How to Grow Nasturtium: A Beginner’s Guide for Beautiful Blooms

How to Grow Nasturtium?

To grow nasturtiums, you can start by sowing the seeds under cover in March and then transplanting them outside once the soil has warmed up.

The seeds can also be directly sown in the ground or in pots.

Ensure that the soil is free of weeds and water the area before sowing.

Plant the seeds 1.5cm deep and around 10cm apart.

Once the seedlings emerge, thin them to around 30cm apart.

Nasturtiums require sun for at least half the day and a free-draining soil.

They require little maintenance and do not need much watering, except for those grown in containers.

Deadheading will promote more blooms.

Nasturtium flowers, leaves, and seeds are all edible and can be used in salads and pickling.

If you want earlier flowers, you can sow one nasturtium seed per 9cm pot in a greenhouse or sunny windowsill and then plant them outside in late spring.

Overall, nasturtiums are easy to grow from seed and can be grown in containers, hanging baskets, or as ground cover.

They make good companion plants and are attractive to cabbage white butterflies, which can help protect other crops.

Key Points:

  • Start by sowing nasturtium seeds under cover in March and transplant them outside when soil warms up
  • Seeds can also be directly sown in ground or pots
  • Ensure soil is weed-free and watered before sowing
  • Plant seeds 1.5cm deep and 10cm apart; thin seedlings to 30cm apart once they emerge
  • Nasturtiums need sun for at least half the day and well-draining soil; require little maintenance and watering, except for container-grown plants
  • Regular deadheading promotes more blooms; flowers, leaves, and seeds are all edible and can be used in salads and pickling.


Did You Know?

1. Nasturtium flowers were originally named “Indian cress” due to their resemblance to watercress and their native origins in the Andes mountains of South America.

2. The unique peppery taste present in nasturtium leaves and flowers is caused by the compound isothiocyanate, which also gives horseradish its distinctive flavor.

3. Nasturtiums were used in traditional medicine as a natural remedy to treat respiratory infections, thanks to their antibacterial and expectorant properties.

4. During World War II, nasturtium seeds were widely cultivated and consumed as a food source due to their high vitamin C content and the scarcity of citrus fruits.

5. Nasturtiums can repel certain insects in the garden, notably aphids and whiteflies, making them a beneficial companion plant for vegetables and other flowering plants.

Growing Nasturtiums: Container Vs. Ground Cover

Nasturtiums are versatile plants that can be grown in different ways to add color and texture to your garden. There are two types of nasturtiums: bushy and climbers. Bushy varieties are great for containers and hanging baskets, while climbers work well as ground cover. Whether you have limited space or want cascading blooms, nasturtiums can adapt to your needs.

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When growing nasturtiums in containers, choose pots with good drainage to avoid waterlogging. Use a mix of peat-free compost and gravel or grit for proper drainage. Plant the nasturtiums at soil level and water them well. Containers allow you to strategically place the plants in your garden, adding color and texture where desired.

For ground cover nasturtiums, prepare the soil by removing weeds and watering the area. Sow the seeds around 1.5cm deep and around 10cm apart. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them to a spacing of approximately 30cm. Alternatively, you can scatter the seeds directly in the garden and let nature take its course. Ground cover nasturtiums will create a beautiful carpet of flowers and lush leaves, enhancing the beauty of your outdoor space.

Edible Nasturtiums: Flowers, Leaves, And Seeds

Did you know that nasturtiums are not just a feast for the eyes but also for the palate? The flowers, leaves, and seeds of nasturtiums are all edible, making them a delightful addition to your culinary adventures. The flowers and young leaves possess a distinct peppery taste, which adds a zing to salads and other dishes. These vibrant blooms can be used as an attractive garnish, bringing color and flavor to your plate.

For a unique twist, try pickling nasturtium seed pods as a substitute for capers. The pickled pods offer a tangy and piquant flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Nasturtiums truly offer a sensory experience, providing both visual beauty and culinary delight. Incorporating these edible gems into your cooking repertoire allows you to explore new flavors and infuse a touch of creativity into your meals.

  • Nasturtiums are edible flowers, leaves, and seeds.
  • They have a distinct peppery taste.
  • They can be used as a garnish for salads and other dishes.
  • Pickling nasturtium seed pods provides a tangy and piquant flavor.
  • Incorporating nasturtiums into your cooking repertoire adds creativity to your meals.

Companion Planting: Protecting Beans And Brassicas

Nasturtiums not only delight the taste buds but also serve as invaluable companion plants in the garden. Their remarkable ability to attract caterpillars away from brassicas, such as cabbage and broccoli, helps protect these crops from infestations. By diverting the attention of these voracious eaters, nasturtiums act as a natural defense mechanism, preventing potential damage to valuable crops.

In addition, nasturtiums play a crucial role in protecting beans by attracting blackfly away from them. This symbiotic relationship benefits both plants: the beans remain unharmed by blackfly infestation, while the nasturtiums serve as a sacrificial host.

Planting nasturtiums alongside brassicas and beans not only promotes harmony in your garden but also enhances its overall health and productivity. Embracing companion planting with nasturtiums is a wise strategy that eliminates the need for chemical pesticides and encourages a more balanced ecosystem.

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Easy Seed Growing: Nasturtiums In Poor Soils

One of the remarkable qualities of nasturtiums is their adaptability to different soil conditions. They can thrive even in poor soils, making them an excellent choice for beginners and gardeners with less fertile land. Nasturtiums are not picky about their growing medium; they will produce an abundance of blooms regardless of the soil quality.

When sowing nasturtium seeds, ensure you do so under cover from March onwards. Once the soil has warmed up, you can transplant the seedlings outside. Alternatively, you can directly sow the seeds in the ground or in pots. Prior to sowing, ensure the soil is free of weeds and water the area to provide sufficient moisture for germination.

This resilient plant finds a way to flourish even in challenging conditions, rewarding you with its exuberant display of color and foliage. With a little care and attention, nasturtiums will grace your garden with their cheerful blooms, regardless of the soil quality.

Sun And Soil: Nasturtiums’ Ideal Growing Conditions

To ensure the successful growth and blooming of nasturtiums, it is important to provide them with the ideal growing conditions. These vibrant plants thrive in areas that receive at least half a day of direct sunlight. Sunlight is crucial for their proper growth and flowering, so choose a sunny spot in your garden to accommodate these beauties.

Nasturtiums prefer a free-draining soil, which prevents the roots from becoming waterlogged. This enhances their vitality and prevents diseases caused by excess moisture. By providing well-draining soil, you are creating an environment that mimics their natural habitat, encouraging optimal growth and health.

Taking into account the sunlight requirements and soil drainage preferences, you can create the perfect home for your nasturtiums. Adequate sunlight and moisture management will contribute to the overall well-being, vigor, and spectacular blooming of these resilient plants.

Sowing Tips: From Seed To Germination

Sowing nasturtium seeds is a relatively simple process that anyone, even novices, can master. Starting from seeds allows you to witness the complete life cycle of these plants, from germination to flowering. Whether you choose to sow them under cover or directly in the ground, following a few essential tips will aid in their successful growth.

When sowing nasturtium seeds under cover, begin in March and wait until the soil has warmed up before transplanting them outdoors. Sow one seed per 9cm pot, ensuring they are evenly spaced. It is advisable to germinate the seeds in a greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill to give them an early start.

When planting nasturtiums outside, dig a hole the same size as the pot and plant them at soil level, protecting their delicate roots. Water them in well to provide the necessary moisture for establishing their root system. If you prefer to sow the seeds directly, scatter them in the desired area and ensure they are adequately covered with soil.

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Patience is key when waiting for germination. Keep the soil consistently moist and maintain a suitable temperature for optimal growth. As the seedlings emerge, thin them to a spacing of around 30cm to give each plant enough room to flourish.

By following these sowing tips, you set the stage for the successful growth of your nasturtiums, providing them with the ideal conditions for germination and subsequent blooming. Enjoy the journey as you witness the transformation from tiny seeds to glorious flowers decorating your garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are nasturtiums easy to grow?

Nasturtiums are incredibly easy to grow, thriving with minimal attention. Once planted in the spring, after the fear of frost has subsided, they quickly flourish. Interestingly, the neglect they receive seems to contribute to their success. With vibrant colors ranging towards the hotter end of the spectrum, these flowers add a burst of energy to any garden. The unique rounded leaves resemble delicate, miniature lotus leaves, further enhancing their appeal.

How do you grow nasturtium seeds?

To grow nasturtium seeds indoors, start by planting them in potting mixture, making sure they are half an inch deep. It is important to water the soil well and keep it consistently moist at a temperature of 70 to 75°F. After 10 to 14 days, the seeds will start to germinate and emerge. At this stage, ensure they receive plenty of light either through a sunny window or with the help of grow lights.

Can you grow nasturtiums from cuttings?

Yes, you can propagate nasturtiums from stem cuttings. While they are typically grown from seeds, you have the option to propagate them from cuttings as well. By taking stem cuttings from an existing plant, you can encourage new roots to form, allowing you to grow multiple plants from a single parent plant. This method of propagation provides an alternative way to expand your nasturtium collection and ensure a consistent supply of these beautiful flowers in your garden.

Do nasturtiums need sun to germinate?

Nasturtiums indeed require sunlight to germinate. Although they need darkness during the initial germination phase if started indoors, they thrive in bright light afterward. When planted outside, they should be spaced accordingly, with smaller varieties placed 15-30cm (6-12″) apart and bigger ones like Tall Single spaced 60-90cm (24-36″) apart. Nasturtiums prefer poor to average, slightly acidic, and well-drained soil, and watering them during dry weather is essential. It is important not to fertilize them, as they do not require additional nutrients to flourish.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4

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