How to Grow Tropaeolum Plants (Perennial)

Guide to Growing Flame flower

This section is dedicated to the perennial species of Tropaeolum; here for annual Tropaeolum.

There is a tremendous range in size in Tropaeolum plants, climbers reach up to 3 metres, whereas non-climbing varieties only get as high as 10 cm.

Members of perennial Tropaeolum plant genus include Nasturtium, Flame Flower and Climbing Nasturtium.

These plants tend to have green or greyey lobed leaves and bloom in the summer.

Tropaeolum flowers are usually red, orange or yellow and trumpet shaped.

Flame flower by Peganum; creative commons.

Quick Tropaeolum Growing and Care Guide

Common Names: Flame flower.
Life Cycle: Half hardy perennial, hardy perennial.
Height: Perennials: 4 to 100 inches (100 to 250 cm).
Native: Central and South America.
Growing Region: Perennials: zones 6 to 9.
Flower Details: Intense colours. Red, yellow, orange. Usually five petals. Trumpets. Frilled petals. Diameter 1 to 2 inches (2 to 5 cm).
Foliage: Shield shape. Peltate. Palmate. Lobed.
Sow Outside:
Perennial: cover seeds. A couple of weeks before last frost. Spacing: 2 inches to 36 inches (5 to 90 cm).
Sow Inside: Best started outdoors. Transplants should be put out following the last frost.
Perennial: mix seeds in a growing medium; keep moist, place in a freezer bag, then stratify by refrigeration for three months. Germination time: one week to two years. Temperature 55°F (13°C).
Requirements: Full sunlight or afternoon shade. Good drainage. Soil pH 5.5 to 6.5. Moist soil. Ordinary soil. Poor soil. Provide support. Provide trellis. Water during prolonged dry periods. Grow perennials in an area where their roots can be shaded but the plant can grow into the sunlight. Propagate: divide perennials.

How to Grow Tropaeolum plants such as Flame Flower in your Garden

If growing Flame Flower and other perennial Tropaeolum plants outdoors then sow the seeds a couple of weeks before you expect the last frost; the seeds should be lightly covered once sown. The spacing is dependent upon the Tropaeolum species, smaller plants should be grown about 15 cm apart, and larger ones spaced at about 30cm. Perennial Nasturtium like to grow in a sunny area of the garden that has a moist acidic soil.

If starting off indoors then sow the seeds at about the same time as you would outdoors. The Nasturtium germination time is a little unreliable and may take up to two years; it is best to germinate at about 12 to 15 degrees centigrade.

Caring for Flame flower and other Tropaeolum

Perennial Tropaeolum plants such as Climbing Nasturtium and Flame Flower like a moist soil, so keep well watered when it becomes dry. Unfortunately although perennial Tropaeolum plant species like to grow in the sun their roots like it cool; it is important to keep them as protected as possible so maintain a permanent mulch around the roots.