Tip Top Apricot

Family: Tropaeolaceae Flower / Herb

Fragrant, sunset-bright blooms and peppery leaves arrive in a lush, trailing cascade—Tip Top Apricot paints gardens with warm apricot-orange petals that glow against deep green foliage.

The flavor is lively and tangy with a gentle, apricot-kissed sweetness, while the tender leaves and blossoms offer a crisp, succulent bite. Grow Tip Top Apricot for fresh garnishes, vibrant salads, and eye-catching color in pickles and bright sauces—its blossoms are especially prized for their vivid, velvety charm.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 50 DaysHabit: Bush

Botanical illustration of Tip Top Apricot

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 14th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Tip Top Apricot nasturtium tastes like peppery greens with a fruity, apricot-citrus shimmer—use it raw so the leaves stay crisp and the blooms stay plush. Its flavor plays best against creamy dairy and sharp acids, where that tangy sweetness doesn’t get swallowed.

Best Uses

snip blossoms over salty bread and tomato for instant color with a peppery snap
fold tender leaves into green salads to carry vinaigrette without going limp
quick-pickle buds and leaves for briny, bright garnish
infuse a honey-mustard or citrusy dressing with the pepper-apricot character

Flavor Profile

peppery, watercress-like bite tangy apricot-citrus lift crisp, succulent leaves and velvety blooms light sweetness on the finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon honey burrata goat cheese white wine vinegar salmon

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most common on Tropaeolum majus (Tip Top Apricot), and how do I treat it?

Tropaeolum majus commonly gets aphids and whitefly, which leave sticky honeydew and can stunt growth. Spray plants with a strong jet of water to knock pests off, then repeat every 2–3 days for a week; for heavier infestations, use insecticidal soap and cover leaf undersides. If you see powdery mildew (a gray-white dust on leaves), remove badly affected foliage and keep plants well-spaced with good airflow to reduce repeat outbreaks.

How often should I water Tip Top Apricot nasturtium during the main growing phase?

Water to keep soil evenly moist but not soggy once plants are established, typically about 1–2 times per week depending on heat. Aim for a light, consistent moisture level by watering when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, since Tropaeolum majus will struggle in waterlogged beds. Avoid frequent shallow watering that keeps the surface wet, which increases leaf disease risk.

How can I tell when Tip Top Apricot (Tropaeolum majus) is ready to harvest?

Harvest flowers and leaves starting around 50 days after sowing, when plants are actively blooming. Pick flowers when they are fully colored and open for best flavor, and harvest leaves by cutting young, tender growth rather than older, tougher leaves. Continue harvesting regularly to encourage more blooms through the growing period.