Scientific Name
Tropaeolum incisum (Speg.) Sparre
Common Name(s)
Nasturtium
Synonym(s)
Tropaeolum polyphyllum var. incisum
Scientific Classification
Family: Tropaeolaceae
Genus: Tropaeolum
Flower
Color: Yellow and peach
Bloom Time: Summer
Description
Tropaeolum incisum is a perennial herbaceous plant with flaring petals in shades of yellow and peach when still in bud, and on the outside darker, more orange-brown, and sometimes stained purple. Stems are creeping or climbing and up to 2 feet (60 cm) long. Leaves are deeply divided, blue-grey, and have undulating lobes. Flowers are bisexual, zygomorphic, and are carried on up to 4 inches (10 cm) long stems.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Nasturtiums grow well in almost any type of well-draining soil. They can tolerate dry conditions and low fertility without damage, but best flowering occurs in slightly sandy but moist soil. Avoid planting Nasturtiums in areas with rich soil heavily amended with organic matter because they flower poorly in nutrient-rich locations. In mild summer areas, Nasturtiums prefer full sun. They need afternoon shade if your area experiences high summer temperatures. Nasturtiums only grow during frost-free weather.
Seeds provide an inexpensive and reliable way to produce Nasturtiums. Nasturtium seeds germinate readily when sown directly in the garden in early spring after frost danger has passed. Seeds require planting at a 0.5-inch (1.3 cm) depth to have incomplete darkness for sprouting. Space the seeds 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) apart. Keep the top 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) of soil moist until the seeds germinate, which takes seven to 10 days when temperatures are between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 18 degrees Celsius). If you prefer to use transplants, plant them at the same depth they were growing in their nursery containers and space them 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) apart.
See more at: How to Grow and Care for Nasturtiums.
Origin
This species is concentrated in the Argentinean lake district of northern Patagonia and can also be found in neighboring Chile but only near the passes.
Links
- Back to genus Tropaeolum
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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