A florific Nasturtium with cream to yellow flowers.
Pronunciation
(troo-PEE-oo-lum)(MA-jus)
(nah-STER-shum)
Plant Type
All Plants, Annuals
Hardiness Zone
9-11, annual else where
Sunlight
full sun, light shade
Moisture
prefers evenly moist, quickly wilts if too dry, easily rots if to wet
Soil & Site
average, well drained
Growing Media
average patio
Temperature
tolerates colder temperatures, newer growth will be damaged in freezing conditions
Flowers
5 petals, 2-2 1/2" across, funnel shaped with large spurs off of the back, colors: cream to yellow with occasional pink peach color, red to maroon blotches inside the throat at the base of the petals
Fruit
seeds can be pickled
Leaves
rounded (obicular), green, remind me of a lily pad, leaves contain mustard oil, used in salads along with the flowers and buds
Dimensions
around 12" tall by equal spread, has a floppy growing habit
Maintenance
plants tend to flop, pruning is needed to maintain good form
Propagation
Seeds are very large, can be planted "in situ" after the danger of frost has passed or direct seed into a peat pot. Soaking may help germination.
Native Site
Native range is the cool highlands of Mexico and Central America.
Misc Facts
Traeolum comes from the Latin word tropaeum meaning “a trophy”. The leaves were thought to resemble the helmets and shields that were present at Roman triumphs. Nasturtium means bitter leaves.