Spitfire Climbing Nasturtium

Renee's Garden - Spitfire’s brilliant, scarlet-red blossoms shine out amongst trailing lily pad shaped green foliage and their nectar is adored by hovering hummingbirds. Train them up short trellises or tripods for a cascade of bright blossoms or use the abundant, fiery-colored spurred flowers and their handsome leaves as a perfect way to disguise neglected areas, soften fences or walls, or tumble from big containers. Both flowers and leaves are edible with a flavor reminiscent of watercress with a pinch of honey. 

 Characteristics: 

Instructions - To start outdoors, sow seeds in spring once all danger of frost is over in full sun (or part shade in hot climates). Nasturtiums need no added fertilizer in most soils. Poke seeds into well-worked soil about 1 inch deep and 3 to 4 inches apart. Press the soil firmly over the seeds and keep them moist. When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin 10 inches apart so plants will have ample room to grow.

To start early indoors, sow 2 seeds each in individual 4-inch pots of well-drained seed starting mix 3 weeks before the last expected frost date. Cover 1 inch deep. Provide a strong light source. When seedlings have several sets of leaves, pinch out the weaker seedling leaving 1 per pot. After outdoor temperatures are evenly above 50°F (10°C) gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions. Transplant seedlings into the garden 10 to 12 inches apart in full sun.

Climbing nasturtiums are very reliable and easy to grow in any well-drained soil. Help them to twine up their supports, then they’ll climb easily and bloom nonstop. Do not let plants dry out during the blooming season. You can also plant Moonlight to tumble along the ground. 

• Plant in April-June for cold winters; March-July for mild winters
  
• Full sun or partial shade 
• Sow seeds 3-4" apart; 1" deep 
  
• 7-14 days to germinate 
  
• Mature height: 4-6 feet

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