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How to Grow Nasturtium Sunburst Scarlet

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Nasturtium Sunburst Scarlet

Tropaeolum majus 'Sunburst Scarlet'

flower

Nasturtium Sunburst Scarlet is a vibrant annual flowering plant featuring bright scarlet-red blooms with striking yellow centers, creating a stunning bicolor effect. This dwarf, mounding variety is compact and floriferous, ideal for containers, borders, and edging. The plant produces both ornamental flowers and edible seeds and foliage.

Looking for a specific variety?

Sunburst Scarlet Sunburst Apricot Sunburst Cream Sunburst Gold Sunburst Mahogany

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Example Nasturtium Sunburst Scarlet timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Nasturtium Sunburst Scarlet

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Nasturtium Sunburst Scarlet blooms

    Around May 22

    ≈ 35 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Nasturtium Sunburst Scarlet dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to partial shade (6+ hours of sunlight; afternoon shade in hot climates helps extend blooming)
💧
Water: Moderate; water when top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering, which promotes excessive foliage at the expense of flowers. Drought-tolerant once established.
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Spacing: 10 inches
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Days to maturity: 35-50 days to first bloom
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Planting depth: 0.5-1 inch (seeds); transplants at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Avoid excessive compost (promotes foliage over flowers)

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives as an annual in zones 2-11; prefers cooler temperatures in hot climates

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

10-14 days

Emergence of round cotyledons (seed leaves) with the distinctive shield-shaped seedling appearance characteristic of nasturtiums. First true leaves unfold with a rounded shape.

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright, indirect light. Thin seedlings to 10-inch spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves.

2

Vegetative Growth

2-3 weeks

Plant develops bushy, mounding form with round, blue-green foliage on long petioles (leaf stalks). Foliage emerges abundantly; compact growth habit becomes apparent.

Pinch back early stems to encourage bushier growth if needed. Apply low-nitrogen fertilizer monthly to avoid excessive foliage. Begin hardening off transplants by day 6-8.

3

Flowering

4-8 weeks (or longer in cool climates)

Vibrant scarlet flowers with bright yellow centers appear above the foliage, creating a striking bicolor display. Flowers emerge on long pedicels, standing clear of the leaves.

Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering. Reduce watering slightly if foliage growth outpaces blooms. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.

4

Peak Bloom & Pollination

3-6 weeks

Maximum flower production with multiple blooms open simultaneously. Plant attracts pollinators, particularly bees and hummingbirds. If pollinated, seed pods develop beneath flowers.

Continue deadheading to maintain prolific blooming. Monitor for pests, particularly aphids. Ensure consistent watering during hot spells.

5

Senescence & Seed Set

4-6 weeks until frost

As temperatures cool (in fall) or daylight shortens, flowering slows. If flowers are left unpollinated, three-lobed seed pods develop. Plant may continue flowering until frost.

Allow some flowers to set seed if you wish to collect seeds. Cut back spent foliage as needed. Leave some seed pods on the plant for self-seeding next season if desired.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Alyssum Dusty Miller Petunias Marigolds Sage Borage Dill Cabbage family plants (pest deterrent)

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (may compete for space in tight plantings) Heavy feeders like tomatoes (nasturtiums prefer lean soil)

Common Pests

  • Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, or introduce natural predators like ladybugs. Nasturtiums are often used as trap crops for aphids, protecting nearby plants.

  • Use yellow sticky traps, spray with neem oil, or apply insecticidal soap. Ensure good air circulation.

  • Increase humidity by misting foliage, spray with water, or use neem oil if infestation is severe.

  • Hand-pick larger caterpillars, use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray, or encourage natural predators.

Uses

🍳

Edible flowers and seed pickles

Culinary

Nasturtium flowers add peppery flavor and vibrant color to salads, garnishes, and dishes. Immature seed pods (capers) can be pickled as a sustainable alternative to true capers, providing a sharp, tangy condiment. [source]

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Antimicrobial and immune support

Medicinal

Nasturtium contains glucosinolates and sulfur compounds historically used in herbal medicine. Modern research suggests potential antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties, though evidence is limited. [source]

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Natural pest deterrent

Household

Nasturtiums are excellent companion plants that attract aphids and other pests away from vegetables. They also act as a trap crop, protecting cabbage, squash, and other plants from pest damage. [source]

🎨

Cut flowers and arrangements

Craft

The striking scarlet and yellow bicolor blooms are attractive in fresh floral arrangements and dried flower crafts. Flowers maintain color well in vases for 3-5 days. [source]

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Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

Bright, nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators, making them excellent 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

Harvest flowers when fully open for maximum color impact in arrangements or for culinary use. Flowers are best picked in early morning. Collect immature seed pods (capuchins) when green for pickling; harvest seeds for replanting once pods turn brown and dry on the plant, typically 4-6 weeks after flowering.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Nasturtiums are named from the Latin 'nasus tortus' (twisted nose) because the flower's spur resembles a nose, and the plant's peppery flavor can make one wrinkle their nose.
  • 🌱 The Sunburst series is known for its unique striped or bicolor flowers; Scarlet is particularly prized for its dramatic contrast between deep scarlet petals and bright yellow center.
  • 🌱 Nasturtium seeds develop inside distinctive three-lobed pods called 'capuchins' (from Spanish 'capucha,' meaning hood), which naturally drop and self-seed in gardens.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Deadhead Full Sun Hardening Off Partial Shade pH Pinch Back Transplant True Leaves
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