jewel Mix Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b	Direct Sow	Jun 1st	Jul 21st – Aug 1st
Zone 2a	Direct Sow	May 25th	Jul 14th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jul 4th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jul 4th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Direct Sow	May 19th	Jul 8th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jul 4th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Direct Sow	May 13th	Jul 2nd – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Direct Sow	May 8th	Jun 27th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Direct Sow	May 4th	Jun 23rd – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Direct Sow	May 1st	Jun 20th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Direct Sow	Apr 25th	Jun 14th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Direct Sow	Apr 20th	Jun 9th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Direct Sow	Apr 10th	May 30th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Direct Sow	Apr 1st	May 21st – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Direct Sow	Mar 23rd	May 12th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Direct Sow	Mar 6th	Apr 25th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Direct Sow	Feb 9th	Mar 31st – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 20th – Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	55
Min Night Temp (°F)	40
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

These dwarf nasturtium blooms bring a vivid peppery crunch without the harshness—more juicy snap than sharp spice. They’re at their best as a last-second garnish (or quick pickle) so the petals stay crisp and the bite stays lively.

Best Uses

scatter blossoms over bitter greens and lettuces
tuck into spring mix right before serving to keep their snap
use as a bright garnish for soups and grain bowls
quick-pickle petals or flower stems for punchy, spicy accoutrement

Flavor Profile

peppery, watercress-like bite succulent snap on petals slightly sweet floral edge fresh, clean green finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon juice olive oil goat cheese soft ricotta black pepper vinegar brine

Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases commonly affect Tropaeolum majus (dwarf jewel mix), and how can I treat them?

Tropaeolum majus is often bothered by aphids, which cluster on tender new growth and can stunt plants. Hose plants with a strong spray of water first, then spot-treat heavily infested tips with insecticidal soap and repeat every 5–7 days until the colonies stop. Watch for leaf spot and powdery mildew in humid weather; remove the worst affected leaves and water at the base to keep foliage dry.

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

During active flowering growth, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for top 1 inch dry before watering again. In full sun, this often means about 2–3 times per week, but adjust based on rainfall and pot size; potted plants typically need more frequent checks. Avoid soaking the crown, since Tropaeolum majus can decline when the roots sit constantly wet.

How can I tell when Tropaeolum majus is ready to harvest?

For a typical 50-day crop, start harvesting when the plants are actively producing flowers and pods, roughly when you see buds open reliably. Harvest flowers in the morning when they’re fully open for best texture and flavor, and pick pods before they get large and tough—young pods are best for use as capers-style treats. Keep picking regularly to encourage continued flowering through the season.