Nasturtium Seeds – Tropaeolum majus
Tropaeolum majus • Tropaeolaceae • Native to South & Central America
Nasturtium Seeds grow into vibrant trailing or climbing plants with round leaves and bright, edible flowers. Ideal for garden beds, hanging baskets, containers, and pollinator-friendly landscapes.
Seed Variety: Nasturtium Seeds
Quantity: 100 Seeds
Selected: Nasturtium Seeds / 100 Seeds
Germination depends on soil, temperature, moisture, and care. See our return policy for details.
At a glance
Aphids are strongly attracted to nasturtiums, so while they are often planted deliberately as a trap crop for nasturtium companion planting, be prepared to monitor nearby vegetables and intervene if populations migrate.
Botanical profile
Meet the Nasturtium – Tropaeolum majus
Step-by-step planting
Growing nasturtiums from seed is straightforward, but a little attention to timing and soil conditions will give you the most reliable results.
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1
Start at the Right Time
Sow nasturtium seeds outdoors after your last frost date when soil has warmed to at least 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, as cold soil slows nasturtium germination considerably and seeds may rot if conditions are too wet and cool.
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2
Choose Your Location
Pick a spot with full sun to light partial shade, keeping in mind that more sun generally means more flowers, while too much shade shifts the plant's energy toward producing lush foliage instead.
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3
Prepare the Soil
Avoid adding compost or fertilizer to the planting area, as overly rich soil encourages leafy growth at the expense of flowers, and nasturtiums genuinely thrive in average to poor, well-draining ground.
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4
Sow the Seeds
Plant each large seed about half an inch to one inch deep and roughly 8 to 12 inches apart, and consider nicking the seed coat lightly with a nail file or soaking seeds in water for several hours before planting to support more even germination.
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5
Water Thoughtfully
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the germination period, then ease back on watering once plants are established, as nasturtiums are somewhat drought tolerant and overwatering can cause root problems.
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6
Support Trailing Varieties
If you are growing a trailing nasturtium type, provide a trellis, fence, or allow it to cascade over a raised bed edge or container rim, since unsupported trailing stems can become tangled and are more prone to pest pressure when lying on damp soil.
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Harvest to Encourage Blooming
Pick flowers and leaves regularly throughout the season, as consistent harvesting signals the plant to keep producing rather than setting seed and slowing down.
Year-round care
Spring
- Sow after last frost
- prepare soil with compost
Summer
- Water regularly
- feed monthly
Fall
- Harvest before frost
- store well
Winter
- Rest
- store seeds cool and dry
Full specifications
Shipping
- Orders are delivered within 8 to 16 business days.
- All orders include tracking.
- Free shipping on all orders.
- Seeds are packed in moisture-resistant, resealable foil packets.
Germination
Germination rates vary depending on climate, soil conditions, and care. Seeds perform best when planted in the right season at the correct temperature, with consistent moisture and adequate light. We take quality seriously and each batch is tested before packaging. If you have concerns about your seeds, reach out and we will do our best to help.
Frequently asked
Questions about Nasturtium Seeds – Tropaeolum majus
How deep should nasturtium seeds be planted?
Plant nasturtium seeds about half an inch to one inch deep. Any shallower and they may dry out before establishing a good root; much deeper and emergence can be sluggish. Firm the soil gently over the seed to ensure good contact.
Do nasturtiums need fertilizer?
In most cases, no. Nasturtiums are one of the few plants that genuinely produce fewer flowers when the soil is too fertile, with excess nitrogen pushing all that energy into leaves. If your soil is extremely sandy or depleted, a very light application of a low-nitrogen fertilizer at planting time is enough, and even then it is rarely necessary.
Can nasturtiums grow in containers or hanging baskets?
Nasturtium container growing works very well, particularly with trailing varieties that drape beautifully over pot edges and basket rims. Use a container at least 8 to 10 inches deep with drainage holes, and keep in mind that pots dry out faster than garden beds, so you will need to water more frequently while still avoiding waterlogging.
Are nasturtium flowers and leaves edible?
Yes, both the flowers and leaves are edible and have a distinctive peppery bite that works well in salads, as a garnish, or stuffed with soft cheese. The unripe green seed pods can also be pickled as a caper substitute. This is one of the more genuinely useful plants in the edible flowers garden, offering flavor rather than just color.
Why are my nasturtiums producing leaves but no flowers?
This is almost always a soil fertility issue. Too much nitrogen, whether from a previous application of compost, fertilizer, or rich garden soil, pushes the plant into vegetative growth. Move the plant to poorer soil if possible, stop fertilizing entirely, and reduce watering slightly, as drought stress can actually trigger flowering.
Are nasturtiums toxic to pets?
Nasturtiums are generally considered non-toxic to dogs and cats and are not listed as a concern by most veterinary poison databases. That said, any plant consumed in large quantities can cause mild digestive upset in animals, so it is sensible to discourage pets from grazing freely on garden plants.
Do nasturtiums need darkness to germinate?
Yes, nasturtium seeds germinate better with some darkness and soil coverage rather than being left on the surface. Planting them half an inch to one inch deep provides the darkness and consistent moisture they need. Germination timing varies depending on soil temperature, moisture levels, and your local climate, so patience is worthwhile if conditions are not yet fully warm.