Vesuvius

Family: Tropaeolaceae Flower / Herb

Planting Schedule

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Like a burst of sunset on a green curtain, Vesuvius nasturtium blooms in vivid, flame-bright tones with a peppery snap that livens every garden stroll.

The flowers are tender and succulent, with a crisp, juicy texture and a lively bite that shines in fresh arrangements and vibrant garnishes. Grow Vesuvius for abundant edible blossoms in about 40 days—an easy, showy favorite that turns beds and containers into living color.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 40 DaysHabit: Bush

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Vesuvius 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 11th – Aug 1st
Zone 2a	Direct Sow	May 25th	Jul 4th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jun 24th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jun 24th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Direct Sow	May 19th	Jun 28th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jun 24th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Direct Sow	May 13th	Jun 22nd – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Direct Sow	May 8th	Jun 17th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Direct Sow	May 4th	Jun 13th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Direct Sow	May 1st	Jun 10th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Direct Sow	Apr 25th	Jun 4th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Direct Sow	Apr 20th	May 30th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Direct Sow	Apr 10th	May 20th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Direct Sow	Apr 1st	May 11th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Direct Sow	Mar 23rd	May 2nd – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Direct Sow	Mar 6th	Apr 15th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Direct Sow	Feb 9th	Mar 21st – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 10th – Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	40
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Vesuvius nasturtium flowers are all about that peppery, juicy snap—add them at the end so they stay crisp and don’t collapse. Their flame-bright color and mild floral edge make them the spicy garnish you actually taste, not just look at.

Best Uses

scatter over salads as a last-minute crunch bomb
garnish for tacos, ceviche, and roasted vegetables to wake them up
fold into soft herb spreads/cream cheese for a spicy floral pop
float in cocktails or top chilled soups for a vivid edible accent

Flavor Profile

peppery, watercress-like bite tender-succulent snap bright, citrusy lift slightly floral, grassy-green finish

Kitchen Pairings

lime vinaigrette goat cheese grilled chicken prawns miso butter

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Tropaeolum majus (Vesuvius) and how do I control it?

In nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus), aphids and slugs/snails are common, especially on tender new growth and buds. Rinse aphids off with a strong water spray and use insecticidal soap if numbers rebound, while hand-picking slugs at dusk or setting copper barriers/beer traps around the plants. Avoid overhead watering and remove heavily spotted leaves early to reduce downy mildew and leaf-spot issues that worsen in damp, crowded foliage.

How often should I water Tropaeolum majus during peak growth (after it establishes)?

During active growth, keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—water when the top 1 inch (2–3 cm) of soil feels dry. In full sun, this often means watering about 2–3 times per week, but less during cool or rainy periods. Never let water pool at the base, since saturated roots increase leaf-spot and root-stress in Tropaeolum majus.

How can I tell when Vesuvius nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is ready to harvest?

Harvest edible flowers and leaves once plants have formed multiple healthy stems and open blooms, which typically begins around 40 days from sowing. Pick flowers in the morning when they’re freshest, and harvest leaves when they’re about palm-sized or tender enough to snap lightly. For the best flavor, keep harvesting regularly—if you wait until seed pods are fully mature, flowering slows and the plant focuses on seed production.