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Flower profile

Nasturtium

Quick facts

Botanical name: Tropaeolum majus. In SAF's language of flowers, nasturtium means patriotism.

Nasturtium at a glance

Meaning
patriotism
Colors
  • Orange
  • Yellow
  • Red
  • Pink
  • Cream
Season
Spring through fall.
Special care
Cut or buy fully open flowers. Keep stems short and in cool water; use quickly - a garden and edible-garnish flower more than a shop flower.
Size
A trailing or bushy annual with round, parasol-like leaves and spurred, funnel-shaped flowers 1 to 3 inches across
Also called
Garden nasturtium, Indian cress

About nasturtiums

A trailing or bushy annual with round, parasol-like leaves and spurred, funnel-shaped flowers 1 to 3 inches across. Leaves and flowers are edible with a peppery taste.

How to make nasturtiums last

  1. Keep them cool until they are in water. Keep your flowers in a cool place until you can get them into a flower food solution.
  2. Fill a clean vase with water and flower food. Use a clean, deep vase and add the flower food from your florist, following the mixing directions on the packet.
  3. Remove leaves below the waterline. Leaves in water promote bacterial growth that can limit water uptake by the flower.
  4. Re-cut the stems. Remove one to two inches with a sharp knife or clippers that will not crush the stems, then place the flowers straight into the vase.
  5. For nasturtiums. Cut or buy fully open flowers. Keep stems short and in cool water; use quickly - a garden and edible-garnish flower more than a shop flower.
  6. Keep them in a cool spot. 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents and ceiling fans.

Care steps from SAF’s flower care tips. More flower care tips →

Nasturtiums as a potted plant

Garden/container: poor to average well-drained soil, full sun; little or no fertilizer.

Questions about nasturtiums

What does the nasturtium mean?

In the traditional language of flowers, the nasturtium stands for "patriotism".

What colors do nasturtiums come in?

Nasturtiums come in orange, yellow, red, pink and cream.

How do you care for nasturtiums?

Keep nasturtiums cool until they are in water, use a clean vase with flower food, remove any leaves below the waterline, re-cut the stems by one to two inches and keep the vase at 65 to 72 degrees, away from direct sunlight and vents. For nasturtiums: Cut or buy fully open flowers. Keep stems short and in cool water; use quickly - a garden and edible-garnish flower more than a shop flower.

Where can I buy nasturtiums?

From a local SAF member florist. Enter the recipient's ZIP code on this page to find florists near them.

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