Jewel Of Africa

Nasturtium

Zone 5b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Jewel Of Africa

🌱 50d to harvest Vine

A living jewel in the garden—Jewel Of Africa bursts with velvety, saturated blooms that glow like warm garnet against lush foliag…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	May 4th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 4th
Harvest Begins	Jun 23rd
Harvest Ends	Oct 5th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Vine
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	55
Min Night Temp (°F)	40
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common disease problem for Tropaeolum majus (Jewel of Africa), and how can I prevent it?

Jewel of Africa commonly suffers from leaf spot and downy mildew in humid weather, often showing as dark spots or fuzzy growth on leaves. Water at the soil line (not overhead) and space plants so leaves dry quickly after rain; remove heavily spotted leaves early to slow spread. If it’s spreading, use a labeled fungicide suitable for ornamental bedding plants and repeat according to label timing.

How often should I water Tropaeolum majus during its main growing phase?

After seedlings establish, keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. In full sun, this usually means about 1–2 deep waterings per week depending on heat and container vs. bed conditions; reduce frequency if the soil stays damp. Avoid letting plants sit in water, since Tropaeolum majus is prone to root issues in overly wet soil.

How do I tell when Tropaeolum majus (Jewel of Africa) is ready to harvest?

Harvest starts when buds form and plants are actively flowering; for best flavor, pick flowers early in the morning before they wilt in heat. If you’re growing mainly for seeds, harvest seed pods once they turn papery and begin to dry on the plant—expect roughly 50 days from sowing to maturity. Remove spent flowers regularly to keep the plant producing new blooms.

A living jewel in the garden—Jewel Of Africa bursts with velvety, saturated blooms that glow like warm garnet against lush foliage, with a peppery, bright bite that livens every plate. The flowers and tender leaves offer a crisp, succulent texture and a lively flavor profile prized for fresh garnishes and vibrant color in salads, as well as for quick pickling and decorative finishing. Fast to establish and quick to flower in about 50 days, this flowering vine turns summer into a nonstop cascade of edible blossoms.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 55°F and nights stay above 40°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

For best performance, sow directly after frost when the soil has warmed and keep plants on the drier side to encourage flowering over foliage.