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How to Grow Bloody Mary Nasturtium from Seed (Edible & Container-Friendly)
Bloody Mary is the moodiest nasturtium in the lineup. Its flowers range from deep, solid blood red to cream, some flecked in red and edged in crimson, over foliage that runs darker than most — all on a compact, low clump around 12 inches tall that is made to live in containers, window boxes and patios, or dotted between the vegetables where it earns its keep.
Nasturtiums are also one of the most useful edible-flowers-and-all plants you can grow: the blooms and leaves add a peppery bite to salads, and the plant doubles as a natural aphid trap that keeps pests off your vegetables.
At a Glance
| BOTANICAL NAME | Tropaeolum majus |
|---|---|
| LIFE CYCLE | Annual |
| LIGHT REQUIREMENT | Full Sun, Partial Shade |
| PLANT HEIGHT | 12 inches |
| PLANT SPACING | 8 to 14 inches |
| BLOOM SEASON | Spring through Summer |
| PLANTING SEASON | Spring |
| SOWING METHOD | Direct Sow, Start Indoors |
| SEED PREP | Soaking |
Soak the seeds first
Nasturtium seed coats are hard. Soak the seeds for four to eight hours before planting to soften the coat and speed up germination.
When to plant
Sow outdoors after all danger of frost, or start indoors four to six weeks before your last spring frost. In warm soil you will see the first seedlings in about 10–14 days.
How to sow
Plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep and 8 to 14 inches apart. Keep the soil moist and around 70–75°F. Once growth appears, give strong light — a sunny window or grow lights for about 16 hours a day.
Ongoing Care
Nasturtiums thrive in medium to low-fertility soil — too much fertility gives you leaves, not flowers. Water regularly but avoid overwatering, and deadhead to prolong blooming. They prefer average to slightly acidic, well-drained soil and tolerate light shade in hot climates.
In containers, trim the plants back occasionally to push out fresh leaves and blooms. Leaves and flowers can be harvested anytime with scissors — tuck a few among your vegetables and they draw aphids away from your crops while still attracting pollinators.
Common Problems & Quick Fixes
- Seeds taking forever to sprout — the hard coat. Soak them 4–8 hours first, or nick the seed coat lightly.
- Lots of leaves but few flowers — soil too rich. Nasturtiums bloom best in lean soil; back off the fertilizer.
- Roots damage when transplanting — nasturtium roots are fragile. Sow directly, or transplant carefully with the rootball intact.
FAQ
Do I really need to soak the seeds?
Yes — soaking them for four to eight hours softens the hard coat and noticeably speeds up germination.
Are nasturtium flowers edible?
They are. The flowers and leaves have a fresh, peppery taste, and the plant makes a beautiful edible garnish or a natural pest trap in the vegetable garden.
Can I grow Bloody Mary in a pot?
Perfectly — it is compact and container-friendly by nature, and drapes well over window boxes and pot edges.
