Nasturtiums are vibrant, easy-to-grow flowers known for their colorful blooms and edible leaves, flowers, and seeds. They are a popular choice for gardeners due to their low-maintenance nature and versatility in the garden. Whether you’re planting them as a border, in containers, or as ground cover, nasturtiums are a great addition to any garden. Here’s a guide on how to grow and care for these beautiful plants.
Choosing the Right Location
Nasturtiums thrive in areas with plenty of sunlight. They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to flourish. While they can tolerate partial shade, their flowers tend to be less vibrant and the plants may become leggy if they don’t get enough sunlight.
The soil for growing nasturtiums should be well-draining, and they do best in slightly poor soil. Nasturtiums are known for their ability to thrive in soils that are low in nutrients, which is why they do not require heavy fertilization. In fact, too much fertilizer can lead to lush foliage growth with fewer flowers.
Planting Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums can be grown from seeds or young plants. Starting from seed is the most common method, and it allows you to grow a wide variety of these plants.
From Seed
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Timing: Plant nasturtiums in the spring after the last frost date, as they are sensitive to cold. If you’re in a region with a short growing season, you can start seeds indoors about 4-6 weeks before the last frost and transplant them outdoors once the weather warms up.
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Soil Preparation: Choose a location with well-drained soil and prepare it by loosening it with a garden fork. Nasturtiums are not picky about soil but avoid overly rich soils as they can encourage more leaf growth rather than flowers.
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Planting the Seeds: Sow nasturtium seeds directly into the garden, about 1 inch deep and 12 inches apart. You can also plant them in containers if you prefer to grow them in a more controlled space. Make sure to space plants sufficiently to allow for their spreading growth habit.
From Seedlings or Young Plants
You can also buy seedlings or young plants from a nursery. If you choose this method, plant the young plants after the risk of frost has passed, ensuring the soil is well-draining.
Watering and Moisture Needs
Nasturtiums require regular watering to establish their roots, but they don’t like to be waterlogged. Water them deeply when the soil feels dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering. Once established, nasturtiums are quite drought-tolerant and can withstand dry spells, though they will perform better with consistent moisture.
Be mindful not to water overhead, as wet leaves can encourage fungal diseases. Watering at the base of the plant helps prevent such issues.
Fertilizing Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums thrive on poor to moderately fertile soil. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive foliage growth, but fewer flowers. If the soil is particularly poor, you can apply a light dose of organic compost or a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can encourage excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers. A soil with a balanced nutrient profile is ideal for optimal flowering.
Pruning and Deadheading
Deadheading is important for keeping nasturtiums looking neat and encouraging continued blooming. Regularly remove spent flowers to prevent the plant from focusing its energy on producing seeds. You can also pinch back any leggy growth or stems that look untidy.
Pruning is generally not necessary for nasturtiums, but you can prune them lightly to maintain their shape and prevent them from becoming too unruly.
Supporting Nasturtiums
Some nasturtium varieties are trailing, while others are bushy or compact. If you’re growing trailing types, they may need support, such as a trellis or a hanging basket, to help them climb and spread. Place the support structure early, before the plants get too large, to avoid damaging the stems later.
Compact or bushy varieties are well-suited for containers and ground cover, requiring less support. You can let them spread across the soil, or use them as a companion plant to suppress weeds in garden beds.
Common Pests and Diseases
Though generally pest-resistant, nasturtiums can attract a few common garden pests, including aphids, caterpillars, and whiteflies. Aphids can be controlled with insecticidal soap or a strong blast of water from the hose. If caterpillars become a problem, you may need to handpick them off the plants or use an organic pesticide.
Nasturtiums are also susceptible to some fungal diseases, especially when grown in overly moist conditions. To prevent issues like mildew or rust, avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation around the plants. Removing dead or diseased leaves can also help prevent the spread of fungal infections.
Harvesting Nasturtiums
One of the unique features of nasturtiums is that the leaves, flowers, and even seeds are edible, making them a fun addition to your kitchen garden.
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Leaves: Nasturtium leaves have a peppery flavor, similar to arugula, and can be used in salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish. They are best when young and tender, as older leaves can become tough and less flavorful.
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Flowers: The colorful nasturtium flowers are also edible and add a zesty kick to salads, dips, or even as a decorative touch for cakes and desserts. The flavor of the flowers is slightly milder than the leaves but still has a peppery bite.
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Seeds: Nasturtium seeds can be harvested when they are still green and immature, or you can allow them to ripen fully and dry. Green seeds can be pickled and used as a substitute for capers, while mature seeds can be dried and saved for planting the next season.
Winter Care
Nasturtiums are typically grown as annuals, though they may self-seed in mild climates. If you live in a region with cold winters, you can either treat them as annuals and replace them each year, or you can bring potted nasturtiums indoors to continue growing through the winter.
If you want to preserve nasturtiums for the following year, save seeds by allowing the flowers to mature and dry. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant them in the spring.
Companion Planting with Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums make excellent companion plants for a variety of vegetables and herbs, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash. They are known to attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and hoverflies, which help keep pest populations in check. Additionally, their peppery scent can deter harmful pests like aphids, whiteflies, and even some types of beetles.
Planting nasturtiums near your vegetables can also help with weed suppression, as their spreading vines cover the ground and reduce the amount of sunlight available to weeds.
Conclusion
Nasturtiums are an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance addition to any garden. Whether you’re looking for vibrant flowers to brighten up your garden beds or edible plants for your kitchen, nasturtiums offer both beauty and utility. With the right care, they will thrive in full sun, bloom abundantly, and attract beneficial insects while deterring pests. By following these tips, you can enjoy the colorful display and enjoy the peppery taste of nasturtiums throughout the growing season.