How to Grow Nasturtium Sunburst Apricot
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Nasturtium Sunburst Apricot
Tropaeolum majus 'Sunburst Apricot'
flowerNasturtium Sunburst Apricot is a vibrant annual flower featuring warm apricot-colored blooms with striking red veining and darker centers. This variety is part of the Sunburst Series, known for its compact, bushy growth habit and profuse flowering. The plant produces attractive rounded leaves and edible flowers that brighten gardens and containers throughout the growing season.
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Example Nasturtium Sunburst Apricot timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Nasturtium Sunburst Apricot
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 Sunburst Apricot blooms
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-11 as an annual; prefers cooler climates and struggles in extreme heat above 90°F
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Seedling
10-14 daysSeed germinates in 7-10 days; two round cotyledons emerge followed by the first true leaves. Plant is small and delicate.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright, indirect light if growing indoors. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksRapid growth of bushy foliage; distinctive rounded, peltate leaves develop on succulent stems. Plant becomes fuller and more compact.
Maintain moderate watering. Pinch tips early to encourage branching and bushier growth. Minimal fertilizer needed; excess nitrogen promotes leaf growth over flowers.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (until frost or heat stress)Abundant apricot-colored blooms with red veining appear from leaf axils. Flowers are funnel-shaped with five petals. Plant remains in constant bloom.
Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming. Maintain consistent watering without overwatering. Avoid excessive heat by providing afternoon shade in hot regions.
Seed Development
3-4 weeks per podIf flowers are not deadheaded, round seed pods form. Pods are initially green, turning tan or brown as they mature and dry.
Allow pods to remain on plant if you want to collect seeds. Seeds are viable and can be collected for next season. Stop deadheading a few weeks before season end if seed saving is desired.
Decline
Until frost or heat exhaustionPlant growth slows as temperatures drop in fall or heat rises in summer; flowering diminishes and foliage may yellow or wilt.
Remove plant after first frost or when heat stress becomes severe. Compost spent plant material. Save any mature seed pods before plant dies.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream, insecticidal soap, or neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Reflective mulches can deter infestations.
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and
(Lepidoptera, Symphyta)
Hand-pick if few; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray for larger infestations. Remove affected leaves.
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Increase humidity, spray with strong water stream, use neem oil or miticide if severe.
Uses
Edible Flowers and Seeds
CulinaryNasturtium flowers have a peppery, slightly spicy flavor and are used as an edible garnish in salads, appetizers, and desserts. The immature seed pods can be pickled as a caper substitute, offering a tangy, peppery condiment. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalNasturtium has been used in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Both flowers and leaves are sometimes steeped into teas or tinctures to support respiratory health and boost immunity. [source]
Natural Pest Deterrent
HouseholdNasturtium acts as a trap crop and companion plant, attracting aphids and other pests away from nearby vegetables. This sacrifice planting reduces pest pressure on valuable crops while providing food for beneficial insects. [source]
Flower Pressing and Drying
CraftThe vibrant apricot blooms with red veining press beautifully for use in crafts, card-making, scrapbooking, and botanical art projects. Dried flowers retain color well and can be incorporated into dried flower arrangements. [source]
Pollinator and Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeNasturtium flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and other pollinators with their bright colors and abundant nectar. The plant supports beneficial insect populations while providing food and habitat 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
Harvest edible flowers in the morning after dew dries but before full sun heat. Pinch individual blooms just above the base of the flower. Flowers are best used fresh but can be frozen in ice cubes or dried. For seed collection, allow pods to mature and brown on the plant, then harvest and dry completely before storing in cool, dry conditions.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Nasturtiums are native to South America and were introduced to Europe in the 16th century, becoming prized for both their beauty and culinary uses.
- 🌱 The genus name 'Tropaeolum' derives from the Greek word 'tropaion' (trophy), as the plant was thought to resemble a helmet and shield arrangement of a military trophy.
- 🌱 All parts of the nasturtium plant are edible—flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds—making it one of the most completely edible ornamental flowers available to gardeners.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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