Salmon Baby

Family: Tropaeolaceae Flower / Herb

Planting Schedule

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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

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Salmon Baby 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	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.