Tropaeolum majus

Tropaeolum majus, more widely known as common nasturtium, is a perennial or annual succulent, depending on the climate, native to southern Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.  Cup-shaped, five-petalled blooms that come in an assortment of vibrant colors, often with doubled petals, are speckled throughout the plant's charming bushy body.  Additionally, common nasturtiums are in bloom throughout the spring, summer, and fall, providing their beauty nearly year-round.  Creeping vines coated with thin, nettle-like succulent leaves comprise the body of the plant, with an overall bushy growth habit.  Both the leaves and flowers are edible, and their tangy pepper flavor profile makes them popular as a spice.  When grown in vegetable gardens, common nasturtiums are capable of deterring many pests from their neighboring plants.  

Provide common nasturtium with a location that receives a copious amount of sun exposure for optimal growth and blooming, especially in cooler climates.  Well-draining, medium to poor soils are ideal for growing common nasturtium, with overly rich soils reducing the prolific blooming you would otherwise see in favor of more foliage.  When kept in close proximity to thirstier plants that help drain away excess moisture, moss rose can be watered more often than weekly, which is its normal recommendation.  In USDA zones 9-11, common nasturtium can be grown as a perennial, as it should be able to survive the more moderate winters.  In zones below that, they die yearly as annuals, though they can readily regrow from the numerous seeds their fruiting capsules spill out.  Avoid directly fertilizing common nasturtium, as they favor foliage growth and reduce their flower volume when in nutrient-rich soils.  Learn more in the Plant Story community!

3-6 hours of sun per day, with protection from intense mid-day sun

Water moderately, allowing the top 3cm to dry out between watering.

Tropaeolum Majus

Tropaeolum majus

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Ornamental

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