Nasturtium (Jewel Mix)

📖 About This Plant

Nasturtium (Jewel Mix) is one of the most versatile and rewarding plants in the edible garden — a fast-growing annual producing a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and yellow flowers alongside round, shield-shaped leaves, both with a bold peppery flavor reminiscent of watercress. Thriving in zones 2–11 in poor, dry soils (rich soil produces lush foliage but few flowers), Jewel Mix is a compact, mounding variety growing 10–12 inches tall — ideal for borders, containers, and edging. Every part is edible: leaves add peppery bite to salads, flowers make vibrant garnishes and edible decorations, and unripe seed pods can be pickled as a caper substitute. An exceptional beginner plant that grows quickly and virtually looks after itself.

📊 Quick Facts

📅 When to Plant in Your Area

🌱 Care Tips

Direct sow nasturtium seeds after last frost — they dislike transplanting. Nick the large seeds or soak overnight in warm water to speed germination. Sow 1/2 inch deep, 6–8 inches apart in full sun. Plant in poor, dry, well-drained soil — this is essential. In fertile or heavily amended soil, nasturtiums produce enormous leaves and almost no flowers. Do not fertilize. Water sparingly; drought stress triggers prolific flowering. Harvest leaves and flowers regularly for kitchen use — this also keeps plants bushy and productive. Aphids love nasturtiums (they're excellent trap crops, drawing aphids away from vegetables); knock off with a strong water spray or leave them for ladybirds. Self-seeds prolifically in zones 6+ for naturalized return each year without replanting.

🤝 Companion Plants

These plants grow well alongside Nasturtium:

🌿 Related Herb

More herb that grow in similar conditions:

❓ Frequently Asked Questions