Tropaeolum lobbianum is commonly referred to as Nasturtium. This variety, Vesuvius, has blooms that are light red. Nasturtium is native to South America, and they add a lovely and exotic look to the garden. They grow quickly and have blooms from summer through fall.
Nasturtiums grows as an annual vining plant in USDA zones 3 - 10 reaching 60 - 80 inches.
Nasturtium will grow anywhere as an annual but will be a perennial only in frost-free climates. It is a climbing vine, so be prepared to give it a structure to climb as soon as it’s a few inches in height. Nasturtium seed is large and it has a hard seed coat. It requires a 24 hour soak in water or to file the seed gently to break the coat open.
Prepare a seedbed by loosening and weeding the soil. Keep seed moist until germination. With a temperature of 68F, germination normally occurs within 10 days. Sow 1 - 2 seeds per plant.
Space the plants 8 - 12 inches apart. Grow in full sun and in well-drained soil. Nasturtium is usually resistant to deer.
