Tall Mixed Colors Nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus Seeds per pack ~ 25 Packed for 2025
Tall Mixed Colors. We love nasturtium’s long, trailing vines with luminescent edible blooms! Easy to grow, nasturtiums thrive in gardens as well as raised beds and containers, including hanging pots so their ten-foot vines sway in the breeze. Ours is a classic mix of red, rose, orange and yellow blossoms like peppery gems to toss on salads, soups and sandwiches.
Origins and History
Tall Mixed Colors Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is an heirloom flower native to South America, particularly the Andes region of Peru and Bolivia, where it was traditionally grown for both ornamental and culinary purposes. Introduced to Europe in the late 1600s by Spanish explorers, nasturtiums quickly became popular in cottage gardens for their vibrant blooms and edible qualities. Over time, growers selected varieties for different traits, with the tall, vining types prized for their ability to climb fences and cascade from containers, offering both beauty and function in the garden.
Appearance and Characteristics
This variety of nasturtium features sprawling, trailing vines that can grow 5 to 10 feet in length, making it ideal for vertical spaces or for use as a groundcover. The rounded, shield-like leaves are a bright green and serve as a lush backdrop for the vividly colored blossoms. The flowers appear in a mix of fiery shades—red, orange, yellow, and peach—each with a distinctive spur at the back. Nasturtiums bloom from late spring to early fall and are known to thrive in cooler parts of the growing season. Both leaves and flowers emit a subtle peppery fragrance.
Culinary Uses
Nasturtiums are entirely edible and have long been favored in the kitchen for their unique, peppery flavor, reminiscent of watercress. The brightly colored petals add a splash of color and a zesty bite to salads, open-faced sandwiches, and garnishes. The leaves can be chopped into pestos or mixed with greens. Unripe green seed pods can be pickled and used as a substitute for capers, offering a tangy burst of flavor in sauces and spreads.
Growing Tips
Tall Mixed Colors Nasturtiums grow best in full sun to partial shade and in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Interestingly, they bloom more prolifically in poorer soils—too much fertility can result in abundant foliage with fewer flowers. Direct sow seeds outdoors after the last frost, as nasturtiums dislike transplanting. Soak seeds overnight to speed up germination, which usually occurs in 7–10 days. Provide a trellis or fence for climbing varieties, or allow them to spill over borders and containers for a dramatic effect.
Harvesting Guidance
Begin harvesting leaves and flowers once the plant is well-established, usually 4 to 6 weeks after sowing. Pick flowers when fully open for the best color and flavor, and harvest leaves young for tender texture. To collect seeds for saving, allow a few flowers to mature and form large, wrinkled seed pods. Let these dry on the vine, then gather and store them in a cool, dry place. Regular deadheading will encourage continued blooming throughout the season.
