Tip Top Mahogany

Nasturtium

50d to harvest

Velvety, mahogany-red blossoms open like small velvet banners, each petal edged with a luminous, warm glow that draws the eye before you even taste. Tip Top Mahogany’s flowers are richly aromatic with a peppery snap and a tender, juicy bite, while the foliage stays crisp and succulent through the season. Grow it for a showy edible-flower harvest—ideal for adding bold color to fresh salads, garnishes, and vibrant pickling brines, and for stirring into herb-forward sauces for a deep, spicy flourish.

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	Spreading
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

Lemon Gem Marigold

Cherry Belle Radish

Japanese Climbing Cucumber

Parisian Pickling Cucumber

Durango Red Marigold

Rat's Tail Radish

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water Tropaeolum majus during the main growing phase (after sprouting)?

Water to keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy—typically about 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week total, adjusted for heat and wind. Aim to water at the base and let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings, because Tropaeolum majus will struggle with persistent wet feet.

How can I tell when Tip Top Mahogany is ready to harvest (50 days)?

Harvest when the flowers are fully open and vividly colored—around 50 days from sowing for this crop—with leaves and stems looking fresh and firm. For best quality, harvest early in the day; if you’re growing for continued blooms, deadhead spent flowers promptly to keep new buds forming.