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Open-pollinated seeds Tropaeolaceae

ornamental flower

Nasturtium 'Spitfire'

Name: Nasturtium 'Spitfire'
Brand: Le potager ornemental de Catherine
SKU: POC-SEMENCES
Price: 4.19 CAD
Availability: InStock

Trapaeolum majus

Grow Nasturtium 'Spitfire' from these flower seeds to bring out the characteristic colour, shape and growth habit of its flowers. Spitfire is a nasturtium with vermilion-red flowers, whose stems trail for 2 to 4 m (6.6 to 13 ft) or can climb. Flowering lasts from July until frost. The leaves, flowers and flower buds are edible. Watch the buds open and check the condition of the flowers. When the variety is suitable for bouquets, cut a few stems with a clean tool and place them in water promptly. In a flower bed, remove only the faded flowers when you want a tidy display rather than saved seeds. Sow directly in the garden after the last frost. You can also start the seeds indoors in containers, sowing them 3 to 6 weeks before the planned planting date. Sow the seeds at a depth of 2 cm (0.8 in).

Quantity: ±25 seeds
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Life cycle: Annual

Common nameNasturtium

FamilyTropaeolaceae

GenusTrapaeolum

Speciesmajus

CultivarSpitfire

TypeOpen-pollinated seeds

Botanical nameTrapaeolum majus

Reproducible seedsYes

Nasturtium 'Spitfire', Tropaeolum majus, is an annual with vermilion-red flowers and long trailing stems. Catherine lists a spread of 2 to 4 m (7 to 13 ft.); this measurement describes the length the plant can occupy, rather than the height of a small upright clump. A support lets you train the stems upward, while an open location allows them to trail along the ground. Rounded leaves accompany flowering from July until frost. The planting arrangement therefore matters as much as the colour: plan this nasturtium's space in spring so it remains accessible as it grows.

Direct sow after the last frost, or start plants indoors 3 to 6 weeks beforehand. Bury the seeds 2 cm (about 3/4 in.) deep and then allow about 30 cm (12 in.) between plants. According to the seed supplier, a location in sun or partial shade is suitable, with soil that provides good drainage. Acclimatize young plants before setting them outdoors. If you want to train it to climb, install the support before the stems lengthen and guide the first shoots toward it. Keep a clear path for watering and picking, without having to lift all the vegetation each time you tend the plants.

The leaves, flowers and flower buds are edible. Pick young, healthy parts from plants grown for food, then wash them before use. The peppery flavour of nasturtiums suggests starting with a small quantity in a dish so you can adjust the seasoning. A few flowers can also bring colour to a dish without requiring a large harvest. In the garden, avoid overfeeding the plant: overly rich soil encourages foliage at the expense of flowers. Observe the balance between stems and flowering, then adapt care to the soil. Frost ends the season for this cold-sensitive annual.

Sowing guide

It all startswith a seed.

Sowing depth

2 cm (0.8 in)

Spacing / density

30 cm (11.8 in)

Sowing period

Direct sow in the garden after the last frost. You can also start seeds in containers indoors 3 to 6 weeks before.

Propagation

Seed sowing

Growing method

These seed-starting tips for Nasturtium 'Spitfire' concern gardening in Quebec and can be adjusted to local frost risks. Sow directly in the garden after the last frost. You can also start the seeds indoors in containers, sowing them 3 to 6 weeks before the planned planting date. Sow the seeds at a depth of 2 cm (0.8 in). Leave 30 cm (11.8 in) between plants. This crop is identified as Tropaeolum majus. Provide a trellis, arch or securely fastened wires for climbing stems. Install the structure before planting to avoid damaging roots later. Leave access to guide the stems and keep them from covering a neighbouring plant you want to keep visible. Prepare the final growing site and seed-starting supplies first. For seed starting in pots, moisten the growing mix before filling the cells, then sow without compressing it into a hard mass. For direct sowing, remove large soil clods and mark a row that you can locate again after watering. Distribute seeds according to the intended spacing rather than pouring several into one spot. Water the growing medium gently so that the flow of water does not displace the seeds you have sown. Once the seedlings have emerged, keep the healthy young plants and allow enough space for them to continue developing. If seedlings are started indoors, gradually acclimatize them to outdoor conditions before planting them out. Handle the root ball carefully without pulling on the stem. Transplant into prepared soil, then water to help the soil settle into contact with the root ball. Flowering lasts from July until frost.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Care level

Moderate

Watering

For Nasturtium 'Spitfire', adjust watering to the stage of growth. Water the seedbed gently so that the seeds remain in place. After establishment, check moisture near the roots rather than judging only by the appearance of the leaves. Direct water to the base and adjust the amount according to rainfall. Check a wind-exposed container more often; excess water must be able to drain freely.

Soil type

For Nasturtium 'Spitfire', the source recommends well-drained soil. Prepare soil that the roots can explore, without large clods around the seeds. Assess drainage after rain as well: water should not remain around the crown for long. In containers, use a growing mix rather than heavy, compacted garden soil. The fertility requirements described for this plant should guide additions, without automatically adding large amounts of compost.

Fertilization

When feeding Nasturtium 'Spitfire', begin with the fertility of the growing medium. Do not try to produce a large mass of leaves by applying heavy amounts of nitrogen; respect the actual needs of this crop. Before applying fertilizer, examine the soil or growing mix already in use. Measure each application according to the label and the crop's needs, without combining several products at once. In containers, account for nutrients already present in the growing mix. A plant that is suffering from a lack of water cannot be helped simply by applying additional fertilizer.

Moisture

Even moisture without saturation

Seasonal care

When caring for Nasturtium 'Spitfire', keep the following defining characteristic of the plant in mind: Spitfire is a nasturtium with vermilion-red flowers whose stems trail for 2 to 4 m (6.6 to 13 ft.) or can climb. Flowering lasts from July until frost. The leaves, flowers and flower buds are edible. Monitor the flower buds throughout the growing season and use a clean tool to remove any stems that have broken. Cutting flowers to make a bouquet and keeping flowers for seed saving are two different choices for managing the plants. Retain a few seed capsules only if you want seeds, watching for them to open before dispersal. Start the season with a prepared site and labelled seedlings. During emergence, check that moisture reaches the seed zone without creating a persistent puddle. After planting, observe establishment before adding more fertilizer or pruning. Remove small weeds and check damaged leaves so that isolated damage is not mistaken for a need for fertilizer. Throughout summer, adjust watering to the condition of the soil and the rain received. Check support ties after windy weather, and do not let a tie constrict a thickening stem. Make cuts with a clean tool; do not remove a healthy stem simply to improve the view. In fall, separate what should be harvested, left in place or removed according to the plant's life cycle. After detaching the stems, put the supports away and clean your tools; take care not to move diseased plant debris into other growing areas. Whether the plant returns in spring depends on its stated life cycle, not simply on the word garden in its description. Watch the buds open and check the condition of the flowers. When the variety is suitable for bouquets, cut a few stems with a clean tool and place them in water promptly.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Growth habit

Trailing; can be trained on a support, with stems 2 to 4 m (7 to 13 ft) long

Bloom period

Observe flowering in Nasturtium 'Spitfire' using these guidelines. Spitfire is a nasturtium with vermilion-red flowers, whose stems trail for 2 to 4 m (6.6 to 13 ft) or can climb. Flowering lasts from July until frost. The leaves, flowers and flower buds are edible. Watch the buds and flowers according to this plant's life cycle. A stated time frame shifts with growing conditions; it does not set the same date for all of Quebec. Cut flowers for bouquets only when this use is documented.

Harvest

For Nasturtium 'Spitfire', harvest only the confirmed edible parts: leaves, flowers and flower buds. Harvest healthy parts from identified plants, without mixing a similar-looking flower with this crop. Prepare the harvest using clean equipment; the rest of the plant is not automatically an ingredient.

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

When choosing companions for Nasturtium 'Spitfire', consider light, access and space. Provide a trellis, arch or securely fastened wires for climbing stems. Install the structure before planting to avoid damaging roots later. Leave access to guide the stems and keep them from covering a neighbouring plant you want to keep visible. Plan companion planting around the available space and growing requirements. Leave enough light and air around the plant, and keep taller neighbours from covering its foliage. A practical arrangement of plants makes watering and harvesting easier to manage; it does not, by itself, guarantee protection against insect pests or an increase in yield. Keep every crop accessible and maintain its individual spacing.

Recipe idea

From the gardento your plate.

Edible parts

Leaves, flowers and flower buds

For Nasturtium 'Spitfire', use only the leaves, flowers and flower buds, whose edible use is confirmed by the supplier. Harvest from identified plants intended for food use. Discard damaged parts and clean the harvest before preparing it. Start with a small amount as a garnish or in a preparation suited to this part of the plant. Do not substitute a similar-looking flower: colour alone does not establish edibility. The rest of the plant and the seeds in the packet are not included in this use. For a garnish, prepare the tender parts close to serving time and keep them chilled. For cooking, add the harvest to a dish suited to its texture, without assigning the same use to every plant part. This suggestion is culinary; it does not present the plant as a medicinal treatment. Respect the crop's identification and keep ornamental flowers not intended for food out of the preparation. Spitfire is a nasturtium with vermilion-red flowers, whose stems trail for 2 to 4 m (6.6 to 13 ft) or can climb. Flowering lasts from July until frost. The leaves, flowers and flower buds are edible.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

How do you sow Nasturtium 'Spitfire' seeds?

For Nasturtium 'Spitfire', sow directly in the garden after the last frost. You can also start the seeds indoors in containers, sowing them 3 to 6 weeks before the planned planting date. Sow the seeds at a depth of 2 cm (0.8 in). Leave 30 cm (11.8 in) between plants. To choose a sowing date in Quebec, begin with your local frost risk, then apply the timing recommended for this crop. Always plan indoor seed starting by counting backwards from the expected planting date; do not start the seeds too early simply on principle. Prepare containers before sowing and label the variety. Maintain moisture suited to the seeds without leaving standing water. When sowing directly in the garden, prepare the row before distributing the seeds and water gently.

How much space should you allow for Nasturtium 'Spitfire'?

For Nasturtium 'Spitfire', spitfire is a nasturtium with vermilion-red flowers whose stems trail for 2 to 4 m (6.6 to 13 ft.) or can climb. Flowering lasts from July until frost. The leaves, flowers and flower buds are edible. Provide a trellis, arch or securely fastened wires for climbing stems. Install the structure before planting to avoid damaging roots later. Leave access to guide the stems and keep them from covering a neighbouring plant you want to keep visible. Choose the position according to this plant's habit and growth, then leave access for watering and cutting. If the plants require a support, put it in place before their stems begin to grow longer. The distance between plants does not replace a working aisle.

How should you manage watering for Nasturtium 'Spitfire'?

Caring for Nasturtium 'Spitfire' requires observing the plant. Check the growing mix or soil near the roots before watering. Water must reach the root ball, and excess water must then be able to drain from the container or soil. Recent rain, wind and heat affect how often watering is needed. Water at the base rather than routinely wetting the flowers and foliage. When a plant wilts, check its root ball as well: adding water to an already saturated root ball will not solve every problem. Use a gentle stream when watering newly sown seeds. Monitor the flower buds throughout the growing season and use a clean tool to remove any stems that have broken. Cutting flowers to make a bouquet and keeping flowers for seed saving are two different choices for managing the plants. Retain a few seed capsules only if you want seeds, watching for them to open before dispersal.

How should you monitor the development of Nasturtium 'Spitfire'?

The growth of Nasturtium 'Spitfire' follows this profile. Spitfire is a nasturtium with vermilion-red flowers, whose stems trail for 2 to 4 m (6.6 to 13 ft) or can climb. Flowering lasts from July until frost. The leaves, flowers and flower buds are edible. Monitor the flower buds throughout the growing season and use a clean tool to remove any stems that have broken. Cutting flowers to make a bouquet and keeping flowers for seed saving are two different choices for managing the plants. Retain a few seed capsules only if you want seeds, watching for them to open before dispersal. Watch the buds open and check the condition of the flowers. When the variety is suitable for bouquets, cut a few stems with a clean tool and place them in water promptly. In a flower bed, remove only the faded flowers when you want a tidy display rather than saved seeds.

What growth stage should you look for in Nasturtium 'Spitfire'?

For Nasturtium 'Spitfire', watch the buds open and check the condition of the flowers. When the variety is suitable for bouquets, cut a few stems with a clean tool and place them in water promptly. In a flower bed, remove only the faded flowers when you want a tidy display rather than saved seeds. Spitfire is a nasturtium with vermilion-red flowers, whose stems trail for 2 to 4 m (6.6 to 13 ft) or can climb. Flowering lasts from July until frost. The leaves, flowers and flower buds are edible. The schedule is a guide, but observing the plant determines the right moment. Follow the recommended stage for the part harvested, and distinguish botanical maturity from culinary quality. Harvest with a clean tool when the stem resists, and immediately sort out damaged parts. For a bouquet flower, choose a healthy stem when this use is confirmed.