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:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- orange, yellow, red
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:
- bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
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
- Germination Time:
- 7–14 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in warm soil (18-22°C) without pretreatment; soak seeds overnight to improve germination.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)
- Vermont Wildflower Farm (nursery and seeds)