How to Grow Nasturtium Trailing Mahogany
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Nasturtium Trailing Mahogany
Tropaeolum majus 'Trailing Mahogany'
flowerNasturtium Trailing Mahogany is a vibrant trailing annual flower featuring deep burgundy-red blossoms with a warm mahogany tone. This cultivar produces long, sprawling vines adorned with round, blue-green foliage and peppery-scented flowers that bloom prolifically from summer through fall. Both flowers and leaves are edible with a peppery flavor, making it as attractive to the palate as to the eye.
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Example Nasturtium Trailing Mahogany timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Nasturtium Trailing Mahogany
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 Trailing Mahogany blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-11 as an annual; perennial in zones 9-11
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds sprout within 7-14 days, developing the characteristic round cotyledons. True leaves emerge shortly after.
Keep soil warm (65-70°F) and consistently moist but not soggy. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops trailing vines with round, shield-shaped leaves on long petioles. Vigorous branching occurs if grown in moderate sunlight and not over-fertilized.
Water regularly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer which promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.
Budding & Early Flowering
2-3 weeksFlower buds form at leaf axils, developing into distinctive spurred mahogany-red blooms with contrasting coloration.
Maintain consistent watering and moderate irrigation. Pinch back excessively long vines to encourage fuller branching if desired.
Peak Flowering
8-12 weeks until frostPlant displays abundant mahogany-red flowers throughout the foliage. Flowers attract pollinators and can be harvested regularly for culinary use.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Provide weekly balanced fertilizer if desired (dilute to avoid excessive leaf growth).
Senescence & End of Season
Variable; until first freezeFlowering gradually slows as temperatures cool and days shorten. Plant declines after first frost in most climates.
Collect seed pods (watch for round, green seedpods) if you wish to save seeds. Compost plant material after frost kills it.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water jet to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Nasturtium attracts aphids, making it an excellent trap crop to protect nearby vegetables.
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap in early morning or evening.
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Handpick; use row covers during peak season; apply spinosad or Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) if severe.
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Increase humidity by misting; use miticide or horticultural oil spray in severe cases.
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Handpick in early morning or evening; use beer traps or copper barriers; diatomaceous earth around plants.
Uses
Edible Flowers & Peppery Leaves
CulinaryBoth mahogany-red flowers and round leaves offer a peppery, slightly spicy flavor perfect for salads, garnishes, and culinary decoration. The flowers add striking color to composed salads and dessert plates. [source]
Pickled Seeds
CulinaryYoung green seed pods can be harvested and pickled as a nonpareil (caper) substitute, offering a tangy, peppery condiment for charcuterie and grain dishes. [source]
Antimicrobial & Respiratory Support
MedicinalNasturtium contains glucosinolates and volatile sulfur compounds with traditionally recognized antimicrobial properties. Used in herbal medicine to support immune and respiratory health. [source]
Natural Pest Control
HouseholdNasturtium acts as a trap crop, attracting aphids and other pests away from vegetables like brassicas and beans. The sacrificial plant protects the main garden. [source]
Pollinator Magnet
WildlifeMahogany-red flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies throughout the growing season, supporting pollinator populations in the garden. [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. Pinch off flowers just below the spur; they remain fresh in a vase for 2-3 days. Seeds develop in round green pods (5-6 weeks after flowering) and can be pickled when tender or harvested fully mature and dry for replanting. Gather flowers and leaves continuously to encourage more blooms.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Nasturtium 'Trailing Mahogany' is named after the deep burgundy hue of mahogany wood; the flowers' distinctive spurred shape is unique among common garden flowers and attracts specialized pollinators.
- 🌱 The plant is native to Peru and was brought to Europe in the 16th century, where it became a culinary and medicinal staple; it was known as 'Indian Cress' due to its peppery leaves resembling watercress.
- 🌱 Nasturtium leaves are one of the richest plant sources of vitamin C and were historically used by sailors to prevent scurvy; the trailing habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, and trailing over garden edges.
Gardening Terms
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