How to Grow Nasturtium Jewel Mix Crimson Jewel

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Nasturtium Jewel Mix Crimson Jewel

Tropaeolum majus

flower

Nasturtium Jewel Mix Crimson Jewel is a vibrant ornamental flowering plant featuring bold crimson-red blooms with compact, bushy growth habit. This variety produces lush green foliage and semi-double to double flowers that attract pollinators while remaining edible. The plant is prized for its cheerful appearance and ease of cultivation in gardens and containers.

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

Plant Nasturtium Jewel Mix Crimson Jewel
Around Apr 17

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

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

≈ 50 days after planting

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

Growing Conditions

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

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water at soil level to avoid wetting foliage. Reduce watering in cooler months. Drought-tolerant once established, but blooms best with regular moisture.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 50-70 days to first bloom

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Planting depth: 0.5 inches

Soil

Type: Well-draining, moderately fertile loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost for organic matter Perlite for drainage Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives best in zones 2-10; prefers cooler temperatures but grows as annual in warm zones

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

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Growth Stages

Seed Germination

1-2 weeks

Seeds sprout with two cotyledons; initial growth is rapid

Soak seeds 12-24 hours before planting to improve germination. Keep soil warm (65-75°F) and consistently moist. Germinates in 7-14 days.

Seedling/Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Small plants develop true leaves and establish bushy form; stems thicken

Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Begin light feeding with balanced fertilizer once true leaves appear.

Pre-flowering

2-3 weeks

Plant reaches compact bushy form with dense foliage; flower buds begin forming

Pinch back tips early to encourage branching and fuller shape. Maintain consistent watering. Reduce nitrogen to promote blooming over foliage.

Flowering

6-10 weeks (throughout growing season)

Plant produces abundant crimson-red semi-double to double flowers throughout the season

Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Water at soil level to protect flowers and foliage. Apply balanced monthly fertilizer sparingly.

Seed Development

3-4 weeks after flowering

As season progresses, seed pods form if flowers are not deadheaded

Leave some flowers to develop seed pods for self-seeding next year, or continue deadheading for prolonged blooming. Collect mature green pods before frost.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Marigold Calendula Cabbage Broccoli Kale Borage Chives Radish

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (may attract pests that also affect nasturtiums) Potatoes

Common Pests

Spray with strong water jet, insecticidal soap, or neem oil. Plant attracts aphids away from other plants (trap crop). Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Use yellow sticky traps. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. Improve air circulation around plants.
Handpick caterpillars. Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) if infestation is severe. Cover plants with row cloth early in season.
Increase humidity and mist foliage regularly. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Avoid excessive heat and drought stress.

Uses

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Edible Flowers & Peppery Garnish

Culinary

Nasturtium flowers and leaves have a distinctive peppery taste similar to watercress, making them excellent fresh salad garnishes and edible decorations for dishes. The flowers add vibrant color and mild spice to culinary preparations. [source]

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Pickled Seed Pods

Culinary

Young green seed pods can be pickled as a caper substitute, providing a tangy condiment with a peppery bite. This preservation method allows you to enjoy the plant's unique flavor throughout the year. [source]

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Traditional Immune Support

Medicinal

Nasturtium contains glucosinolates and vitamin C, traditionally used in herbalism to support immune function and respiratory health. Both flowers and leaves have been employed in folk medicine preparations. [source]

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Natural Pest Control

Household

Nasturtiums serve as excellent trap crops, attracting aphids, whiteflies, and cabbage worms away from vegetable gardens. This companion planting strategy reduces pest pressure on nearby crops naturally. [source]

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Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Attraction

Wildlife

The bright flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators, while also harboring beneficial insects that prey on garden pests. Nasturtiums enhance biodiversity in ornamental and vegetable gardens. [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 with a peppery flavor; harvest in early morning when fully open. Pinch flowers regularly to encourage more blooms and extend flowering season. Collect green seed pods before frost for pickling or allow to dry for seeds for next year's planting.

Fun Facts

🌱 Nasturtium seeds were historically used as a substitute for capers and are still pickled in some culinary traditions as 'false capers' due to their similar appearance and peppery flavor.
🌱 The name 'Tropaeolum' comes from the Greek word 'tropaeum' (trophy), because the plant's round leaves resemble Roman shields and the flowers resemble helmets and plumes—symbols of victory.
🌱 Nasturtiums are highly sensitive to excess nitrogen; too much fertilizer produces lush foliage but few flowers, making them ideal for demonstrating the principle of balanced plant nutrition.

Gardening Terms

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

Deadhead Full Sun Germination Partial Shade Pinch Back True Leaves

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