How to Grow Nasturtium Peach Melba

Nasturtium Peach Melba

Tropaeolum majus 'Peach Melba'

flower

Nasturtium Peach Melba is a compact, ornamental cultivar with distinctive bicolor flowers featuring cream and peachy-rose petals. This tender annual produces both attractive foliage and edible flowers, making it popular for borders, containers, and culinary garnishes. The plant displays vibrant, peppery-flavored blooms throughout the growing season with minimal maintenance required.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to light shade, 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in cooler months. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

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Spacing: 8 inches

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Days to maturity: 35-50 days to first flowers

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Planting depth: 0.5

Soil

Type: Well-draining, moderately fertile soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost or well-rotted manure Perlite for drainage Avoid excess nitrogen

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 2-11 as an annual; perennial in zones 9-11

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

Growth Stages

Seedling

7-14 days

Tiny seedlings emerge with rounded cotyledons. First true leaves are kidney-shaped and peltate (shield-shaped), characteristic of nasturtiums.

Keep soil warm (65-70°F) and consistently moist. Provide bright, indirect light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once second true leaf appears.

Vegetative Growth

14-21 days

Plant develops bushy foliage with distinctive round, peltate leaves on long petioles. Growth is compact in this cultivar. Stems remain tender and succulent.

Water regularly and maintain moderate fertility. Pinch back growing tips to encourage branching. Do not over-fertilize as this promotes leafy growth over flowers.

Flowering

4-6 weeks (continuous until frost)

Distinctive bicolor flowers emerge with cream and peachy-rose coloring. Flowers are lightly ruffled and appear continuously throughout the season in leaf axils.

Deadhead spent flowers to promote continued blooming. Provide consistent moisture and good air circulation. Apply dilute fertilizer every 2-3 weeks if desired.

Peak Bloom & Seed Development

4-8 weeks

Plant reaches maximum flower production. If flowers are left unpollinated, distinctive round seed pods develop in green, then brown tones.

Continue deadheading to extend bloom. If collecting seeds, leave some flowers to develop into round, 3-chambered seed pods. Harvest pods when they turn brown and dry.

Decline

Variable, until frost

As temperatures drop in fall or with first frost, flowers diminish and foliage may yellow. Plant ceases growth.

In frost-prone zones, pull plants before first freeze. In warm climates, may continue blooming longer. Collect seeds if desired before plant fully deteriorates.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Calendula Marigold Sweet alyssum Borage Dill Lettuce Brassicas Radish Beans Peas

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (in some cases, as nasturtiums attract cabbage white butterflies that may also damage brassicas) Fennel (allelopathic effects)

Common Pests

Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, or introduce ladybugs. Nasturtiums are trap crops and attract aphids away from other plants.
Hand-pick caterpillars, use fine netting, or apply organic neem oil. Nasturtiums attract these pests away from vegetables.
Increase humidity, spray with water, or use miticide if severe. Ensure good air circulation.
Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap, or apply neem oil.
Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, apply sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate spray.

Uses

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Edible Flowers & Garnish

Culinary

Nasturtium flowers are completely edible with a peppery, slightly spicy flavor reminiscent of watercress. The bicolor Peach Melba blooms make stunning garnishes for salads, desserts, and special occasion plates. [source]

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Peppery Salad Addition

Culinary

Fresh petals add a distinctive peppery bite to mixed green salads, grain bowls, and appetizers. The cream and peachy coloring provides striking visual contrast. [source]

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Antimicrobial & Immune Support

Medicinal

Nasturtium flowers and leaves contain glucosinolates and volatile oils with traditional antimicrobial properties. Historically used in herbal remedies to support respiratory and immune function. [source]

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Pest Control & Trap Crop

Household

Nasturtiums are excellent trap crops that attract aphids and cabbage butterflies away from vegetable gardens, protecting more valuable crops while concentrating pests on the nasturtiums. [source]

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Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements

Craft

The distinctive bicolor blooms and attractive round foliage make Peach Melba excellent for fresh cut flower arrangements, maintaining vase life for 5-7 days with daily water changes. [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 best harvested in early morning after dew dries but before full heat of day. Pick blooms by pinching stems just below the flower head. Use fresh immediately or store in refrigerator for 2-3 days in a damp paper towel. Seeds develop in distinctive round, 3-chambered pods; harvest when pods turn brown and dry, usually 4-6 weeks after flowering. Store dried seeds in cool, dry place for next season.

Fun Facts

🌱 Nasturtium seeds can be pickled when green and tender, creating a peppery condiment called 'capers' that substitute for true capers, due to their similar flavor and the presence of glucosinolates.
🌱 The name 'nasturtium' comes from Latin 'nasus tortus' meaning 'twisted nose,' referring to the spicy, peppery taste that makes people wrinkle their noses.
🌱 Peach Melba was named after Australian opera singer Nellie Melba, and the flower variety celebrates the same heritage as the classic dessert 'Peach Melba' created in her honor.

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