Days to Maturity: Approximately 45-60 days from transplant to first blooms (often 50 days typical; continues blooming until frost).
Sun Needs: Full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily—best flower color and bloom in Utah’s intense summer light.
Season Type: Warm-season annual; frost-sensitive—transplant only after soil warms and all frost danger has passed (late May to early June in the Salt Lake City area).
Plant Habit & Support: Compact, bushy plants grow 12–18 inches tall and wide; no staking needed—space 10–12 inches apart.
Other Notes: Flowers and young leaves are edible; too much fertility reduces blooms—organic mulch (like straw or compost) helps retain moisture and keep soil cooler; deadhead spent blooms to keep plants flowering.
Best Planting Method: Transplant when nights stay above 50°F and soil is warm. Space plants 10–12 inches apart in rows, beds, or containers; plant at the same depth as in the pot. Amend soil lightly with compost and provide excellent drainage—raised beds or pots work well in heavier or alkaline Utah soils. Organic mulch (such as straw, compost, or grass clippings) around plants conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and moderates soil temperature.
Watering Needs: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy (about 1 inch per week)—drip irrigation is ideal in dry Utah air. Allow the surface to dry slightly between waterings; overwatering and rich soil lead to more leaves and fewer flowers. Mulch helps maintain steady moisture, and containers may need more frequent checks during hot spells.
Fertilization Needs: Incorporate a light amount of compost at planting. Nasturtiums bloom best in lean soil—avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer, which produces lush foliage at the expense of flowers. A light side-dress of compost midseason is usually enough. Harvest flowers and tender leaves regularly to encourage more blooms; pick in the morning when they are freshest.