annual

Dwarf Nasturtium

The Story

Plant Bio

Tropaeolum minus is a compact, mounding annual native to the Andes mountains of Ecuador and Peru. The species is distinguished by its circular, parasol-like leaves and long-stalked, spurred flowers that bloom continuously from summer until the first frost.

Unlike the climbing garden nasturtium, this species maintains a bushy, non-vining habit that rarely exceeds one foot in height. The flowers feature distinctive toothed or split petals in shades of yellow, orange, and deep red.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a compact mound of circular, bright green foliage covered in spurred, brightly colored flowers.

Produces edible leaves, flowers, and seed pods with a peppery, watercress-like flavor.

Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with nectar-rich flowers, and serves as a trap crop for aphids.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Annual

Height

12"

Width

18"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

Ecuador, Peru

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with light, sandy, or loamy soil that drains rapidly.
Sow seeds directly into the garden after the last spring frost, burying them one-half inch deep.
Water sparingly, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry completely between watering sessions.
Deadhead spent flowers weekly to prevent seed formation and encourage continuous blooming.

Pro Tip

Do not apply fertilizer or organic compost to the soil. High soil fertility triggers excessive leaf production at the expense of flower development, while overwatering causes immediate root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Sow seeds directly in poor, well-drained soil.
Deadhead spent flowers weekly to prolong the bloom cycle.
Provide light afternoon shade in regions with extreme summer heat.

Don't

Do not apply nitrogen-rich fertilizers or compost.
Do not overwater or plant in heavy, clay-dominant soils.
Do not cut back into old, leafless wood.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Pest Check
Plant
Propagate

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Border EdgingContainer PlantingEdible GardenRock Garden

Companion Plants

Solanum lycopersicum Brassica oleracea Cucumis sativus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Dwarf Nasturtium questions

What zones can Dwarf Nasturtium grow in?

Dwarf Nasturtium is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Dwarf Nasturtium deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Dwarf Nasturtium, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Dwarf Nasturtium bloom?

Dwarf Nasturtium typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Dwarf Nasturtium need full sun?

Dwarf Nasturtium does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Dwarf Nasturtium drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Dwarf Nasturtium handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.