Nasturtium

Tropaeolaceae

Premier trap crop for home gardens. Strongly attracts aphids (especially black aphids), cabbage moths, flea beetles, whiteflies AWAY from vegetables. Yellow varieties most attractive to aphids. Edible flowers/leaves. THRIVES in poor soil — excess nitrogen = leaves over flowers. Does NOT transplant well (delicate taproot). Bush types 12-18 inches; trailing/climbing to 6-8 ft.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

50–65 days

Sun

6+ hours

Container

Yes

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 7–10 days

Optimal Temp 65°F

Seed Depth 0.5"

Watering

Needs Low

Resilience

Heat: Medium Cold: Low Drought: Medium

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Light feeder

Harvest

Leaves and flowers at desired size

Sources

university NC State Extension seed_catalog Johnny's Selected Seeds — Growing Nasturtium From Seed university_extension Utah State University Extension — Companion Planting (trap cropping examples)

More Flowers

Nasturtium Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Nasturtium vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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