Also known as Nasturtium · 68 gardener saves
Tropaeolum: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Tropaeolum, the genus most gardeners know as nasturtium. We track 4 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 4 most-saved Tropaeolum varieties
Of 4 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedEmpress of India Nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus 'Empress of India'
#2 most savedNasturtium
Tropaeolum majus
#3 most savedNasturtium 'Tip Top Rose'
Tropaeolum majus 'Tip Top Rose'
Salmon Baby Nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus 'Salmon Baby'
How to grow Tropaeolum
What the Tropaeolum varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Tropaeolum year
- PlantApril and May100% of varieties
Sow seeds directly or transplant seedlings after the danger of frost has passed
- HarvestMay–September100% of varieties
Harvest flowers, leaves, and green seed pods (capers) regularly
- Check for PestsMay–July100% of varieties
Watch for aphids, especially on new growth; treat with insecticidal soap
- FertilizeMay75% of varieties
Fertilize sparingly with low-nitrogen feed; too much nitrogen reduces flowering
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Provide full sun for vibrant blooms
- Support climbing varieties with a trellis
- Water consistently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Prune to remove dead or damaged stems for better airflow
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Refrain from fertilizing in late fall
- Don't let soil dry out completely
- Don't let soil dry out completely between waterings
What goes wrong with Tropaeolum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and apply miticide if needed |
| Spider mites | Webbing on leaves and stippling damage | Increase humidity and use insecticidal soap |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Root Rot | Wilting despite adequate watering | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
Making more Tropaeolum
Cuttings
- Take 4-inch softwood cuttings in late spring.
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist potting mix and keep humid for 6 weeks.
Seed
- Sow seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost.
- Keep soil moist and maintain 65-75°F temperature.
- Transplant seedlings outdoors after frost danger passes.
Tropaeolum questions
How many types of Tropaeolum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Tropaeolum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 68 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Tropaeolum grow in?
Across its varieties, Tropaeolum covers USDA Zones 5–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Tropaeolum bloom?
Most Tropaeolum varieties bloom in summer to fall, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Tropaeolum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Tropaeolum shows up in
Design with Tropaeolum in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
