How to Grow Nasturtium Sunburst Series
Nasturtium Sunburst Series
Tropaeolum majus
flowerNasturtium Sunburst Series is a vibrant annual flowering plant known for its stunning bicolored trumpet-shaped blooms in warm sunset hues of red, orange, and yellow. These compact, bushy plants produce attractive shield-shaped foliage and are beloved by gardeners for their easy care and edible flowers. They bloom prolifically throughout the growing season and attract pollinators while naturally repelling many garden pests.
Looking for a specific variety?
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-11; grown as annual in cooler zones, perennial in warm zones
Sign up to see your zone highlighted.
Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall tender plants with emerging cotyledons and first true leaves appearing. Plants are delicate and low-growing.
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once second set of leaves emerges.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops bushy form with multiple stems and increasingly prominent shield-shaped leaves. Foliage is dense and lush.
Water regularly during dry periods. Pinch back growing tips early to encourage bushier growth and more flowering sites. Reduce nitrogen-heavy fertilizer to promote flowers over foliage.
Flowering
6-10 weeks (repeating)Plant produces abundant trumpet-shaped flowers with distinctive bicolored patterns in red, orange, and yellow hues. Flowers are held well above foliage.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to extend blooming season. Maintain consistent moisture. Reduce watering frequency slightly; overwatering can lead to excessive foliage. Apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks.
Peak Bloom
4-8 weeksMaximum flower production with continuous blooming. Plant appears mounded with flowers covering foliage.
Continue deadheading. Monitor for pests. Water deeply but less frequently to encourage flowering. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; use lower-nitrogen formula if feeding.
Late Season
Until first frostFlowering may slow as temperatures cool or heat stress occurs. Some seed pods form if flowers are not deadheaded.
Stop fertilizing. Allow some flowers to set seed if you want self-seeding next year. Reduce watering frequency. Plant typically remains ornamental until frost.
Common Pests
-
Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
-
Yellow sticky traps; neem oil spray; ensure good air circulation
-
Hand-pick; Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; encourage parasitic wasps
-
Increase humidity; spray with water; neem oil or miticide if severe
-
and
Hand-pick at dusk; beer traps; diatomaceous earth barrier; remove debris for hiding spots
Uses
Edible Flowers & Peppery Garnish
CulinaryNasturtium flowers have a peppery, slightly spicy flavor and make beautiful edible garnishes for salads, soups, and plated dishes. Both flowers and leaves are completely edible and add nutritional value with high vitamin C content. [source]
Pickled Nasturtium Seeds (Mock Capers)
CulinaryImmature seed pods can be pickled and used as a substitute for capers in cooking, providing a unique alternative with similar briny, peppery qualities. This traditional preparation method dates back centuries. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalNasturtium contains glucosinolates and other compounds traditionally used in herbal medicine to support respiratory health and immunity. Both flowers and leaves have been used historically in folk medicine preparations. [source]
Natural Pest Control & Companion Plant
HouseholdNasturtium is renowned as a companion plant that naturally repels aphids, whiteflies, and other common garden pests, making it valuable for integrated pest management strategies. It acts as a trap crop, drawing pests away from vegetable crops. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Design
CraftThe vibrant bicolored Sunburst blooms are excellent for fresh flower arrangements, bringing tropical color and unique form to bouquets and vases. Flowers last several days in water when cut in the morning. [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 after dew dries for best quality. Pick flowers just as they fully open for use in salads or as garnishes. Pinch off spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Seed pods (green berries) can be pickled when immature for a capers substitute. Harvest seeds in late summer for drying; allow pods to brown on plant before collection.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Nasturtium flowers were used by ancient Peruvian civilizations in religious ceremonies and as a food source, and the plant was named by Linnaeus from the Latin 'nasus' (nose) and 'tortus' (twisted), referencing the flower's nose-like appearance.
- 🌱 The leaves of nasturtium contain sulfur compounds that make them naturally pungent and spicy-tasting—the same compounds found in horseradish and wasabi—making them a low-calorie addition to salads with authentic peppery kick.
- 🌱 Nasturtium seeds can be fermented and pickled to create a homemade alternative to capers that tastes remarkably similar, a practice that became popular in Europe during times when true capers were expensive or unavailable.
Want personalized planting timelines?
Sign up to get frost dates, task lists, and more for your zone.
Get started free