Growli

Troubleshooting

Tropaeolum majus 'Jewel of Africa' problems — and how to fix them

Tropaeolum majus 'Jewel of Africa' (Tropaeolum majus 'Jewel of Africa') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.

All leaves, few flowers

Caused by soil that is too rich or too much feed and water. Grow in lean soil, withhold fertiliser, and water moderately to trigger flowering.

Heavy aphid infestation

Nasturtiums are notorious aphid magnets, often used as a trap crop. Blast off with water, use insecticidal soap, or tolerate them as a decoy near vegetables.

Cabbage white caterpillars

As a brassica-family relative, leaves can be chewed by cabbage white caterpillars. Inspect undersides and remove caterpillars by hand.

Frost damage

Tender to even light frost. Sow or plant out only after the last frost, and expect plants to collapse with the first autumn frost.

Prevent tropaeolum majus 'jewel of africa' problems before they start

Most tropaeolum majus 'jewel of africa' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:

Looking for tropaeolum majus 'jewel of africa' in general rather than its problems? Read the full tropaeolum majus 'jewel of africa' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.

Tropaeolum majus 'Jewel of Africa' problems — FAQ

Why is my tropaeolum majus 'jewel of africa' all leaves, few flowers?

Caused by soil that is too rich or too much feed and water. Grow in lean soil, withhold fertiliser, and water moderately to trigger flowering.

Why is my tropaeolum majus 'jewel of africa' heavy aphid infestation?

Nasturtiums are notorious aphid magnets, often used as a trap crop. Blast off with water, use insecticidal soap, or tolerate them as a decoy near vegetables.

Why is my tropaeolum majus 'jewel of africa' cabbage white caterpillars?

As a brassica-family relative, leaves can be chewed by cabbage white caterpillars. Inspect undersides and remove caterpillars by hand.

Why is my tropaeolum majus 'jewel of africa' frost damage?

Tender to even light frost. Sow or plant out only after the last frost, and expect plants to collapse with the first autumn frost.