How to Grow Double Flowered Nasturtium
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Double Flowered Nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus 'Flore Pleno'
flowerDouble Flowered Nasturtium is a showy ornamental variety featuring fully double blooms with ruffled petals in vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. These tender annuals produce abundant flowers throughout the growing season and are prized for their decorative appeal in gardens and floral arrangements. The plants have attractive round foliage and trailing or bushy habits depending on the cultivar.
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Example Double Flowered Nasturtium timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Double Flowered Nasturtium
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 Double Flowered Nasturtium blooms
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Best grown as annuals in zones 2-11; they thrive in cooler climates and prefer moderate temperatures
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Get my Double Flowered Nasturtium timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksYoung plants with emerging cotyledons and first true leaves appear; plants are small and delicate
Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Provide bright indirect light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves appear.
Vegetative
3-4 weeksBushy foliage develops with multiple stems and round leaves; plant grows fuller but few to no flowers yet
Water moderately and allow plants to establish. Pinch back growing tips early to encourage bushier form. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive leaf growth.
Flowering
6-10 weeks (can be extended with deadheading)Double blooms appear in clusters among foliage; flowers are fully doubled with ruffled petals in vibrant colors
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming. Water consistently but avoid wetting flowers. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; apply dilute balanced fertilizer if needed.
Peak Bloom
4-6 weeksMaximum flower production with masses of double blooms covering the plant throughout the canopy
Maintain regular deadheading of faded flowers. Water at soil level in early morning. Monitor for pests and diseases. Fertilize lightly every 2-3 weeks if soil is poor.
Decline/End of Season
Until first frostFlowering slows as temperatures drop in fall or with plant senescence; foliage may yellow or decline
Continue deadheading to extend season if weather permits. Stop fertilizing. Reduce watering gradually. Collect seeds if desired before frost kills the plant.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water jet to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce ladybugs or parasitic wasps
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray undersides of leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap; ensure good air circulation
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Hand-pick beetles; spray with neem oil in early morning; remove heavily infested leaves
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; spray with sulfur or baking soda solution; remove infected foliage
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and
Remove by hand (especially at night); use copper tape barriers; apply diatomaceous earth around base; set beer traps
Uses
Edible Flowers for Garnish
CulinaryDouble Flowered Nasturtium blooms are entirely edible with a slightly peppery flavor, making them prized additions to salads, desserts, and decorative plate presentations. The flowers add visual appeal and a subtle spicy note to culinary dishes. [source]
Cut Flowers and Arrangements
HouseholdThe abundant double blooms make this nasturtium variety ideal for cutting gardens, fresh flower arrangements, and bouquets. The flowers have good vase life and create dramatic focal points in floral designs. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeNasturtium flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds despite their ornamental doubling, providing valuable nectar sources for pollinators in summer gardens. The bright colors act as visual beacons for beneficial insects. [source]
Flower Pressing and Drying
CraftThe vibrant double blooms dry well when pressed and can be used in pressed flower art, bookmarks, and craft projects. Their layered petals create interesting textural elements in dried arrangements. [source]
Traditional Herbal Uses
MedicinalNasturtium flowers and leaves have been used in traditional herbalism for their antioxidant properties and as a natural remedy support for various minor ailments, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers early in the morning when blooms are fully open for use in arrangements; they last 5-7 days in water. Remove spent blooms regularly to maintain continuous flowering. For seeds (if desired), allow some flowers to remain on plant; seeds mature 3-4 weeks after flowering and can be harvested when pods turn yellow-brown.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Double Flowered Nasturtiums are sterile or produce very few seeds due to the doubling of floral parts, requiring propagation from cuttings or seed saved from rare fertile flowers rather than traditional seed collection
- 🌱 Nasturtiums were brought to Europe from Peru and Mexico by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century and became beloved by European gardeners, particularly Victorian horticulturists who developed many ornamental varieties
- 🌱 The name 'nasturtium' comes from Latin 'nasus tortus' meaning 'twisted nose,' referring to the shape of the seed pod, and the entire plant including flowers and leaves contains glucosinolates, compounds that give them their characteristic peppery taste
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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