Grow a garden filled with the delightful Cherry Rose Nasturtium, from freshly harvested Tropaeolum nanum flower seeds. Cherry Rose will produce stunning, 2 to 3 inch flowers, in a carmine coloring. The blooms are made up of 5 petals, three on the bottom and 2 on the top. Cherry Rose plants have a compact growth habit, maturing to a height of roughly 8 to 14 inches tall and spreading about 12 inches wide. This dwarf growth habit makes them a perfect plant to use in pots & containers, in flower beds, or in raised beds. You can even consider growing them in window boxes as well.
Categorized as an annual flowering plant, Cherry Rose Nasturtium will grow quickly from freshly harvested seeds. The plants will then bloom profusely, during the summer months, and will later wilt with the first frost. Seeds can drop to the bare ground beneath, establishing new plant life the following spring. The seeds can also be collected from the dried flower heads at the end of the season. The beautiful, soft yellow flowers will attract all sorts of beneficial insects to the garden. These insects include butterflies, bumblebees, honeybees & hummingbirds. Many gardeners sow these seeds to establish a butterfly garden, since they can be grown with other nasturtium and wildflowers.
The flowers, seeds, leaves and even the stems, of your Cherry Rose Nasturtium plants are edible. Use early seeds as a substitute for capers, or add the leaves and flowers to salads. These delicious plants are enjoyed through the summer months, with their peppery flavors. Nasturtium flowers are also used in butters, soups and gumbo’s as well.
Quick Facts
- Type: Flower
- Color: Rose / Red
- Height: 8″ to 14″ Tall
- Width: 12″ Spread
- Season: Annual
- Zones: 3 to 10
- Environment: Full Sun
Sowing The Seed
Nasturtium seeds have a tough outer shell, which can be scarified to improve germination. Nick the seeds with a knife, or sandpaper and soak them in warm water overnight. Once this has been done, you can sow the seeds either indoors, or directly outdoors. If started indoors, sow the seeds in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last forst. Peat pots will help prevent root shock when transplanted. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1/2” under topsoil. Transplant entire pots, or direct sow outdoors when the weather has warmed and all danger of frost has passed.
Growing Conditions
Nasturtium will thrive in areas of full sunlight, with temperatures of at least 65F or higher. They require poor soils, which will promote more blooms. The sowing medium should be well drained as well. To increase your drainage, we recommend that you add a light compost to any areas containing hard, compact soil. Water the seeds daily until germination has successfully occurred.
Germination & Growth
Nasturtium seeds typically take anywhere between 7 and 10 days to germinate. The plants will grow to a mature height of roughly 8 to 14 inches tall and can spread 12 inches wide. The plants can be spaced about 12 inches apart from one another. The 2 to 3 inch, carmine colored blooms will attract an array of beneficial insects to the garden, such as bumblebees, honeybees, butterflies & hummingbirds as well. The leaves, seeds, stems & flowers are all edible from Nasturtium plants.