How to Grow Nasturtium Whirlybird Gold

Nasturtium Whirlybird Gold

Tropaeolum majus 'Whirlybird Gold'

flower

Whirlybird Gold is a compact, bushy nasturtium cultivar known for its vibrant golden-yellow flowers with distinctive upright, frilly petals that resemble spinning propellers. Unlike trailing varieties, this dwarf form grows in a neat mound, making it ideal for containers, borders, and small spaces. It combines ornamental appeal with edible flowers and leaves.

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Example Nasturtium Whirlybird Gold timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Nasturtium Whirlybird Gold
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Nasturtium Whirlybird Gold blooms
Around May 22

≈ 35 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Nasturtium Whirlybird Gold dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of sunlight daily; partial shade beneficial in very hot regions

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Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Drought-tolerant once established. Reduce watering in cooler months. Overwatering reduces flowering.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 35-50 days to first flowers

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Planting depth: 0.5-0.75 inches for seeds; direct sow or start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil; tolerates poor soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost Perlite for container drainage Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-11; grown as cool-season annual in hot climates

2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Seedling

7-10 days

Cotyledons emerge with distinctive round seed leaves. First true leaves appear kidney-shaped.

Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright indirect light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves emerge.

Vegetative

3-4 weeks

Plant develops bushy, compact growth with round leaves on long petioles. Stems branch prolifically. Plant is still leafy with minimal flowers.

Water moderately; avoid overfeeding with nitrogen. Pinch tips early to encourage bushiness if needed, though Whirlybird naturally grows compact.

Flowering

6-12 weeks

Golden-yellow flowers with ruffled, upright petals emerge abundantly above foliage. Flowers are held above the plant on long stems.

Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming. Ensure consistent moisture during flowering. Feed with balanced or phosphorus-rich fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

Peak Bloom

4-8 weeks

Plant is covered with numerous golden flowers in full display. Compact mounded form is fully developed and flowering intensely.

Continue deadheading for maximum bloom. Water during dry spells. Flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects.

Seed Development & Decline

Until first frost

If flowers are not deadheaded, seed pods develop (round, marble-like). Flowering slows. Plant may decline in heat or with frost.

Collect seed pods if desired for next season. Allow some pods to mature for seed saving. Remove plant after frost in cool climates.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Borage Marigolds Dill Fennel Lettuce Cabbage Radishes Cucumber Alyssum Calendula

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas in excess (can cause confusion with nasturtium pests) Plants requiring very dry conditions

Common Pests

Spray with strong water stream to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs; plant companion flowers to attract predators
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase air circulation; remove heavily infested leaves
Increase humidity; mist foliage; use neem oil spray; spray with water forcefully; encourage natural predators
Hand-pick larvae; use row covers; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) if severe
and
Hand-pick; use beer traps; apply copper tape around containers; encourage ground beetles; remove hiding spots

Uses

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Edible Flowers & Peppery Salads

Culinary

Nasturtium flowers have a distinctive peppery flavor and vibrant color, making them prized for garnishing salads, desserts, and cocktails. Young leaves are also edible with a spicy mustard-like taste, adding nutritional punch and visual appeal to fresh dishes. [source]

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Pickled Capers Substitute

Culinary

Immature green seed pods can be harvested and pickled as a peppery caper substitute, providing a unique condiment for charcuterie boards, pasta, and traditional caper dishes. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Remedy

Medicinal

Nasturtium contains glucosinolates and has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to support respiratory and immune health. The plant has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. [source]

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Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support

Wildlife

The abundant golden flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other pollinators. Nasturtium is also a sacrificial crop that attracts aphids away from vegetables. [source]

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Edible Flower Decoration

Craft

The vibrant golden-yellow flowers are perfect for crystallizing, pressing, or fresh use in cake decorating, cupcake toppers, and artisanal food presentations. [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 for eating when fully open and bright yellow; pick in the morning after dew dries. Flowers are edible with a peppery taste. Harvest young leaves anytime for salads. Collect seed pods (capers) when green and tender for pickling. Cut flowers last 5-7 days in water.

Fun Facts

🌱 Nasturtium flowers and leaves contain mustard oil glucosinolates, which give them their distinctive peppery bite similar to wasabi and horseradish.
🌱 The name 'Whirlybird' references the distinctive upright, propeller-like petals that curl and twist upward, unlike traditional nasturtium flowers that typically face outward.
🌱 Nasturtium is a trap crop for aphids—they prefer it over vegetables, so planting it nearby protects your vegetable garden while providing a beautiful edible flower display.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Partial Shade pH True Leaves

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