Ladybird Nasturtium

Nasturtium

Zone 5b Save Garden

🌱 50d to harvest Bush

Velvety, jewel-bright blooms arrive in about 50 days, painting the garden with warm scarlet and creamy golden “ladybird” splashes…

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	Bush
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	55
Min Night Temp (°F)	40
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Recommended Companions

Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases commonly hit Tropaeolum majus (ladybird nasturtium), and how can I fix them?

Aphids and whiteflies frequently cluster on nasturtium foliage and tender stems; spray a steady stream of water first, then use insecticidal soap if colonies persist. Watch for powdery mildew (white, dusty patches) in humid or crowded plantings—improve airflow by spacing plants and water at the soil line, not over the leaves.

How often should I water Tropaeolum majus during its main growth, and what soil moisture level should I aim for?

Water when the top 1 inch (2–3 cm) of soil feels dry, aiming for evenly moist soil but never soggy conditions. During warm, active growth, this is often about 1–2 times per week depending on your soil and weather; reduce watering once plants begin flowering heavily to avoid lush foliage at the expense of blooms.

How do I know when Tropaeolum majus is ready to harvest (and what can I harvest at ~50 days)?

You can start harvesting leaves and flowers as soon as plants form buds and bloom; keep picking to encourage more flowering. Seed pods mature after flowering—harvest when they turn green-to-bright and swell but before they harden, which is typically around the 50-day mark from sowing for many home gardens.

Velvety, jewel-bright blooms arrive in about 50 days, painting the garden with warm scarlet and creamy golden “ladybird” splashes that look almost too vivid to be real. The petals are tender and pleasantly peppery, with a crisp, succulent bite that shines in fresh arrangements and makes a striking garnish for salads, platters, and springtime color bowls. Let Ladybird Nasturtium sprawl—its flowers and foliage offer a lively, edible-flower harvest all season long.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

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

Expert Note

Sow directly after the last spring frost (nasturtiums dislike root disturbance), and expect the first blooms in roughly 6–8 weeks.