Nasturtium Carnival Mix is a compact flowering annual with rounded green leaves and bright single flowers. The mix may produce red, orange, yellow, cream and salmon shades, sometimes with darker markings near the centre.

Garden nasturtium is native to South America and grows quickly during mild weather. Carnival Mix has a low, spreading habit suited to pots, window boxes, borders and the edges of raised beds.

Why Gardeners Love It

• Cheerful Colour Mix: Produces flowers in several warm and bright shades.
• Compact Growth: Forms a low, bushy plant that fits easily into containers.
• Quick Flowering: Usually begins blooming within a few months of sowing.
• Edible Flowers: The flowers and young leaves can be used as colourful garnishes.
• Pollinator Friendly: The nectar-rich flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects.

Best Conditions

• Germination: Usually 7–14 days
• Temperature: Around 15–24°C
• Sunlight: At least 5–6 hours
• Pot size: A 10–12-inch pot for one plant
• Spacing: About 8–12 inches between plants
• Plant height: Usually around 10–12 inches
• Plant spread: Usually around 12–18 inches
• Soil: Light, moderately fertile and well-draining mix
• First flowers: Usually around 8–10 weeks

In Lahore, Faisalabad, Islamabad and Rawalpindi, sow from September to November. In hotter areas such as Karachi and southern Punjab, sow from October to December after the strongest summer heat has eased. In colder northern and hilly areas, sow from March to April after the risk of hard frost has passed.

How to Sow

1. Fill the final pot or garden position with loose, well-draining potting mix.
2. Sow the seeds directly around ½ inch deep.
3. Leave approximately 8–12 inches between planting positions.
4. Cover the seeds and water gently without disturbing the soil.
5. Keep the mix lightly moist, but never continuously wet.
6. If more than one seedling appears in the same position, retain the strongest one.

Plant Care

Water when the upper inch of soil begins to dry. Water thoroughly and allow excess water to drain away. Do not leave the pot standing in collected water because continuously wet soil may damage the roots.

Nasturtiums flower better without heavy feeding. If the potting mix is very poor, mix in only a small amount of Vermicompost before sowing. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizer because it can produce many leaves but very few flowers. If necessary, use a small amount of low-nitrogen flowering fertilizer after buds begin forming.

Check the tender shoots and leaf undersides for aphids, whiteflies and caterpillars. Remove caterpillars by hand. If sap-sucking pests appear, spray Neem Oil according to its label instructions.

Local Gardener Tips

• Sow directly because nasturtium roots do not like unnecessary disturbance.
• Protect newly sown seeds from birds that may remove them from the soil.
• Provide afternoon shade if the weather becomes unusually hot.
• Avoid very rich soil and frequent fertilizer applications.
• Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming.
• Keep pots sheltered from prolonged heavy rain.

Flowering

Carnival Mix usually begins flowering around 8–10 weeks after sowing under suitable conditions. Mild temperatures, good sunlight and moderate feeding help produce the strongest display.

Remove faded flowers before seed pods develop if you want the plant to continue making new buds. Leave a few pods on the plant if you want to collect mature seeds. Carnival Mix may spread gently over the edge of a pot, but it is not a tall climbing variety.

FAQs

Is Carnival Mix a climbing nasturtium?

No. Carnival Mix is generally compact and low-spreading. It may hang slightly over the edge of a container, but it does not grow like a tall climbing nasturtium.

Should nasturtium seeds be soaked before sowing?

Soaking is not normally required. If the seeds appear particularly dry and hard, they may be soaked in clean water for 4–6 hours and then sown immediately. Do not leave them soaking for an extended period.

Why is my nasturtium producing leaves but no flowers?

Excessive fertilizer, nitrogen-rich soil or insufficient sunlight can produce lush leaves with limited flowering. Stop feeding the plant and move the container to a sunnier position if possible.

Common names: Nasturtium Carnival Mix, Garden Nasturtium, Indian Cress, Nasturtium