How to Grow Climbing Nasturtium
Wikimedia Commons
Climbing Nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus
vineClimbing nasturtium is a vigorous annual vine prized for its vibrant funnel-shaped flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow, along with attractive round shield-like foliage. It climbs via twining leaf petioles and can reach 6-10 feet in a single season. Both flowers and leaves are edible with a peppery flavor, making it as ornamental as it is culinary.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Climbing Nasturtium in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Climbing Nasturtium timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Climbing Nasturtium
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Climbing Nasturtium
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Climbing Nasturtium dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-11; grown as an annual in cooler climates, perennial in warm zones
Sign up free to see if Climbing Nasturtium grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Climbing Nasturtium timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds sprout in 7-12 days with first true leaves emerging. Cotyledons are round and prominent.
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright indirect light. Thin seedlings to strongest plant if direct sowing.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksVine rapidly extends with round peltate leaves appearing on climbing stems. Plant establishes climbing habit.
Install trellis or support structure early. Water regularly but avoid overwatering. Pinch tips if you want bushier growth.
Flowering
6-10+ weeksFunnel-shaped flowers appear singly from leaf axils in vibrant colors. Flowers have prominent spurs and long stamens.
Reduce nitrogen feeding. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Stake or tie vines to support as needed.
Seed Production
4-6 weeksAfter pollination, three-lobed seed pods develop and mature from green to brown. Seeds are large and wrinkled.
Allow some flowers to set seed if you want to collect seeds for next year. Leave mature seed pods on vine to dry.
End of Season
Until first hard frostVine slows growth as temperatures cool in fall. Foliage may yellow and flowers diminish.
Collect mature seeds before frost. In frost-prone areas, the plant will die back completely as an annual.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs. Nasturtium often attracts aphids away from other plants.
-
Use yellow sticky traps, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, improve air circulation
-
and
(Plutella xylostella, Pieris rapae)
Hand-pick caterpillars, use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), row covers, companion planting with nasturtiums acts as trap crop
-
Increase humidity, spray with water mist, use neem oil if severe
-
and
Hand-pick, use copper tape barriers, beer traps, encourage ground beetles
Uses
Edible Flowers & Peppery Leaves
CulinaryBoth nasturtium flowers and leaves add a peppery, spicy kick to salads, garnishes, and dishes. The bright flowers are visually striking and the leaves can be used fresh or wilted into hot dishes. Seeds can be pickled as a caper substitute. [source]
Traditional Antimicrobial & Antifungal Support
MedicinalNasturtium has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for its purported antimicrobial and antifungal properties, with some cultures using it for respiratory support. Contains glucosinolates and sulfur compounds studied for potential health applications. [source]
Natural Pest Control & Trap Crop
HouseholdNasturtium attracts aphids and other pests away from vegetable gardens, serving as a sacrificial trap crop. It can reduce pest pressure on nearby brassicas and other vulnerable plants. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
CraftThe long-stemmed flowers with striking colors and unique form make excellent additions to cut flower arrangements and bouquets. Flowers last several days in water. [source]
Pollinator & Hummingbird Magnet
WildlifeThe tubular flowers are especially attractive to hummingbirds and bees, making nasturtium an excellent addition to wildlife gardens. Provides nectar 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 anytime once they open; best picked in early morning. Collect leaves throughout the growing season for peppery flavor. For seeds, allow pods to fully mature (brown color) on the vine, then dry and store for next year. Flowers are sweetest and least peppery when newly opened.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Nasturtium flowers have a natural spur that stores nectar, and hummingbirds can hover directly in front of the flower to access it—this long-distance pollination strategy is why the flowers are so perfectly adapted for hummingbird visits.
- 🌱 The name 'nasturtium' comes from the Latin 'nasus tortus' meaning 'twisted nose,' supposedly referring to the peppery smell and taste of the plant.
- 🌱 Nasturtium seeds were used historically as a substitute for capers when pickled, a practice still occasionally seen in culinary traditions; the unripe green seed pods have a surprisingly tangy, caper-like flavor.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Climbing Nasturtium planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Climbing Nasturtium seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Climbing Nasturtium timeline →