Consulta Plantas

Care of the climbing plant Tropaeolum majus or Common Nasturtium

The genus Tropaeolum, family Tropaeolaceae, includes more than 80 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants native to Central and South America. Some species are: Tropaeolum majus, Tropaeolum speciosum, Tropaeolum peltophorum, Tropaeolum azureum, Tropaeolum peregrinum.

Common names: Tropaeolum majus, Common Nasturtium, Brunnenkress, Garden Nasturtium, Indian Cress, Mexican Cress, Nasturtium, Nose-Tweaker, Nose-Twister, Peruvian Cress or Watercress. This species is native to Peru, Colombia and Ecuador.

They are herbaceous perennial plants of creeping or climbing habit that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in length. The leaves are green or yellowish, round in shape and have a central petiole. The showy and abundant flowers are trumpet-shaped and can be yellow, orange, or red. They bloom in summer and early fall. They produce fruit the size of a pea.

They are used to cover small areas of the garden and low walls, in hanging pots and for patios, terraces and balconies. In frosty regions they are grown as annuals. The leaves and flowers can be eaten in salads. The flower buds and the fruits are used in pickles.

Tropaeolum majus needs full sun or semi-shade exposure; they also grow in shade but produce fewer flowers. They do not resist frost.

The soil should be light, well drained, and contain abundant organic matter.

Water regularly so that the substrate does not dry out completely (never flood); wait until the surface part of the substrate has dried.

Fertilize with manure or compost at planting time and with mineral fertilizer every 15 days from early summer to early autumn.

They do not need pruning.

They are plants prone to attack by caterpillars and aphids; excess watering rots the roots.

They are propagated from seed in spring in the seedbed or in the final location.

Images of the climbing plant Tropaeolum majus or Common Nasturtium