How to Grow Excelsior Mix Nasturtium

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Excelsior Mix Nasturtium

Tropaeolum majus 'Excelsior Mix'

flower

Excelsior Mix is a vibrant nasturtium variety featuring semi-double flowers in a stunning range of warm colors including red, orange, yellow, and bicolor combinations. These compact, bushy plants produce abundant blooms throughout the growing season and are prized for their ornamental appeal and edible flowers. The plants are vigorous growers that attract pollinators and add cheerful color to gardens, containers, and borders.

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Example Excelsior Mix Nasturtium timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Excelsior Mix Nasturtium
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Excelsior Mix Nasturtium blooms
Around Jun 6

≈ 50 days after planting

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

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering

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Water: Moderate water needs; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering once established. Drought-tolerant once mature. Overwatering reduces flowering.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 50-70 days to first flowers

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Planting depth: 0.5 inches; plant seeds directly or start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil; tolerates poor soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Peat moss or coconut coir for moisture retention Perlite for drainage Avoid excessive compost or fertilizer

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-10; grown as annual in cooler zones

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

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Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Small plants with cotyledons emerging; first true leaves appear with distinctive rounded shape

Keep soil evenly moist; provide bright light. Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart if direct sowing. Harden off indoor seedlings gradually before transplanting.

Vegetative

3-4 weeks

Bushy growth with increasingly dense foliage; rounded, peltate leaves on long petioles create attractive mounding form

Water moderately; avoid excessive fertilization which promotes foliage over flowers. Pinch back tips to encourage branching.

Flowering

8-12 weeks (from first flower to frost)

Semi-double flowers appear in clusters; multiple color combinations bloom simultaneously throughout plant

Continue moderate watering. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Reduce watering if plants become too lush and leafy.

Peak Bloom

4-8 weeks

Plant is covered with abundant semi-double flowers; colors range from deep red to bright yellow with various bicolor patterns

Deadhead regularly for maximum flower production. Water at soil level to keep foliage dry. Enjoy edible flowers in salads and as garnishes.

Decline/Frost Sensitivity

Until first frost (variable by region)

Flowering continues until first frost; foliage may yellow slightly in late season

Continue deadheading to prolong bloom. Collect seeds in late season if desired for next year. Plants will be killed by hard frost.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Calendula Marigold Borage Zinnias Alyssum Petunias Dill Basil Cabbage

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (if using for pest control purposes may congregate pests) Highly competitive perennials

Common Pests

Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs; plant nearby to attract predators
Yellow sticky traps; neem oil spray; insecticidal soap; improve air circulation around plants
Hand-pick beetles; spray with neem oil in early morning; encourage natural predators
and
Copper tape around containers; diatomaceous earth; beer traps; hand-pick in early morning
Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove affected leaves; spray with sulfur or neem oil if needed

Uses

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Edible Flowers

Culinary

Nasturtium flowers have a distinctly peppery, slightly spicy flavor that adds visual appeal and zest to salads, soups, and appetizers. The flowers are entirely edible and provide a gourmet touch to plate presentations at restaurants and home dining. [source]

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Traditional herbal remedy

Medicinal

Historically used in traditional medicine for respiratory support and to promote immune function. Contains glucosinolates and other beneficial compounds that have been studied for antimicrobial properties. [source]

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Natural pest deterrent

Household

Acts as a trap crop or sacrificial plant, attracting aphids and other pests away from nearby vegetables. Often planted near brassicas and other susceptible crops as part of integrated pest management. [source]

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Cut flowers and arrangements

Ornamental

Semi-double blooms in vibrant color mixes make excellent additions to fresh flower arrangements and bouquets. Flowers last several days in water when properly conditioned. [source]

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Pollinator attractant

Wildlife

Bright flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden throughout the blooming season. Provides nectar source for important garden pollinators. [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 in the morning after dew dries but before intense heat; pick individual blooms as they open for continuous harvest. Flowers are edible with a slightly peppery flavor and make beautiful garnishes. Collect seed pods in late summer when they turn brown; dry thoroughly and store in cool, dry place for next year's planting.

Fun Facts

🌱 Nasturtium seeds can be pickled when green and immature to create a caper substitute called 'capers' or 'poor man's capers' with a similar peppery bite.
🌱 The plant's name 'Tropaeolum' comes from the Greek word 'tropaeum' (trophy), as the round leaves and helmet-shaped flowers were thought to resemble shields and helmets of vanquished warriors.
🌱 Excelsior Mix nasturtiums are semi-double, meaning they have more petals than the simple single-flowered varieties but not fully double like some cultivars, creating a lush, layered bloom effect.

Gardening Terms

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

Deadhead Direct Sow Full Sun Partial Shade Pinch Back Transplant True Leaves

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