How to Grow Nasturtium Jewel Series
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Nasturtium Jewel Series
Tropaeolum majus
flowerThe Jewel Series nasturtiums are compact, mounding ornamental flowers bred for vibrant jewel-toned blooms in shades of deep crimson, scarlet, gold, and orange. These annual flowers produce semi-double or double blossoms held above attractive round foliage and are excellent for containers, borders, and edging. Both flowers and peppery-flavored leaves are edible, making them popular in ornamental kitchen gardens.
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Example Nasturtium Jewel Series timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Nasturtium Jewel Series
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Nasturtium Jewel Series blooms
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Nasturtium Jewel Series dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives as an annual in zones 2-11; prefers cooler growing conditions in zones 8-9
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Seedling
2-3 weeksEmergence of cotyledons within 7-10 days; distinctive round seed leaves appear first
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright, indirect light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing when 2-3 inches tall
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksDevelopment of round, peltate leaves on trailing or bushy stems; compact mounding habit characteristic of Jewel Series
Water regularly but allow surface to dry slightly between waterings. Do not overfertilize as this promotes leaves over flowers. Pinch tips early for bushier growth
Flowering
8-12 weeks until frostProduction of semi-double to double flower blooms in jewel tones (deep red, scarlet, gold, orange) held above foliage
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer. Water at soil level to keep foliage dry
Peak Bloom
4-8 weeksAbundant flowering throughout the season; compact plants may be entirely covered with blooms
Continue deadheading. Watch for pests. Enjoy edible flowers in salads and garnishes
Decline & Frost Sensitivity
Until first hard frostGrowth slows as temperatures cool in fall; foliage yellows and wilts at first frost (32°F/0°C)
Plants are frost-tender annuals. Harvest seeds for next year if desired before hard freeze. Can extend season with row covers in mild climates
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water jet; use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage ladybugs and lacewings. Plant nasturtiums as trap crops for other garden plants
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Improve air circulation to reduce humidity
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Increase humidity; spray with water mist. Use miticide or neem oil if severe. Remove heavily infested leaves
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Hand-pick if possible. Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for heavy infestations. Encourage natural predators
Uses
Edible Flowers & Peppery Leaves
CulinaryBoth flowers and leaves are edible with a peppery, slightly spicy flavor similar to watercress. Use fresh flowers as colorful salad garnishes or in butter, vinegars, and herbal dressings. [source]
Natural Pest Control & Trap Crop
HouseholdNasturtiums attract aphids away from vegetable crops, making them excellent companion plants in vegetable gardens. They act as sacrificial trap crops protecting more valuable plants. [source]
Traditional Immune Support
MedicinalNasturtiums have been used in traditional herbalism for their vitamin C content and antimicrobial properties. Historically used to support respiratory and immune function. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
CraftJewel-toned blooms are excellent for fresh-cut arrangements, though they have a short vase life (3-5 days). Use in cottage garden bouquets or pressing for dried flower crafts. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeNasturtiums attract bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial pollinators with their open, accessible flowers. They provide nectar and pollen sources throughout the growing season. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest flowers throughout the blooming season by pinching or cutting stems just above a leaf node. Flowers are best harvested in the morning when they're fully open. Pick leaves anytime for culinary use; younger leaves are more tender and have a milder peppery flavor. Some gardeners save seedpods for pickling when green ('capers')
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Nasturtium seeds can be pickled as a young green stage and used as a 'caper' substitute, a practice called 'capucine' in French cuisine
- 🌱 The name 'nasturtium' comes from Latin words meaning 'nose-twister,' referencing the peppery bite of the leaves and flowers
- 🌱 The Jewel Series was developed to produce compact, bushy plants ideal for containers and window boxes, unlike the more trailing forms of standard nasturtiums
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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