Flower Garden · Seed to Bloom

How to grow nasturtium

Grow round blue-green leaves and peppery flowers in scarlet, orange, gold, cream, and peach.

Direct sow large seedFavor lean soilHarvest flowers and leaves
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Vintage botanical illustration of mixed colorful nasturtiums
Botanical nameTropaeolum majusGarden nasturtium
Sow depth½–1 inchCover well
Germination7–14 daysWarm soil
Spacing8–12 inchesHabit dependent
Bloom8–10 weeksUntil frost

Flower profile

Combine edible color with easy warm-season growth.

Nasturtiums grow quickly from large seeds and thrive in ordinary, freely draining soil. Both flowers and leaves are edible when grown without unsuitable pesticides, with a distinctive peppery flavor.

Lean soil produces more flowersRich fertilizer encourages lush leaves at the expense of bloom. Use moderate soil and avoid heavy nitrogen feeding.

nasturtium at a glance

From seed to a full flowering display

01Sow½–1 inch02Sprout7–14 days03Thin8–12 inches04SpreadMound or trail05Bloom8–10 weeks06PickLeaves and flowers

Planting

Direct sow after frost and avoid root disturbance.

Plant large seed in warm soil where plants will grow. Container sowing also works well, especially for trailing and dwarf forms.

01

Soak seed if desired

An overnight soak can speed emergence.

02

Sow ½–1 inch deep

Keep soil moist but not saturated.

03

Space by mature habit

Allow 8–12 inches or more for trailing types.

Ongoing care

Keep plants healthy and flowering

Give full sun

Use afternoon shade in extreme heat.

Water moderately

Let the surface dry slightly between waterings.

Feed sparingly

Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer.

Pick regularly

Harvest flowers and leaves to keep plants productive.

Season checkpoints

Follow the plant's visible progress.

7–14 days

Seedlings emerge

4–6 weeks

Round leaves fill out

8–10 weeks

Flowers open

Until frost

Harvest continues

Bloom and garden use

Pick fresh flowers and tender leaves.

Harvest clean, newly opened flowers and young leaves in the cool morning. Use only plants grown with food-safe practices.

  1. Rinse gently before culinary use.
  2. Pick seedpods young for pickling.
  3. Leave some flowers for pollinators.

Urban Farmer selections

Compare three colorful garden habits

Tip Top Mix product imageMounding · mixed colorsTip Top MixCompact plants with flowers held above the foliage.Checking availability…Shop Tip Top Mix →Peach Melba product imageCream and peach · compactPeach MelbaSoft flowers with warm contrasting centers.Checking availability…Shop Peach Melba →Empress of India Dwarf product imageScarlet · dark foliageEmpress of India DwarfCompact plants with vivid red flowers and blue-green leaves.Checking availability…Shop Empress of India Dwarf →

Questions flower gardeners ask

Nasturtium growing FAQ

When should nasturtium be sown?

Sow according to the seasonal guidance above.

How deep should seed be planted?

Plant ½–1 inch deep.

How long does germination take?

Usually 7–14 days.

Does it need full sun?

Use full sun unless the guide notes heat relief.

How far apart should plants be?

Space 8–12 inches by habit.

Can it grow in containers?

Yes, with adequate room, drainage, and regular moisture checks.

How often should it be watered?

Water during establishment and dry periods without saturating soil.

Should it be fertilized?

Feed lightly; excess fertility can reduce flowering.

Can it be direct sown?

Yes, when soil temperature and frost timing are suitable.

Will it reseed?

It may self-sow if mature seed is allowed to fall.

Ready to plant?

Grow edible color from garden edge to container.

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