Nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus
- Native to:
- Guam, Peru, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands
George Chernilevsky
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Tropaeolaceae
- Genus:
- Tropaeolum
- Species:
- Tropaeolum majus
- USDA Symbol:
- TRMA7
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual | Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Vine
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, orange, red, cream
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni), Isabella tiger moth (Pyrrharctia isabella), Sharp-angled Carpet (Euphyia unangulata), Variegated cutworm (Peridroma saucia), Virginia Tiger Moth (Spilosoma virginica), Xanthorhoe iduata, Small White (Pieris rapae)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Bombus sonorus
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- butterflies, hummingbirds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Prefers fertile soils with good organic content
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–14 days
- Notes:
- Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in warm soil after last frost; darkness improves germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.