Ladybird Nasturtium

Nasturtium

50d to harvest

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.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 1st
Harvest Begins	May 21st
Harvest Ends	Nov 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

Dark Opal Basil Basil

Fireball Marigold

Nero Tondo Radish

Lime Bob Basil

Korean Radish (Mu) Radish

Durango Red Marigold

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 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.