Nasturtium 'Vanilla Berry' (Tropaeolum majus): Cream Blooms with Strawberry Blotches

Overview

Tropaeolum majus 'Vanilla Berry' forms a compact 12-inch mound topped with cream-colored blossoms adorned with strawberry-red blotches. The round leaves and five-petaled flowers are edible, adding a peppery note to salads. This South American native is ideal for edging, herb gardens, hanging baskets, and containers where its intricate blooms can be appreciated up close.

Growing Conditions

Full sun to part shade with moist, well-drained soil. Like other nasturtiums, it flowers best in lean, low-fertility soil. Avoid over-fertilizing. Tolerates dry to medium moisture once established.

Care and Maintenance

Sow seeds indoors early spring or direct-sow in mid-spring. Water consistently until established. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming. Fast-growing, low-care annual.

Common Problems

Potential pests include caterpillars, flea beetles, aphids, slugs, whiteflies, and viruses. Monitor regularly.

Landscape Uses

• Edging and border fronts
• Herb gardens
• Hanging baskets and containers
• Covering banks and slopes
• Edible flower harvests

Key Features

• Cream flowers with strawberry-red blotches
• Edible foliage and blooms
• Fragrant, butterfly-attracting
• Self-seeding annual
• Compact mounding habit