Plant Details

Tropaeolum majus

Nasturtium

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Tropaeolum majus.

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General Information

Scientific name: Tropaeolum majus
Also known as: Nasturtium

Plant Properties

Layer: Climber, Ground cover
Size: Medium
Height: 3.50 m
Width: 1.50 m
Growth Rate: Fast
Leaf: None

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 8-11
Soil Moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Full sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Flowers, Leaves, Condiment, Oil, Seed, Seed pod
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