How to Grow Jetfire Nasturtium
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Jetfire Nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus 'Jetfire'
flowerJetfire is a compact, bushy nasturtium cultivar prized for its vibrant bicolor flowers in deep red and golden yellow. This ornamental plant produces edible flowers and peppery foliage, making it both beautiful and functional in gardens. It grows as a low mounding form, reaching only 12-15 inches tall, making it ideal for containers, borders, and edging.
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Example Jetfire Nasturtium timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Jetfire 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 Jetfire Nasturtium blooms
Around May 22≈ 35 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Jetfire Nasturtium dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Annual in most zones; thrives in zones 2-11 as a warm-season annual
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Seedling
2-3 weeksCotyledons emerge and develop true leaves with characteristic round shape. Plant is small and tender.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings or transplant when true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with round, shield-shaped leaves. Stems branch and fill out the compact mounding form.
Water moderately and allow soil to dry between waterings. Pinch growing tips early to encourage bushiness. Minimal fertilizer needed; excess nitrogen causes leafy growth over flowers.
Flowering
6-8 weeksVibrant bicolor flowers appear in deep red and golden yellow, typically with red on outer petals and yellow on inner. Flowers are held above foliage.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Reduce watering slightly and allow soil to dry between waterings. Apply light compost mulch if needed.
Peak Production
4-6 weeksPlant is densely covered with flowers in full bicolor display. Foliage remains abundant and healthy underneath blooms.
Continue deadheading to extend flowering. Water only when soil is dry to the touch. Pinch any excessively long shoots to maintain compact form.
Seed Development
3-4 weeksIf flowers are not deadheaded, seed pods develop. Plant may slow flowering as energy goes into seed production.
Allow some flowers to remain if saving seed. Cut seed pods when they turn brown and dry. Otherwise, continue deadheading to maintain bloom.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge, use insecticidal soap, or encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with neem oil, or introduce parasitic wasps
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Remove affected leaves, use row covers, or apply spinosad for severe infestations
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Increase humidity, mist foliage, spray with insecticidal soap, or use neem oil
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Use as a trap crop for cabbage pests; remove heavily infested leaves or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
Uses
Edible Flowers & Garnish
CulinaryJetfire flowers are fully edible with a peppery, slightly spicy flavor. The vibrant bicolor blooms make striking garnishes for salads, plates, and dishes, adding both visual appeal and a unique flavor component. [source]
Peppery Leaf Salads
CulinaryYoung nasturtium leaves have a peppery, watercress-like flavor and are rich in vitamin C. Use tender leaves in fresh salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish for soups. [source]
Pest Management & Trap Cropping
HouseholdNasturtiums are well-known trap crops that attract aphids, whiteflies, and cabbage moths away from vegetable gardens. Plant Jetfire near brassicas and other vulnerable crops to protect them while maintaining beneficial insects. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalNasturtiums have been used in traditional herbal medicine for immune support and respiratory health, containing natural antimicrobial compounds. Both flowers and leaves are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
CraftThe striking bicolor flowers are beautiful in fresh bouquets and arrangements, holding well in water for 3-5 days. Their vibrant red and yellow tones add visual interest to garden flower arrangements. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Flowers are edible and best harvested in the morning after dew dries; they have a peppery, slightly spicy flavor. Pick flowers at peak bloom for best appearance and flavor in salads. Leaves are also edible and peppery; harvest young tender leaves for culinary use. Seeds can be harvested when seed pods turn brown; allow to dry fully before storing. Do not rely on Jetfire as your primary aphid trap crop if using pesticides—its pest-control role works best when left untreated.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Jetfire's name refers to the jet-hot spice of the flowers and leaves, which contain compounds similar to those found in radishes and horseradish.
- 🌱 Nasturtiums are native to Peru and were brought to Europe in the 17th century, becoming beloved ornamental edibles by the Victorian era.
- 🌱 The bicolor flower pattern in Jetfire develops due to natural anthocyanin and carotenoid pigments that are also powerful antioxidants.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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