Tropaeolum majus. This is an easy-to-grow compact nasturtium for gardens and planters. Jewel Mix produces colourful double blooms of light yellow, orange and deep red. A hardy annual, Jewel Mix will flower all summer long in full sun or partial shade. The bright flowers produced by Jewel Mix nasturtium seeds are held well above the foliage for an impressive colour display. Even before the plants bloom, the foliage is very decorative. The edible flowers can be torn over salads to add colour to summer meals. Try freezing some torn Nasturtium flowers in ice cubes for fancy drinks. Jewel Mix Nasturtium seeds can be planted in window boxes, hanging baskets or raised beds, and grow to a height of 40cm (16"). Suitable for xeriscaping.

Annual

Difficulty Easy

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Timing

Sow indoors in peat or coir pots 2-4 weeks before the last frost date. Better yet, direct sow from 1 week after last frost and repeat at 2 week intervals into early summer. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 12-18°C (55-65°F). Seeds will sprout in 7-12 days, perhaps longer outdoors.

Starting

Sow seeds 5mm – 1cm (¼”-½”) deep. If starting indoors, provide darkness during germination, followed by bright light. Space smaller varieties 15-30cm (6-12″) apart, and the big ones like Tall Single 60-90cm (24-36″) apart.

Growing

Nasturtiums thrive in poor to average, slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Keep watered during dry weather, and do not fertilize. If aphids infest nasturtiums, cut off the infested growing tip and destroy it. Otherwise, a quick jet of water from the hose will dislodge and kill aphids.

Companion Planting

Nasturtiums make a good trap crop for aphids, and they deter whiteflies, cucumber beetles, and attract predatory insects. It is a good companion for Brassicas, cucumbers, melons, radishes, and tomatoes.

How to Grow Nasturtium

Step 1

Timing

Sow indoors in peat or coir pots 2-4 weeks before the last frost date. Better yet, direct sow from 1 week after last frost and repeat at 2 week intervals into early summer. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 12-18°C (55-65°F). Seeds will sprout in 7-12 days, perhaps longer outdoors.

Step 2

Starting

Sow seeds 5mm – 1cm (¼”-½”) deep. If starting indoors, provide darkness during germination, followed by bright light. Space smaller varieties 15-30cm (6-12″) apart, and the big ones like Tall Single 60-90cm (24-36″) apart.

Step 3

Growing

Nasturtiums thrive in poor to average, slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Keep watered during dry weather, and do not fertilize.