Nasturtium Flowers

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are exuberant annuals or tender perennials with round, shield‑like leaves and funnel‑shaped flowers in sunny reds, oranges, and yellows. Beloved for their peppery, edible blooms and leaves, they trail or mound easily in gardens and containers, thriving with minimal care.

Occasions & recipients

Find flowers by occasion

Best occasions

  • Congratulations and graduations
  • Housewarming or hostess gift
  • Summer birthdays
  • Get well soon
  • Thank you
  • Garden party/chef’s gift

Suitable for

  • Friends and neighbors
  • Coworkers/teams (congratulations)
  • Gardeners and food lovers
  • New or playful romance
  • Graduates and athletes
Color taboos
  • Bright orange/red mixes can feel too celebratory for funerals or somber sympathy settings
  • Yellow may suggest jealousy in some Western contexts—use thoughtfully
  • Strong reds can read overly romantic or aggressive for corporate or platonic gifts
  • Very bright palettes may be considered informal for black‑tie events
Card messages
  • A little peppery cheer to brighten your day—enjoy!
  • Congratulations on your well‑earned victory—may success keep blooming.
  • For your kitchen and your windowsill—beauty you can taste.
  • Wishing you bold color and happy new beginnings.
  • Thanks for all you do—your zest inspires everyone around you.

At a glance

Key details

Quick reference for habitat, gifting etiquette, and safety when choosing flowers for different occasions and recipients.

Use this section as a practical checklist: where they grow, how to present them thoughtfully, and what to keep in mind regarding toxicity and sensitivity.

Botanical info

Taxonomy
Genus: Tropaeolum; Species: T. majus (common nasturtium); Family: Tropaeolaceae; Order: Brassicales; Common names: nasturtium, Indian cress.
Distribution
Native to the Andes of South America (Peru and neighboring regions) and now widely cultivated and naturalized in temperate climates worldwide. Grown as a tender perennial in frost‑free areas and as an annual elsewhere.
Conservation
Not threatened. Favor open‑pollinated/heirloom cultivars and save seeds. Grow without peat and avoid systemic pesticides to keep blooms pollinator‑safe (and edible). Prevent unwanted self‑seeding in mild climates by deadheading. Source locally to reduce transport impact.
Presentation etiquette
Nasturtiums are casual, cheerful blooms best for relaxed bouquets or garden-to-table gifts. Because the flowers and leaves are edible, only gift unsprayed, pesticide‑free stems and note this on the card. Condition quickly in cool water; stems are soft and can wilt, so keep arrangements short and replenished. Pair with herbs or other cottage flowers; avoid overly formal or somber occasions. Deliver promptly and keep out of heat.
Ideal delivery time
Early morning on the day of gifting (late spring through early autumn); for edible use, deliver and enjoy the same day for best flavor and turgor.
Toxicity
Edible to humans (flowers and young leaves) and listed as non‑toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (ASPCA). May cause mild gastrointestinal upset or mouth/throat irritation if eaten in excess; those with kidney issues should avoid medicinal‑strength use. Always use unsprayed plants for culinary purposes.
Allergenicity
Generally low‑allergen pollen. Contact dermatitis is uncommon but possible due to mustard‑like compounds; ingestion in large amounts may cause mild GI upset. Considered safe for most people and non‑toxic to pets.

Meaning & taboos

Symbolism & color
In Victorian floriography, nasturtiums signified victory and conquest, inspired by their shield‑like leaves and bold, helmet‑shaped flowers. Today they carry a bright, optimistic spirit—celebrating creativity, playful courage, loyalty to friends, and good fortune. Their edible nature also links them with hospitality and abundance.

Growing & tools

Care & gear
Growing tips
Easy from seed. Sow after last frost in full sun (light shade in hot summers) and well‑drained, rather poor soil—excess nitrogen reduces blooms. Space 25–30 cm/10–12 in. Water moderately; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Deadhead to prolong bloom. Trailing types appreciate light support; compact forms suit pots and window boxes. Useful as a trap crop for aphids and cabbage pests. USDA zones 9–11 perennial; elsewhere grown as a warm‑season annual.
Recommended tools
  • Hand trowel
  • Seedling trays and labels
  • Light trellis or netting
  • Bypass snips/scissors
  • Watering can with rose
Symbolizes
  • Victory and conquest
  • Cheerfulness and optimism
  • Creativity and spontaneity
  • Protection and loyalty
  • Prosperity and good fortune