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Tip Top Apricot

Nasturtium
Zone 12b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Tip Top Apricot to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Tip Top Apricot
50d to harvest

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.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 12b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
MilestoneDate
Start Indoors—
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsOct 1st
Harvest BeginsNov 20th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity50
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitBush
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthSurface
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)50
Min Night Temp (°F)32
Harden Off (days)Not Required

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Tip Top Apricot in Zone 12b typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 50°F before transplanting Tip Top Apricot.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 12b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

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Frequently Asked Questions

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.
Botanical illustration of Tip Top Apricot

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.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Tip Top Apricot in Zone 12b typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 50°F before transplanting Tip Top Apricot.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 12b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 50°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

Sow nasturtium after frost in warm soil and give it lean conditions—too much fertilizer makes more foliage and fewer blooms.