| Description | 'Fort Hook' Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) A tall single climbing or cascading type nasturtium. |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | (troo-PEE-oo-lum)(MA-jus) |
| Plant Type | Annuals, Site author's observations |
| Hardiness Zone | 9-11, annual else where |
| Sunlight | full sun, light shade |
| Moisture | prefers evenly moist, quickly wilts and easily rots if to wet |
| Soil & Site | prefer average, avoid rich |
| Temperature | tolerates colder temperatures, newer growth will be damaged in freezing conditions, do not like like very hot full sun areas |
| Flowers | 5 petals, 2-2 1/2" across, funnel-shaped with large spurs off of the back, oranges, yellows, and reds, edible |
| Fruit | seeds can be pickled |
| Leaves | rounded, shield shape (obicular), green, remind me of a lily pad, leaves contain mustard oil, used in salads along with the flowers and buds |
| Stems | cascading |
| Dimensions | 6-10 inches tall, spread 3 plus feet |
| Maintenance | plants tend to flop, pruning is needed to maintain good form, a few small bamboo poles can be used to support the plant |
| Propagation | larger seeds can be planted "in situ" after the danger of frost has passed or direct seed into a peat pot. Soaking may help germination |
| Native Site | Native range is in the cool highlands of Mexico and Central America. |
| Misc Facts | Tropaeolum comes from the Latin word tropaeum meaning “a trophy”. The leaves were thought to resemble the helmets and shields that were present at Roman triumphs. Nasturtium means bitter leaves. Also literally means ‘nose-twister’ or ’nose-tweaker.’ The term was derived from the effect that the peppery flavor of these plants has on nasal passages when ingested. |
| Author's Notes | I have grown many different Nasturtiums throughout the years and they are rather easy to grow and start from seed, The cascading, climbing, or floppiness of the plants will depend on the variety that is used. |
| Notes & Reference | #28-Cottage Garden Annuals(Clive Lane), #37-The Contained Garden (Kenneth A. Beckett, David Carr, David), #108-Restoring American Gardens (Adams) |
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