Tropaeolum Mix

🔍 About Tropaeolum Mix

• Type: Fast-growing annual

• USDA Zones: Grown as an annual in all zones

• Height:

  • Bush/Dwarf types: 10–12 in (25–30 cm)

  • Climbing/trailing types: 6–10 ft (1.8–3 m)

• Uses: Borders, containers, hanging baskets, edible gardens

• Edible: Flowers, leaves, and seeds are edible with a peppery taste

📅 1. When to Sow

• Indoors: Start 2–4 weeks before last frost

• Outdoors: Direct sow after last frost, once soil warms (best method)

🌱 2. Seed Prep (Optional but Helpful)

• Scarify: Nick or gently file the seed coat

• Soak: Soak seeds in warm water for 4–8 hours to speed up germination

🌾 3. Sowing Seeds

🌿 Indoors

• Use peat pots or biodegradable containers (nasturtiums dislike root disturbance)

• Fill with well-draining potting mix

• Sow ½–1 inch (1.25–2.5 cm) deep

• Keep moist but not soggy

• Place in a warm, bright area (not overly hot)

🌿 Outdoors

• Sow in full sun

• Sow seeds ½–1 inch deep and 8–12 inches apart

• Water well after planting

🌡️ 4. Germination Conditions

• Temperature: 65–70°F (18–21°C)

• Time: 7–14 days to germinate

🌼 5. Growing On

• Thin or transplant to final spacing: 10–12 inches apart for bush types, wider for climbers

• Water regularly but avoid overwatering

• No fertilizer needed — rich soil or high-nitrogen feed will produce leaves, not flowers

📌 Tips for Success

• Full sun = best flowering

• Poor soil = more flowers (rich soil leads to more foliage)

• Deadhead or trim to encourage new blooms

• Provide support for climbing types

• Great for companion planting: repels aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs