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How to Grow Compact Orange Nasturtium

Compact Orange Nasturtium

Tropaeolum majus

flower

Compact orange nasturtium is a dwarf variety of the popular garden flower, reaching only 12-18 inches tall with vibrant orange blooms. These cheerful flowers have peppery-flavored petals and leaves that are both ornamental and edible. They're vigorous growers that bloom prolifically throughout warm weather and are excellent for containers, borders, and hanging baskets.

Looking for a specific variety?

Strawberries and Cream Gleam Hybrid Orange Empress of India Peach Melba Jewel Mix Whirlybird Orange

When should you plant Compact Orange Nasturtium in your zone?

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Example Compact Orange Nasturtium timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Compact Orange Nasturtium

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Compact Orange Nasturtium blooms

    Around May 27

    ≈ 40 days after planting

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

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to partial shade, 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily (more sun = more blooms)
💧
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply when top inch of soil is dry. Reduce watering slightly once established; too much water encourages foliage over flowers.
📏
Spacing: 12 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 40-50 days to first blooms
🌱
Planting depth: 0.75 inches

Soil

Type: Well-draining, moderately fertile loamy soil
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Compost Perlite for container drainage

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 2-11; treat as annual in cooler zones

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

1

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Cotyledons emerge within 7-10 days. True leaves develop quickly with the characteristic peltate (shield-shaped) form. Plants are tender and susceptible to frost.

Maintain consistent moisture. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Harden off before transplanting outdoors.

2

Vegetative Growth

2-4 weeks

Rapid leaf and stem development with increasingly bushy, compact habit. Foliage is bright green; no flowers yet. Growth is vigorous in warm conditions.

Ensure adequate spacing to promote air circulation. Pinch growing tips once if you want bushier plants (though not usually necessary for compact varieties). Monitor for pests.

3

Flowering Initiation

1-2 weeks

First flower buds appear in leaf axils. Orange blooms begin opening. Plant continues vegetative growth alongside flowering.

Begin deadheading spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer if available to promote flowers over foliage.

4

Peak Blooming

6-12 weeks depending on climate

Abundant orange flowers cover the compact plant in warm months. Continuous flowering occurs with regular deadheading. Plant may slow in mid-summer heat.

Deadhead regularly (every 2-3 days) for maximum bloom production. Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Provide afternoon shade in hot climates (above 85°F).

5

Seed Production/Decline

Variable; until frost in cool zones

Flowers fade as cooler weather approaches or if left undeadheaded. Distinctive round seed pods develop. Plant performance declines with frost or in extended heat.

Allow some flowers to go to seed if you want self-sowing next year. Stop deadheading at season's end. In frost-free zones, plants may continue blooming year-round.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Marigold Calendula Borage Radish Cabbage Kale Lettuce Parsley Cilantro

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (when grown for pest control purposes; the two attract different pests if separated)

Common Pests

  • Spray with strong water stream or use insecticidal soap. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs. Neem oil as a last resort.

  • Use yellow sticky traps. Spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Improve air circulation.

  • Increase humidity by misting plants. Spray with strong water or insecticidal soap. Neem oil effective for severe infestations.

  • Hand-pick larger larvae. Use row covers when planting. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray if necessary.

  • and

    Hand-pick in early morning or evening. Create copper barriers. Beer traps or diatomaceous earth around base.

Uses

🍳

Edible Flowers and Peppery Greens

Culinary

Nasturtium petals and leaves have a distinctive peppery flavor reminiscent of watercress, adding color and zest to salads, garnishes, and appetizers. The flowers are popular with chefs for their vibrant appearance and spicy taste. [source]

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Homemade Caper Substitute

Household

Green seed pods can be harvested and pickled to create a caper-like condiment for dishes, sauces, and garnishes. This traditional preparation takes advantage of the plant's abundant seed production. [source]

💊

Traditional Respiratory Support

Medicinal

Nasturtium leaves and flowers contain glucosinolates and have been traditionally used in herbal medicine for supporting respiratory health and immune function. Some herbalists prepare infusions or tinctures from fresh plant material. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Attraction and Beneficial Insect Support

Wildlife

Bright orange flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators while also serving as a sacrificial trap plant to draw aphids away from vegetables. The nectar-rich blooms provide essential food sources for beneficial insects. [source]

🎨

Cut Flowers and Floral Arrangements

Craft

The bright orange blooms with their distinctive appearance make excellent cut flowers for small arrangements, bouquets, and floral designs. They last several days in water when harvested in the morning. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Petals and leaves are edible with a peppery flavor; harvest young leaves and freshly opened flowers in the morning for best flavor and crispness. Remove flowers by pinching or cutting just above the base. Harvest seed pods when green and tender for pickling (like capers), or allow to mature and dry on plant for seed collection. Young leaves can be harvested continuously without damaging the plant.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Nasturtiums are native to South America and were originally brought to Europe in the 16th century, where they became beloved ornamental and culinary plants.
  • 🌱 The name 'nasturtium' comes from Latin, meaning 'nose-twister,' referring to the peppery scent and taste of the plant that can make your nose tingle.
  • 🌱 Nasturtiums act as excellent 'trap plants' in the garden, attracting aphids and other pests away from vegetables—gardeners often plant them specifically to sacrifice them to pests while protecting crops.

Gardening Terms

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

Deadhead Full Sun Partial Shade Transplant True Leaves
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