How to Grow Red Gleam Nasturtium
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Red Gleam Nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus 'Red Gleam'
flowerRed Gleam is a semi-double to double-flowered nasturtium cultivar producing vibrant red-orange blossoms with ruffled petals. This vigorous trailing or mounding variety is prized for its ornamental appeal and edible flowers, reaching 12-18 inches in height with a sprawling habit. It blooms prolifically throughout the growing season and attracts pollinators while repelling pests.
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Example Red Gleam Nasturtium timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Gleam Nasturtium
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 Red Gleam Nasturtium blooms
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives as an annual in zones 2-11; perennial in zones 10-11
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Seedling
2-3 weeksCotyledons emerge within 7-10 days. Two rounded seed leaves develop, followed by first true leaves with characteristic nasturtium shape.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light; thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart. Avoid crowding to prevent damping off.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops trailing or mounding stems with rounded peltate leaves on long petioles. Stems become more robust and spread outward.
Water moderately; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Fertilize lightly with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks to promote foliage without excess nitrogen.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (extends to frost)Double or semi-double red-orange flowers with ruffled petals appear in leaf axils. Blooms are 1.5-2 inches across with layered petals.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to promote more flowers relative to foliage. Water at soil level to avoid wetting blooms.
Peak Bloom
6-8 weeksMaximum flower production with dense coverage of red-orange blooms. Plant is full and lush with minimal visible gaps.
Continue deadheading. Watch for aphids, especially on young growth. Maintain consistent watering schedule. Enjoy continuous harvest of edible flowers.
Decline/Frost
Variable; until first hard freezeAs temperatures drop or day length shortens, flowering slows. Foliage may show minor damage; flowers cease with first frost.
In mild climates (zones 10+), cut back plant by half to rejuvenate for winter bloom. Collect seeds if desired for next season (they often self-sow).
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs. Reflective mulch deters infestations.
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Increase humidity; spray undersides of leaves with water. Use miticide or neem oil if severe. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Prune heavily infested foliage. Encourage parasitic wasps.
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and
(Gastropoda)
Hand-pick in early morning or evening. Beer traps or copper barriers. Nematodes (Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita) provide biological control.
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Hand-pick; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray. Encourage parasitic wasps. Netting can protect young plants.
Uses
Edible Flowers & Garnish
CulinaryRed Gleam flowers are entirely edible with a peppery, slightly spicy flavor reminiscent of watercress. Use fresh petals as garnish for salads, desserts, or cocktails, or crystallize them for decorative cake toppers. [source]
Peppery Salad Ingredient
CulinaryThe peppery taste of nasturtium flowers pairs excellently with fresh greens, goat cheese, and vinaigrettes. Leaves are also edible with a similar peppery profile and can substitute for watercress in salads and soups. [source]
Pest Deterrent & Trap Crop
HouseholdNasturtiums are classic trap crops that attract aphids and whiteflies away from vegetable gardens, protecting brassicas and other susceptible plants. This living pest management strategy reduces need for pesticides. [source]
Traditional Immune Support
MedicinalNasturtium flowers and leaves contain glucosinolates and vitamin C, traditionally used in herbal preparations to support immune function and respiratory health. Fresh flowers can be steeped in tea or incorporated into tonics. [source]
Natural Dye & Cut Flowers
CraftThe vibrant red-orange petals produce beautiful warm tones in natural dyes for fabric and paper crafts. Double flowers also make long-lasting cut flowers for small arrangements, lasting 3-5 days in water. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pick flowers in early morning after dew dries but before full heat. Flowers are at peak flavor and texture within hours of opening. For edible use, harvest flowers that have fully opened. For seed collection, allow flowers to fade and develop round seed pods (about 2 months after flowering); harvest pods when they turn brown and dry. Store seeds in cool, dry conditions.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red Gleam is named for its glossy, deep red-orange color that seems to 'gleam' in sunlight. The double-flowered form was developed through selective breeding to enhance ornamental appeal while maintaining the plant's culinary and pest-repelling properties.
- 🌱 Nasturtiums have a unique relationship with ants: they produce nectar that attracts ants, which in turn helps protect the plant from certain pests while farming aphids. This ecological trade-off makes Red Gleam an ideal intercrop for integrated pest management.
- 🌱 The name 'nasturtium' derives from Latin 'nasus tortus' meaning 'twisted nose,' referring to the peppery seeds' effect on the nose when ground. The plant was originally called this by Spanish conquistadors who brought it back from Peru and Colombia.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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