Tropaeolum Majus
Tropaeolum majus
Tropaeolum majus is a fast-growing, entirely edible annual from South America, beloved worldwide for its bold, spurred blooms in warm shades of red, orange, and yellow, and its round, parasol-like leaves. It symbolizes victory, conquest, and patriotism, and is equally at home in the vegetable patch, the flower border, and on the dinner plate.
Tropaeolaceae (Nasturtium family)
Late spring through autumn frost (May to October); often fastest-flowering of all garden annuals in cool weather
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: nasturtiums and tagetes patulas also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
The genus name Tropaeolum was coined by Linnaeus from the Greek tropaion, meaning a trophy or monument of victory, because the round, shield-like leaves and helmet-shaped flowers reminded him of the Roman custom of hanging captured armor and shields on a trophy post after battle. The species name majus simply means greater, distinguishing it from smaller relatives. Nasturtiums were first brought to Europe from the Andes of South America in the late 16th century by Spanish explorers, and their edibility and brilliant color made them immediately popular. In the Victorian language of flowers, nasturtium represented patriotism and a warlike disposition, reflecting the martial imagery of its genus name, as well as conquest of difficulties. The edible flowers became fashionable in Georgian and Victorian salads and garnishes, a trend that has powerfully returned in modern edible flower cuisine. The plant's cheerful resilience, willingness to thrive in neglected, poor conditions, and completely edible nature from flower to seed have made it a beloved symbol of unpretentious, optimistic vitality in both culinary and gardening culture.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; flowers most freely in full sun; tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates, which can extend the blooming season in summer heat
Water
Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established; overwatering and overly rich soil produce abundant lush foliage at the expense of flowers
Soil
Poor to average fertility, Well-drained, Sandy or loamy, Tolerates a wide range of soils, Neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6.0-7.5)
Expert Growing Tips
Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost; seeds are large enough for children to handle easily and germinate in 7-14 days; soak overnight to speed germination
Do not fertilize; rich or nitrogen-heavy soil produces spectacular foliage and very few flowers; poor soil is the key to prolific blooming
Deadhead regularly to prolong the flowering season; allow some seed pods to ripen for self-seeding or save seed for next year
Watch for blackfly (aphids), which are attracted to nasturtiums; the plant is widely used as a trap crop to draw aphids away from more valued plants
Harvest leaves, flowers, and seed pods regularly for culinary use; the more you pick, the more the plant produces
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Cottage garden and informal border color plants
- Trailing and climbing plants for fences, trellises, and banks
- Edible flower and kitchen gardens combining ornamental and culinary use
- Ground cover in sunny, dry areas
- Container planting for patios and balconies; hanging baskets with trailing varieties
Traditional Uses
- Nasturtium leaves and flowers contain high levels of vitamin C and glucotropaeolin, a glucosinolate compound that breaks down to produce isothiocyanates with natural antibiotic and antifungal properties; traditionally used as a fresh herb for respiratory infections and urinary tract conditions in South American and European folk medicine
- The unripe seed pods can be pickled in vinegar to produce a caper substitute with a similar peppery flavor and some of the same antimicrobial properties as true capers
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tropaeolum Majus
Are nasturtium flowers edible?
Yes, every part of Tropaeolum majus is edible. The flowers have a fresh, peppery, mildly spicy flavor and are used as colorful garnishes for salads, desserts, and drinks. The leaves are edible and taste similar to watercress. The unripe seed pods can be pickled to make a caper substitute. The mature seeds can also be ground and used as a seasoning. All plant parts are safe for human consumption and rich in vitamin C.
Why does my nasturtium have lots of leaves but no flowers?
The most common cause of leafy but flowerless nasturtiums is overly rich or fertile soil. Nasturtiums evolved in poor Andean soils and thrive when starved of nutrients, directing their energy into flowering. Avoid feeding plants at all and plant in average to poor soil. Too much shade or excessive watering can also reduce flowering. Move to a sunnier spot and hold back on watering for best bloom.
What does the nasturtium flower symbolize?
Nasturtium symbolizes victory, courage, and patriotism. Linnaeus named the genus for the Roman trophy post (tropaion) because the round leaves and helmet-shaped flowers reminded him of a martial display of captured armor. In Victorian floriography nasturtiums represented a warlike disposition and conquest of adversity. They are also symbols of optimistic vitality and the joy of unpretentious, freely flowering beauty.
Do nasturtiums come back every year?
Tropaeolum majus is an annual in most climates and does not survive frost. However, it self-seeds very freely and will often naturalize in gardens, reappearing reliably year after year in mild climates if seeds are allowed to fall and overwinter in the soil. In frost-free climates (USDA Zones 9-11) plants may persist as short-lived perennials.
Are nasturtiums good for companion planting?
Yes, nasturtiums are excellent companion plants. They act as a highly effective trap crop for aphids (blackfly), drawing them away from more valued vegetables such as beans, tomatoes, and brassicas. The strongly scented foliage also deters some pests and whiteflies. They attract beneficial predatory insects and hoverflies, and their open flowers provide nectar for bees and butterflies, making them one of the most useful plants in an integrated vegetable garden planting scheme.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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