Nasturtiums

Basic Information

Seed Number

120

Seed Name

Nasturtiums

Variety

Unknown Variety

Category

Flower

Plant Family

Tropaeolaceae

Plant Type

Garden nasturtium (Tropaeolum spp.)

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Apr 7

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jul 15

Plantable Months

April, May, June, July

Indoor Start

Apr 7 – Apr 14

Direct Sow

May 6 – Jul 15

Transplant

May 12 – Jun 15

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

4 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

1 weeks

Germination Days

7–14 days

Harvest/Maturity

Not recorded

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

60-65°F

Planting Depth

1/2-1 in

Plant Spacing

8-12 in

Row Spacing

18-24 in

Thin-To Spacing

8-12 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun to partial shade

Water Needs

Moderate water; allow the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings

Soil Preference

Well-drained soil of low to moderate fertility; excess nitrogen encourages foliage at the expense of flowers

Minimum Container Size

10 in container

Plant Height

Not recorded

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

No

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

Yes

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow preferred
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 10 – Jul 15
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 50–70 days to bloom
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Edible flowers/leaves; traditional herbal use
Succession / Reusable Notes: Great trap crop and edible flower.
Zone 6B Notes: Soak seeds before sowing if desired.
Companion Plants: Cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, melons, tomatoes, peppers, brassicas, beans, fruit trees
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Very rich soil may reduce flowers
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Direct sow after frost or start indoors only 3-4 weeks before planting out. Because the variety is unknown, it is not possible to determine whether the plant will be compact, trailing or climbing.
Germination: Seeds require darkness for germination and should be fully covered. Transplant gently because nasturtiums dislike root disturbance.
Harvest: Flowers are edible when fully open, and young leaves and green seed pods are also edible.
Seed Saving: Allow seed pods to mature and dry. Because the variety is unknown and nearby nasturtiums can cross, saved plants may vary.
Special Care: Trellis status is left false because compact and trailing nasturtiums do not require support; if this seed proves to be a climbing type, support will be useful.
Research Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds — https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/flowers/nasturtium/nasturtium-key-growing-information.html — 7-14 day germination, 60-65°F temperature, 1/2-1 inch depth, 3-4 week indoor start, 8-12 inch spacing, sun, soil, container use and edible flowers/leaves/pods
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]