How to Grow Nasturtium Troika
Nasturtium Troika
Tropaeolum majus 'Troika'
flowerNasturtium Troika is a compact, bushy cultivar of garden nasturtium known for its stunning tricolored flowers in red, orange, and yellow. This ornamental annual produces vibrant, semi-double blooms and attractive rounded foliage on a mounding plant form. It's prized for adding bold color to borders, containers, and edging while also offering edible flowers and leaves.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Performs well as an annual in all zones; grown as a tender annual nationwide
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Growth Stages
Seed Germination
1-2 weeksSeeds sprout and first cotyledons (seed leaves) emerge above soil
Keep soil warm (65-75°F) and consistently moist. Germination occurs in 7-14 days. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves appear.
Seedling & Vegetative
3-4 weeksPlant develops true leaves and stems; compact bushy growth forms. Leaves are round and shield-shaped, typically blue-green
Provide bright light indoors or dappled light outdoors. Water moderately. Begin fertilizing lightly with balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks if soil is poor. Pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness.
Bud Formation & Early Flowering
2-3 weeksPlant produces buds at leaf axils and along stems; first flowers appear with characteristic Troika tricolor pattern (red, orange, yellow)
Maintain consistent moisture. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Avoid excessive nitrogen which promotes foliage over flowers. Water at soil level.
Peak Flowering
6-10 weeks (until frost)Plant produces abundant semi-double flowers continuously; compact mounding form covered in blooms
Continue deadheading regularly. Water deeply during dry spells. Fertilize every 3-4 weeks with dilute balanced or slightly lower-nitrogen fertilizer. Monitor for pests.
Seed Production & End of Season
Until first frostIf flowers are not deadheaded, seed pods form (round, bumpy structures). Plant continues flowering but vigor declines in heat or cold
Allow some flowers to develop into seeds if you want self-seeding next year, or deadhead to extend blooming. As frost approaches, flowering naturally declines. Remove plants after frost kills them.
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce ladybugs and lacewings; plant companion plants like calendula to attract beneficial insects
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; ensure good air circulation; reflective mulch may deter
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Increase humidity by misting (if not in evening to prevent fungal issues); spray with neem oil or horticultural oil; strong water spray to dislodge
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Hand-pick if present; use floating row covers early season; Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for severe infestations
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Hand-pick in evening; create barriers with crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth; beer traps; encourage ground beetles and toads
Uses
Edible Flowers & Peppery Leaves
CulinaryNasturtium Troika flowers and leaves have a peppery, slightly spicy flavor making them excellent for garnishing salads, soups, and desserts. Both flowers and leaves are edible, adding vibrant color and peppery notes to fresh dishes. [source]
Pickled 'Capers'
CulinaryImmature green seed pods can be pickled and used as a substitute for capers, providing a spicy, tangy condiment for various dishes. [source]
Antimicrobial & Immune Support
MedicinalNasturtium contains compounds with antimicrobial properties and has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to support respiratory and urinary tract health. Modern research suggests potential immune-boosting properties from its glucosinolate compounds. [source]
Natural Pest Control & Trap Crop
HouseholdNasturtium acts as a 'trap crop' or sacrificial plant in gardens, attracting aphids and other pests away from vegetables like cabbage and broccoli. Pests preferentially feed on nasturtiums, protecting more valuable crops. [source]
Pollinator & Butterfly Attractant
WildlifeThe bright flowers of Nasturtium Troika attract bees, hoverflies, and butterflies, making it valuable for supporting pollinator populations and creating a vibrant garden ecosystem. [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 leaves are edible and can be harvested once the plant begins flowering. Pinch or snip flowers and tender young leaves in the morning when they're crisp and full of moisture. For maximum peppery flavor, harvest young leaves before they become large and tough. Flowers are most flavorful when recently opened. Seeds (often called 'capers') can be harvested when green and pickled. Continuous light harvesting encourages more growth and flowering.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Nasturtium flowers have a unique tubular nectary spur at the back of the bloom that contains sweet nectar, attracting hummingbirds and long-tongued insects; the 'Troika' cultivar's semi-double flowers showcase this structure beautifully
- 🌱 The name 'Troika' refers to a Russian sleigh drawn by three horses, inspired by the flower's tricolor pattern of red, orange, and yellow that appears as if painted in three distinct bands
- 🌱 Nasturtium leaves have a unique 'peltate' shape (umbrella-like, with the stem attached to the center rather than the edge), and water droplets sit on them like pearls due to the leaf's waxy coating and special surface structure
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