How to Grow Nasturtium Jewel Series

Nasturtium Jewel Series

Tropaeolum majus

flower

The Jewel Series nasturtiums are compact, mounding ornamental flowers bred for vibrant jewel-toned blooms in shades of deep crimson, scarlet, gold, and orange. These annual flowers produce semi-double or double blossoms held above attractive round foliage and are excellent for containers, borders, and edging. Both flowers and peppery-flavored leaves are edible, making them popular in ornamental kitchen gardens.

Looking for a specific variety?

Jewel Scarlet Jewel Mahogany Jewel Golden Yellow Jewel Deep Crimson Jewel Peach Jewel Cream

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Prefers afternoon shade in hot climates

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water at soil level to avoid fungal issues. Reduce watering in cool weather; tolerates some drought once established

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Spacing: 10-12 inches apart inches

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Days to maturity: 45-60 days to first flowers

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Planting depth: Soak seeds 24 hours before planting; sow 0.5 inches deep directly outdoors after last frost

Soil

Type: Well-draining, moderately fertile soil; tolerates poor soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost for moisture retention Perlite or sand for drainage if soil is heavy

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives as an annual in zones 2-11; prefers cooler growing conditions in zones 8-9

2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Emergence of cotyledons within 7-10 days; distinctive round seed leaves appear first

Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright, indirect light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing when 2-3 inches tall

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Development of round, peltate leaves on trailing or bushy stems; compact mounding habit characteristic of Jewel Series

Water regularly but allow surface to dry slightly between waterings. Do not overfertilize as this promotes leaves over flowers. Pinch tips early for bushier growth

Flowering

8-12 weeks until frost

Production of semi-double to double flower blooms in jewel tones (deep red, scarlet, gold, orange) held above foliage

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer. Water at soil level to keep foliage dry

Peak Bloom

4-8 weeks

Abundant flowering throughout the season; compact plants may be entirely covered with blooms

Continue deadheading. Watch for pests. Enjoy edible flowers in salads and garnishes

Decline & Frost Sensitivity

Until first hard frost

Growth slows as temperatures cool in fall; foliage yellows and wilts at first frost (32°F/0°C)

Plants are frost-tender annuals. Harvest seeds for next year if desired before hard freeze. Can extend season with row covers in mild climates

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Cabbage Kale Broccoli Marigolds Petunias Alyssum Verbena Lettuce Arugula

Avoid planting near:

Potatoes Fennel Dill Rue

Common Pests

Spray with strong water jet; use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage ladybugs and lacewings. Plant nasturtiums as trap crops for other garden plants
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Improve air circulation to reduce humidity
Increase humidity; spray with water mist. Use miticide or neem oil if severe. Remove heavily infested leaves
Hand-pick if possible. Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for heavy infestations. Encourage natural predators

Uses

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Edible Flowers & Peppery Leaves

Culinary

Both flowers and leaves are edible with a peppery, slightly spicy flavor similar to watercress. Use fresh flowers as colorful salad garnishes or in butter, vinegars, and herbal dressings. [source]

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Natural Pest Control & Trap Crop

Household

Nasturtiums attract aphids away from vegetable crops, making them excellent companion plants in vegetable gardens. They act as sacrificial trap crops protecting more valuable plants. [source]

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Traditional Immune Support

Medicinal

Nasturtiums have been used in traditional herbalism for their vitamin C content and antimicrobial properties. Historically used to support respiratory and immune function. [source]

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Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements

Craft

Jewel-toned blooms are excellent for fresh-cut arrangements, though they have a short vase life (3-5 days). Use in cottage garden bouquets or pressing for dried flower crafts. [source]

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Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

Nasturtiums attract bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial pollinators with their open, accessible flowers. They provide nectar and pollen sources throughout the growing 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 by pinching or cutting stems just above a leaf node. Flowers are best harvested in the morning when they're fully open. Pick leaves anytime for culinary use; younger leaves are more tender and have a milder peppery flavor. Some gardeners save seedpods for pickling when green ('capers')

Fun Facts

🌱 Nasturtium seeds can be pickled as a young green stage and used as a 'caper' substitute, a practice called 'capucine' in French cuisine
🌱 The name 'nasturtium' comes from Latin words meaning 'nose-twister,' referencing the peppery bite of the leaves and flowers
🌱 The Jewel Series was developed to produce compact, bushy plants ideal for containers and window boxes, unlike the more trailing forms of standard nasturtiums

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