Tropaeolum majus

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Tropaeolum majus

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Zones A1-A3, 1-45, H1, H2

Full, Partial

Moderate

Garden Nasturtium
Tropaeolaceae
Annuals, Vegetables

TROPAEOLUM

Old-fashioned favorites from South America. Distinctive appearance, rapid growth, and easy culture are three of their many strong points.

Tropaeolum majus

Two main kinds: climbing types, which trail over ground or climb to 6 ft. by coiling leafstalks; and compact, bushy, dwarf kinds to 1 1/2 ft. high and wide (dwarf types are more widely sold). Both have round bright green leaves on long stalks. Long-spurred flowers to 2 1/2 in. across have a refreshing fragrance, come in colors including maroon, red brown, orange, yellow, red, creamy white. You can get seeds of mixed colors in several strains; some single colors are also sold. Both single- and double- flowered forms are available. All varieties make good cut flowers. Young leaves, flowers, and unripe seedpods have a peppery flavor and are frequently used in salads.