How to Grow Nasturtium Salmon Baby

Nasturtium Salmon Baby

Tropaeolum majus 'Salmon Baby'

flower

Nasturtium Salmon Baby is a compact, dwarf cultivar of nasturtium with vibrant salmon-pink flowers and attractive rounded foliage. This bushy variety grows 12-15 inches tall and is ideal for containers, borders, and small garden spaces. Both flowers and leaves are edible, adding a peppery flavor to salads.

Looking for a specific variety?

Salmon Baby Peach Melba Jewel Mix Whirlybird Scarlet Alaska Series Empress of India

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade, 6+ hours of sunlight daily

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Water: Moderate watering; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering reduces flowering. Drought-tolerant once established.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 30-45 days to first flowers

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Planting depth: 0.5-1 inch

Soil

Type: Well-draining, moderately fertile soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost Sand for drainage Avoid excessive nitrogen

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-11; grown as annual in cool climates, perennial in warm zones

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

Growth Stages

Seedling

1-2 weeks

Cotyledons emerge with rounded leaves; first true leaves appear ovate and simple

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings if crowded.

Vegetative Growth

2-3 weeks

Plant develops bushy, mounding form with abundant rounded leaves on long petioles; stems remain compact

Pinch growing tips when 4-6 inches tall to encourage bushier growth. Reduce watering frequency as plant establishes. Minimal fertilizer needed.

Flowering Initiation

1-2 weeks

First flower buds appear in leaf axils; flowers are distinctly salmon-pink with ruffled petals

Continue deadheading spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote leaf growth over flowers.

Peak Flowering

6-10 weeks or until frost

Abundant salmon-pink blooms cover the compact plant, complementing the attractive foliage; flowers are fragrant and attractive to pollinators

Maintain moderate watering. Deadhead regularly for extended bloom period. Watch for pests. Flowers and leaves remain edible.

Seed Development

Varies; seeds mature 4-6 weeks after flowering

Flowers fade and develop distinctive round seed pods; plants may slow flowering as energy shifts to seed production

Allow some flowers to remain for seed collection if desired. Remove spent seed pods to redirect energy to continued flowering.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Borage Cucumber Squash Marigold Alyssum Petunias Sage

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (in excessive quantities) Fennel

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
Yellow sticky traps, insecticidal soap, neem oil, or reflective mulches to deter.
Hand-pick beetles; use row covers for young plants. Spinosad spray if infestation is severe.
Increase humidity with misting; spray with water; use neem oil or insecticidal soap.
and
Hand-pick in early morning; use copper tape or barriers; beer traps; encourage ground beetles.

Uses

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Edible Flowers & Salad Greens

Culinary

Both flowers and leaves have a distinctive peppery, slightly mustard-like flavor that adds visual appeal and spicy notes to salads, garnishes, and cold dishes. Leaves provide nutritional value while flowers serve as an edible garnish. [source]

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Caper Substitute

Culinary

Immature seed pods can be pickled as a homemade caper substitute, providing a sharp, briny flavor to various dishes. This traditional use has been documented for centuries. [source]

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Antimicrobial Properties

Medicinal

Nasturtium contains glucosinolates and sulfur compounds with potential antimicrobial and immune-supporting properties. Traditionally used in herbal medicine to support respiratory and urinary health. [source]

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Companion Pest Deterrent

Household

Nasturtiums act as a trap crop and natural pesticide, drawing aphids and other garden pests away from vegetables while releasing compounds that deter certain insects. This makes them valuable for integrated pest management. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

The bright salmon-pink flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making Nasturtium Salmon Baby an excellent choice for supporting pollinator populations in 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 and young leaves are edible and most tender when harvested in the morning. Pick flowers just after they open for peak flavor and appearance. Leaves can be harvested continuously throughout the growing season. For seeds, allow flowers to mature and dry on the plant, then collect round seed pods for pickling or storage. Nasturtium seeds (capers) have a peppery flavor similar to capers.

Fun Facts

🌱 Nasturtiums are native to South America and were brought to Europe in the 16th century, becoming particularly popular in Victorian gardens for their ornamental and culinary value.
🌱 The name 'Tropaeolum' comes from the Greek word 'tropaeum,' meaning trophy, because the shield-shaped leaves and flower colors resemble a warrior's helmet and trophy.
🌱 Nasturtium flowers contain a water-repellent coating, so morning dew beads up on the leaves—a phenomenon called the lotus effect that has inspired biomimetic research.

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