How to Grow Nasturtium Jewel Mix Golden Jewel
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Nasturtium Jewel Mix Golden Jewel
Tropaeolum majus 'Golden Jewel'
flowerGolden Jewel is a compact, bushy nasturtium cultivar with vibrant golden-yellow flowers and attractive round leaves. It reaches 12-15 inches in height, making it ideal for containers, borders, and edging. This variety produces abundant blooms throughout the growing season with minimal maintenance.
When should you plant Nasturtium Jewel Mix Golden Jewel in your zone?
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Example Nasturtium Jewel Mix Golden Jewel timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Nasturtium Jewel Mix Golden Jewel
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 Nasturtium Jewel Mix Golden Jewel blooms
Around May 22≈ 35 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Nasturtium Jewel Mix Golden Jewel dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-11; grows as annual in cooler zones, may perennialize in warm zones
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Get my Nasturtium Jewel Mix Golden Jewel timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
10-14 daysSeed germinates in 7-12 days. Cotyledons emerge, followed by first true leaves. Plant appears delicate but grows quickly.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light once germinated. Thin or transplant to spacing after true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlant develops bushy shape with increasingly numerous round, peltate leaves on long petioles. Stems thicken and branch naturally.
Water moderately; allow soil to dry slightly between watering. No fertilizer needed; excess nitrogen promotes foliage over flowers. Pinch tips early if needed for bushier habit.
Flowering
6-10 weeks (from first bloom to frost in annual cycle)Golden-yellow flowers emerge in leaf axils, each with 5 petals and distinctive spur. Flowers are fragrant, semi-double, and abundant.
Continue moderate watering. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Water at soil level to keep flowers dry and prevent mildew. No fertilizing needed.
Peak Production
4-8 weeksPlant is covered with flowers throughout summer and early fall. Foliage remains vibrant green; plant maintains compact form.
Maintain consistent watering schedule. Monitor for pests. Deadhead regularly for sustained bloom. In hot climates, afternoon shade may extend flowering period.
Senescence/Frost Kill
Variable, until first hard freezeAs temperatures drop below 50°F, flowers slow, leaves may discolor, and plant eventually dies with first hard frost.
Remove frost-killed plants and compost. Collect seed pods before frost if you want to save seed for next year. In mild climates, plant may persist with reduced flowering.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; plant with borage and marigolds as deterrents. Nasturtiums actually attract aphids away from other plants.
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Use reflective mulch; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Yellow sticky traps can monitor populations.
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Hand-pick; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray if severe. Nasturtiums often sacrifice themselves to protect brassicas nearby.
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use miticide if severe. More common in hot, dry conditions.
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; spray with sulfur or baking soda solution if needed. Plant in full sun with adequate spacing.
Uses
Edible Flowers & Peppery Greens
CulinaryBoth flowers and young leaves are edible with a peppery, watercress-like flavor. Flowers add color and spice to salads, garnishes, and dishes; leaves can be eaten fresh or cooked. [source]
Seed Pod Pickling
CulinaryImmature green seed pods can be harvested and pickled like capers for a peppery condiment with similar texture and taste profile. [source]
Immune Support & Antioxidant
MedicinalNasturtium contains glucosinolates and vitamin C; traditionally used to support immune function and as an antimicrobial remedy in herbal medicine. [source]
Natural Dye Source
HouseholdFlowers can be used to create yellow and orange dyes for textiles and crafts through simple extraction methods. [source]
Pollinator & Pest Trap Crop
WildlifeAttracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects while serving as a sacrificial trap crop for aphids and cabbage worms, protecting nearby vegetables. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Deadhead flowers regularly for continuous blooming throughout season. Pick flowers for fresh arrangements and garnish use. For seed saving, allow some flowers to develop seed pods in late summer; harvest dry seed pods in fall before frost, dry completely, and store in cool, dry place for next season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Nasturtiums were brought to Europe from Peru and Colombia in the 16th century and were originally called 'Indian Cress' due to their peppery flavor resembling true cress.
- 🌱 The plant's name 'Tropaeolum' comes from the Greek word 'tropaeum' (trophy), as the round leaves resemble shields and the flowers resemble helmets in classical warrior imagery.
- 🌱 Golden Jewel and other nasturtiums are excellent natural indicators of plant stress and environmental problems—their leaves often show symptoms (yellowing, wilting) before other plants, making them useful sentinel plants in gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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