Jewel Mix

Family: Tropaeolaceae Flower / Herb

A jewel-bright cascade of blooms and tender leaves, Jewel Mix bursts with peppery, garden-fresh flavor that feels vivid and alive.

Expect a lively mix of colors—sunlit oranges, warm reds, and creamy yellows—paired with crisp, succulent texture that holds its snap from garden to bowl. Grow it for striking edible flowers and flavorful foliage in salads, garnishes, and quick pickling, or let the trailing plants spill over containers and beds for nonstop color.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 45 DaysHabit: Spreading

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	Jun 9th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	45
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Spreading
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	40
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Jewel Mix is a nasturtium built for eating: the blooms give you a spicy, floral brightness and the leaves keep a clean snap rather than collapsing into mush. Treat it like fresh pepper—add at the end or pickle briefly—so its heat stays vivid and the garnish doesn’t go dull.

Best Uses

scatter as a peppery confetti over fresh salads
float blooms and leaves on chilled plates with citrus vinaigrettes
quick-pickle the flower buds for punchy, crunchy garnish
use the leaves as a substitute for peppery greens in warm egg scrambles

Flavor Profile

peppery, watercress-like bite sweet floral aroma crisp, juicy leaf snap tender bloom petals with a mild heat finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil goat cheese soft cheeses like ricotta hard cheeses like parmesan eggs

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Tropaeolum majus (Jewel Mix), and how can I treat it?

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are prone to aphids, which cluster on new growth and can distort leaves and buds. Spray aphids off with a strong jet of water, then repeat every 2–3 days for a week; if pressure is heavy, use insecticidal soap according to the label and target the undersides of leaves. Avoid overhead watering to reduce leaf spotting and keep air moving around plants.

How often should I water Tropaeolum majus during peak growth?

During active flowering and leaf growth, keep soil evenly moist but not soggy—water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. Aim for deep watering that wets the root zone, then let excess drain; consistently wet soil encourages stem rot in nasturtiums.

How do I know when Tropaeolum majus (Jewel Mix) is ready to harvest?

You can start harvesting around day 45, but pick as soon as flowers are fully open for best color and flavor. Harvest leaves and young stems after plants are well established (typically once they have several true leaves), before they turn tougher. For seed harvest, wait until the seeds develop and the pods dry on the plant.