How to Grow Jewel Mix
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Jewel Mix
Tropaeolum majus
flowerJewel Mix is a vibrant variety of nasturtium featuring a stunning blend of jewel-toned flowers in shades of ruby, sapphire, and gold. These fast-growing annual flowers produce bright, trumpet-shaped blooms on bushy plants with attractive round foliage. Both flowers and leaves are edible with a peppery flavor, making them valuable in the ornamental kitchen garden.
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Example Jewel Mix timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Jewel Mix
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 Jewel Mix blooms
Around May 22≈ 35 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Jewel Mix dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-11; prefers cooler climates and struggles in intense heat above 85°F
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Get my Jewel Mix timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
7-10 daysTender seedlings emerge with distinctive round cotyledons; true leaves appear quickly with characteristic rounded shape
Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Provide bright light and good air circulation to prevent damping off. Thin seedlings to proper spacing early
Vegetative
2-3 weeksPlant develops bushy growth with multiple stems and increasingly dense round foliage; vibrant green leaves begin to dominate
Pinch growing tips when 3-4 inches tall to encourage branching and fuller plant shape. Water regularly during dry spells. Avoid over-fertilizing, which reduces blooms
Flowering
4-8 weeksAbundant jewel-toned trumpet-shaped flowers emerge in clusters on long pedicels above the foliage in ruby, sapphire, and gold shades
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to extend blooming season. Reduce nitrogen feeding. Water consistently but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Support heavy flower heads if needed
Peak Bloom & Fruiting
4-6 weeksContinuous flowering with round seed pods developing behind fading flowers; ornamental value peaks with prolific blooms
Continue deadheading for prolonged blooms, or allow some flowers to mature into seed pods for saving seeds. Maintain moderate watering. Watch for heat stress and increase shade cloth in extreme heat
Decline
Variable, until frost or extreme heatFlowering slows as temperatures rise or cool weather approaches; foliage may yellow; seed pods mature and dry
Collect mature seed pods for next year's planting. Allow some flowers to remain for seed production if desired. Plant may revive with cooler fall temperatures in mild climates
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Apply yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or horticultural oil; increase air circulation
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Hand-pick if few; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); encourage natural predators
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use miticide or neem oil if severe
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Improve air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; spray with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate; remove infected leaves
Uses
Edible Flowers & Leaves
CulinaryBoth flowers and round nasturtium leaves deliver a peppery, piquant flavor reminiscent of watercress. Use fresh flowers as garnish, in salads, or candied; tender leaves add peppery notes to dishes and complement delicate cuisines. [source]
Pickled Seed Pods
CulinaryImmature green seed pods can be pickled and used as a poor-man's capers alternative, offering a sharp, tangy flavor to dishes. Harvest pods when young and tender for best texture and taste. [source]
Antimicrobial & Nutritional Support
MedicinalNasturtium contains glucosinolates and vitamin C with traditional use for immune support and antimicrobial properties. Historically used in herbal medicine for respiratory and urinary health. [source]
Companion Planting Pest Control
HouseholdNasturtium acts as a trap crop and natural pest deterrent in vegetable gardens, attracting aphids and whiteflies away from edible crops. These flowers are also vibrant natural dyes for textiles. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeBrilliant jewel-toned flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden, providing essential nectar and pollen throughout the blooming 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 throughout the blooming season when fully open for maximum color and flavor; pick fresh in morning for best quality. Pinch off flower buds just before opening for most tender edible use. Collect green seed pods when pea-sized for pickling. Allow some pods to mature fully and dry on plant for seed saving; harvest when pods brown and dry, then store in cool, dry location
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Nasturtium seeds were used as a caper substitute during wartime rationing and remain a gourmet pickling alternative today.
- 🌱 The peppery flavor of nasturtium leaves and flowers comes from glucosinolates, the same compounds found in cabbage and broccoli, making them nutritionally valuable edible flowers.
- 🌱 Jewel Mix nasturtiums are particularly favored by hummingbirds and butterflies, making them excellent for pollinator gardens; the flowers literally seem to glow in jewel tones that attract these creatures.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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