Climbing Nasturtiums
Spitfire
EXCLUSIVE - Spitfire’s brilliant, scarlet-red blossoms shine out amongst trailing lily pad shaped green foliage and their nectar is adored by hovering hummingbirds. Train them up short trellises or tripods for a cascade of bright blossoms or use the abundant, fiery-colored spurred flowers and their handsome leaves as a perfect way to disguise neglected areas, soften fences or walls, or tumble from big containers. Both flowers and leaves are edible with a flavor reminiscent of watercress with a pinch of honey.
ANNUAL VINE
Spring/summer/fall bloom
Frost tender
EASY TO START OUTDOORS
Sow seeds in spring once all danger of frost is over in full sun (or part shade in hot climates). Nasturtiums need no added fertilizer in most soils. Poke seeds into well-worked soil about 1 inch deep and 3 to 4 inches apart. Press soil firmly over the seeds and keep moist. When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin 10 to 12 inches apart so plants will have ample room to grow.
TO START EARLY INDOORS
Sow 2 seeds each in individual 4-inch pots of well-drained seed starting mix 3 weeks before last expected frost date. Cover 1 inch deep. Provide a strong light source. When seedlings have several sets of leaves, pinch out the weaker seedling leaving 1 seedling per pot. When weather is evenly in the 50°F (10°C) range, gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions. Transplant 10 to 12 inches apart in full sun.
GROWING NOTES
Climbing nasturtiums are easy to grow in any well-drained soil. You’ll need to train young plants onto their supports with loose ties, then they’ll climb easily and bloom non-stop. Do not let plants dry out during blooming season. Spitfire’s glowing blossoms are summer beacons for hungry hummingbirds.
Cold Winters |
Mild Winters |
Sun/Shade |
Sow Seeds |
Days to Germinate |
Mature Height |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
April - June
|
March - July
|
Sun/part shade
|
3 - 4 inches apart
1 inch deep |
9 - 12 days
|
4 - 6 feet
|
Cold Winters |
Mild Winters |
Sun/Shade |
Sow Seeds |
Days to Germinate |
Mature Height |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
April - June
|
March - July
|
Sun/part shade
|
3 - 4 inches apart
1 inch deep |
9 - 12 days
|
4 - 6 feet
|
Cold Winters
April - June
|
Mild Winters
March - July
|
Sun/Shade
Sun/part shade
|
Sow Seeds
3 - 4 inches apart
1 inch deep |
Days to Germinate
9 - 12 days
|
Mature Height
4 - 6 feet
|