Tropaeolum majus

Plant Details

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General Information

Scientific name: Tropaeolum majus
Also known as: Nastirtium

Plant Properties

Layer: Climb, Soil
Format: Medium
Height: 3.50 m
Width: 1.50 m
Growth Rate: Fast
Leaf: -

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 8-11
Soil Moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium)
pH:
Acid Neutral Basic
Light:
Sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Flowers, Leaves, Condiment, Oil, Seed, Seedpod
Edibility:
(4)
Medicinal:
(3)
Features:
Insecticide, Oil, Repellent, Fragrant

Description

Leaves - Edible raw. They have a spicy watercress flavor and are delicious on their own or as an addition to mixed salads. They are rich in vitamin C and are available from early summer until the first frost of autumn. Flowers - Edible raw. These flowers are both decorative and tasty in salads. They have a subtle watercress flavor and are available throughout the summer. The flowers contain about 130 mg of vitamin C per 100 g. Young seed pods - Edible raw. These have an even more intense flavor than the flowers or leaves. They can also be harvested while immature and pickled for use as an alternative to capers. Seeds - Edible raw or cooked. Very spicy in flavor. The ripe seeds can be ground into powder and used as a substitute for pepper. The seeds contain 26% protein and 10% oil.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/06
End of Harvest: 30/09

Guilds

Guild Information

Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.

Guild Details

Guild Description
Arbutus unedoxaera
Strawberry Tree
Attracts pollinators and can deter pests from Tropaeolum majus.
Prunus persica
Peach
Provides shade and helps in moisture retention for Tropaeolum majus.
Corylus avellana
Hazel
The hazelnut provides nutrients to the soil and attracts beneficial insects.
Amelanchier alnifolia
Serviceberry
Provides shade and supports biodiversity, creating a healthier environment for Tropaeolum majus.
Fagopyrum esculentum
Buckwheat
Buckwheat can improve soil quality and attract pollinators to the area.
Rubus idaeus
Raspberry
Raspberry plants benefit from Tropaeolum majus as they share similar growing conditions.