Salmon Baby

Family: Tropaeolaceae Flower / Herb

Tender, salmon-pink blossoms glow like small lanterns, and the peppery, watercress-bright flavor follows through with a crisp, juicy bite.

Salmon Baby produces compact, trailing plants that yield abundant blooms and succulent leaves for quick harvest—ideal for bright garnishes, vibrant salads, and quick pickling for a tangy pop. Let it spill over the edge of containers or beds; its lively color and lively bite make every plate feel freshly composed.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 50 DaysHabit: Mounding

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Leesburg (Zone 7a).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 20th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 20th
Harvest Begins	Jun 9th
Harvest Ends	Oct 20th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Mounding
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

These salmon-pink nasturtium blooms are basically edible hot sauce in miniature—peppery, juicy, and vivid enough to cut through fatty proteins. Use them at the last second so the petals stay crisp instead of turning steamy and soft.

Best Uses

scatter as a live garnish on rich fish or egg dishes
toss into mixed greens where they’ll hold dressing without wilting fast
quick-pickle in brine for peppery “instant capers” energy
fold into herby yogurt or crème fraîche for a punchy, floral snap

Flavor Profile

peppery watercress bite juicy, crisp petals bright, slightly tangy finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon capers crème fraîche salmon feta white wine vinegar

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Tropaeolum majus (nasturtium) like “Salmon Baby,” and how can I treat it?

Watch for aphids and slugs/snails, which are frequent on nasturtium foliage and tender flower buds. Rinse aphids off with a strong jet of water or spot-spray with insecticidal soap, and hand-pick slugs at dusk or use a physical barrier (like copper tape or a slug bait suitable for edibles). If you see leaf spot or powdery mildew, remove badly affected leaves and improve airflow by not overcrowding, since wet foliage encourages spread.

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

During active growth and flowering (roughly weeks 3–8), keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—water when the top 1 inch feels dry. Nasturtiums tolerate some dryness, so reduce watering during cool or rainy periods to prevent fungal problems on leaves.

How do I know when “Salmon Baby” Tropaeolum majus is ready to harvest?

Harvest edible leaves and flowers once plants are established and producing—typically around the 50-day mark for peak maturity. Pick flowers daily for best quality and tenderness, and harvest leaves when they’re fully expanded but before they turn tough or overly large. If you’re harvesting seeds later, let pods mature until they’re firm and change color, then pick as they dry on the plant.