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How to Grow Tangerine Jewel Nasturtium

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Tangerine Jewel Nasturtium

Tropaeolum majus 'Tangerine Jewel'

flower

Tangerine Jewel is a vibrant, compact nasturtium variety prized for its stunning deep orange flowers and attractive rounded foliage. This dwarf cultivar grows as a bushy mound, making it ideal for containers, borders, and edging. Both flowers and leaves are edible with a peppery flavor, adding ornamental and culinary value to gardens.

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Example Tangerine Jewel Nasturtium timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Tangerine Jewel Nasturtium

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Tangerine Jewel Nasturtium blooms

    Around May 22

    ≈ 35 days after planting

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

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to partial shade, ideally 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering
💧
Water: Moderate, consistent moisture; water when top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering, which reduces flowering. Drought-tolerant once established.
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Spacing: 9-12 inches
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Days to maturity: 35-50 days to first flowers
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Planting depth: 0.5-1 inch for seeds; transplants at soil line

Soil

Type: Well-draining, moderately fertile loamy soil
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost Perlite or sand for drainage Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 2-11; grown as an annual in cooler regions

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

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Growth Stages

1

Germination & Seedling

10-14 days

Seeds sprout within 7-10 days; cotyledons emerge followed by first true leaves with distinctive rounded shape.

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light immediately after sprouting. Maintain 65-75°F for optimal germination.

2

Vegetative Growth

2-3 weeks

Plant develops multiple stems and dense, rounded foliage; leaves deepen in color. Compact, bushy habit becomes apparent.

Pinch tips when 3-4 inches tall to encourage bushier growth. Water moderately; allow soil surface to dry between waterings. Reduce nitrogen to avoid excessive leafy growth.

3

Budding & Early Flowering

1-2 weeks

Small flower buds appear among foliage; first vibrant tangerine blooms open, typically 35-50 days after planting.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Water at soil level to avoid wetting flowers. Maintain moderate temperatures (60-75°F).

4

Peak Flowering

6-8 weeks or until frost

Plant covered in numerous bright tangerine-orange flowers; blooms continue prolifically throughout season.

Deadhead regularly to sustain flowering through summer. Provide occasional balanced fertilizer (low nitrogen) every 3-4 weeks if grown in containers. Ensure good air circulation.

5

Late Season & Seed Development

Until first hard frost

Flowering may slow in intense heat or cold; if flowers are not deadheaded, round seed pods develop.

Allow some flowers to fade if seed collection is desired. In fall, frost will kill the plant. Collect ripe seed pods for next season before frost.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Cabbage Kale Broccoli Calendula Borage Alyssum Dusty Miller Petunias

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas in same container (space competition) Root crops that need deep soil Heavy feeders like tomatoes

Common Pests

  • Spray with strong water jet; use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce ladybugs. Nasturtium's peppery compounds naturally repel some aphids, but plants still susceptible.

  • Yellow sticky traps; reflective mulch; insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. Improve air circulation.

  • Hand-pick larger caterpillars. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray for heavy infestations. Some damage acceptable as plants are ornamental.

  • Increase humidity; spray with water. Neem oil or miticide if severe. More common in hot, dry conditions.

  • Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Sulfur or potassium bicarbonate fungicide spray. Remove affected leaves.

Uses

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Peppery Edible Flowers & Leaves

Culinary

Both flowers and rounded leaves deliver a peppery, watercress-like flavor perfect for salads, garnishes, and gourmet dishes. The bright tangerine blooms add striking visual appeal to plates and are mild enough for fresh consumption. [source]

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Pest Control & Companion Planting

Household

Nasturtiums act as a trap crop for aphids and cabbage moths, drawing pests away from nearby vegetables like broccoli and kale. This makes them valuable in organic integrated pest management strategies. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Remedy

Medicinal

Leaves and flowers have been used traditionally in herbal medicine for their potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, though scientific evidence remains limited. Often prepared as teas or poultices. [source]

🎨

Edible Flower Decoration

Craft

The vibrant tangerine flowers are perfect for crystallizing, pressing, or using fresh to decorate cakes, pastries, and cocktails. Their bold color and peppery kick enhance both visual presentation and flavor profiles. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Magnet

Wildlife

Bright flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and butterflies, supporting pollinator populations in gardens. The abundant nectar and pollen make it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly planting schemes. [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 harvestable from 5-6 weeks after planting onward. Pinch flowers and young leaves in morning after dew dries. Best flavor in young, tender leaves and freshly opened flowers. Harvest regularly to encourage more blooms. For seeds, allow pods to mature (turn brown), then collect and dry for 2-3 weeks before storing in cool, dry place. Seeds remain viable 3-5 years.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Nasturtium seeds can be pickled green as a 'poor man's capers' substitute, with a similar briny, peppery crunch to true capers from the Mediterranean.
  • 🌱 The name 'Tropaeolum' derives from the Greek 'tropaeum' (trophy), because the plant's shield-shaped leaves and rounded seed pods resembled ancient battle trophies hung on poles.
  • 🌱 Tangerine Jewel is a dwarf cultivar specifically bred for container growing and compact gardens, unlike the trailing or sprawling types that can reach 10+ feet in length.

Gardening Terms

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

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Germination Partial Shade True Leaves
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