How to Grow Nasturtium Sunburst Series Sunburst Red
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Nasturtium Sunburst Series Sunburst Red
Tropaeolum majus 'Sunburst Red'
flowerSunburst Red is a vibrant nasturtium cultivar featuring striking red and yellow variegated flowers with a compact, bushy growth habit. Part of the Sunburst Series, it produces abundant blooms throughout the growing season and is prized for its ornamental appeal in gardens and containers. The plant is edible, with peppery-flavored flowers and leaves commonly used in culinary applications.
When should you plant Nasturtium Sunburst Series Sunburst Red in your zone?
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Example Nasturtium Sunburst Series Sunburst Red timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Nasturtium Sunburst Series Sunburst Red
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 Sunburst Series Sunburst Red blooms
Around May 22≈ 35 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Nasturtium Sunburst Series Sunburst Red dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-11; grown as annual in cooler zones, perennial in warm zones 9-11
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Get my Nasturtium Sunburst Series Sunburst Red timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksCotyledons emerge with characteristic round seed leaves; true leaves develop within 1-2 weeks
Maintain warm soil (65-75°F), provide bright light, keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
Vegetative
3-4 weeksRapid growth of bushy foliage with round, shield-shaped leaves on long petioles; plant becomes compact and full
Pinch back growing tips if leggy to encourage bushiness, avoid over-fertilizing, maintain consistent moisture
Flowering
8-12 weeks (through season)Abundant red and yellow variegated flowers appear in leaf axils; blooms continue prolifically throughout season
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming, maintain regular watering, reduce nitrogen fertilizer
Mature/Full Bloom
Ongoing until frost or end of seasonPlant reaches full size with dense foliage covered in red and gold flowers; may produce seed pods after flowering
Continue deadheading for sustained flowering, monitor for pests, provide afternoon shade in hot climates
Seed Production
4-6 weeks after floweringIf left undeadheaded, round seed pods develop and mature from green to brown
Allow pods to mature on plant if collecting seeds, harvest when brown and dry
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge, use insecticidal soap, attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, neem oil as last resort
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Yellow sticky traps, reflective mulches, insecticidal soap, neem oil, improve air circulation
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Hand-pick caterpillars, use row covers, apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), encourage parasitic wasps
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Increase humidity, spray with water, use miticide if severe, neem oil
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and
Hand-pick, beer traps, copper tape barriers, diatomaceous earth, encourage ground beetles
Uses
Salad garnish and peppery ingredient
CulinaryNasturtium flowers and leaves add a vibrant, peppery flavor to fresh salads and provide striking visual appeal. Both flowers and young leaves are completely edible and commonly used in gourmet cooking. [source]
Pickled seed pods
CulinaryYoung, green seed pods can be pickled in vinegar to create a condiment similar to capers. The resulting pickled pods have a sharp, tangy flavor perfect for charcuterie boards. [source]
Traditional herbal remedy
MedicinalNasturtium contains glucosinolates and has been used traditionally to support immune function and respiratory health. The plant possesses antimicrobial and antibiotic properties. [source]
Natural pest deterrent
HouseholdNasturtium acts as a trap crop and companion plant in vegetable gardens, attracting aphids and cabbage worms away from food crops. This property makes it valuable for integrated pest management in ornamental and edible gardens. [source]
Floral decoration and pressing
CraftThe vibrant red and yellow variegated flowers are ideal for fresh arrangements, pressed flower crafts, and edible cake decorations. Their striking color and unique form make them popular in floral design. [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 and leaves in the morning after dew dries for best flavor and texture. Pinch off flowers at the base where they meet the stem. Young leaves can be picked continuously from the top of the plant. For seeds, allow pods to mature on the plant until they turn brown and dry, then harvest and store in a cool, dry place for next season. Both flowers and leaves are edible and have a peppery flavor.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Nasturtium flowers were named by Linnaeus because the plant was believed to resemble a shield and a sword crossed in combat, and the distinctive nose-like structure on the flower reminded him of a bleeding nose (the Latin name 'Tropaeolum' means 'trophy').
- 🌱 The Sunburst Series was bred for compact, bushy growth with highly variegated flowers—a significant improvement over traditional trailing varieties, making them ideal for containers and bedding displays.
- 🌱 Nasturtium flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds in their native Andean regions, and they actively attract hummingbirds in North American gardens, making them excellent choices for wildlife gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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