Phoenix

Nasturtium

Zone 2b Save Garden

🌱 50d to harvest Vine

A riot of warm, sunlit color—Phoenix nasturtium blooms with velvety, painterly petals that glow like ember-orange over lush, trai…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	May 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 15th
Harvest Begins	Jul 4th
Harvest Ends	Aug 25th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Vine
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	5

Recommended Companions

Lemon Mrs. Burns Basil

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problems commonly affect Tropaeolum majus (nasturtium), and how can I control them?

Watch for aphids and caterpillars, which cluster on tender new growth; rinse aphids off with a strong jet of water and remove heavily infested shoots. If you see powdery white coating, treat early with a baking-soda spray (1 tablespoon baking soda per gallon of water) applied to affected leaves in the morning, and improve airflow by spacing plants and avoiding overhead watering.

How often should I water Tropaeolum majus during the main growing phase to keep it flowering?

During active growth, water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, then water deeply so moisture reaches the root zone. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—too-wet conditions reduce flowering and invite leaf disease; in full sun heat, this often means watering about 1–2 times per week depending on your soil.

How do I know when Tropaeolum majus is ready to harvest?

Harvest seed pods and leaves once plants are well established and still before pods fully harden—at roughly 45–55 days from sowing, pods should be green and plump with seeds inside. For edible flowers, pick blooms as soon as petals open and continue harvesting regularly to encourage more flowering until cool weather slows growth.

A riot of warm, sunlit color—Phoenix nasturtium blooms with velvety, painterly petals that glow like ember-orange over lush, trailing foliage. The leaves and blossoms offer a peppery, lively bite with a crisp, tender snap, perfect for bright garnishes and vibrant flavor-forward salads, while the seeds mature for bold, tangy pickling. Grow Phoenix for a fast, showy 50-day burst of edible beauty that spills gracefully from containers or garden edges.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 45°F and nights stay above 35°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 5 days first.

Direct Sow Preferred

Sensitive roots — does not transplant well. If starting indoors, use biodegradable pots and disturb roots as little as possible when moving outdoors.

Expert Note

Soak nasturtium seed 6–12 hours and sow after frost; they establish best with minimal root disturbance and will still bloom well in lean soil.