Spitfire sends scarlet-red flowers blazing through a cool field of round green leaves. The spurred blossoms hover along 4–6-foot vines, beckoning hummingbirds and bringing concentrated color to fences, short trellises, and large containers.
Both flowers and leaves are edible, with the peppery snap of watercress softened by a hint of sweetness. Train the vines upward for a vertical flourish or let them tumble freely over an edge.
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Botanical name: Tropaeolum majus
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Life cycle: Annual
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Exposure: Full sun to part shade
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Sowing: Direct sow after frost or start indoors 3 weeks early
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Planting depth: 1 in.
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Germination: 9–12 days
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Mature height: 4–6 ft.
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Final spacing: 10–12 in.
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Approximate seed count: 45–50
Use unsprayed flowers and leaves to brighten salads, while leaving plenty of blossoms for the hummingbirds. Browse more climbing color in our flower seed packets.
