The understated nasturtium is often overshadowed by more popular leafy greens, but its unique, peppery flavor makes it well worth the effort to grow. Not only do they offer an exciting taste, but their colorful blooms also provide a decorative touch to any dish. When you’re looking for something that serves both purposes, nasturtiums are an ideal choice. One of the many advantages of growing nasturtiums is just how easy it is.
In fact, if not contained, some varieties will spread rapidly and take over the surrounding area. With a range of sizes to suit every garden, including compact options like bush or dwarf varieties, semi-trailing types that cascade beautifully, and climbing varieties that can be trained to grow up trellises, there’s something for everyone. The entire nasturtium plant – leaves, flowers, and seeds – is edible, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
While many edible flowers are mild in flavor, nasturtium blooms pack a bold punch. And the seeds? They’re perfect for adding an extra layer of depth to your dishes. Want to know a little secret recipe that showcases their potential? Well, you’ll just have to try growing and using them for yourself.
Nasturtium Varieties
According to linguistic experts, the name ‘nasturtium’ has a fascinating origin – it translates to ‘nose twist’ in Latin. For anyone considering cultivating this beautiful flower, selecting the ideal size and variety is essential.
Dwarf or Bush Nasturtium Varieties:
For those seeking compact nasturtium options, several varieties stand out for their compact growth habits and vibrant flower colors. Alaska Mix is a popular choice among novice gardeners, thanks to its ability to thrive in small spaces like window boxes or hanging baskets. Its multiple colors of flowers add visual interest without overwhelming the senses. Empress of India boasts darker leaves with a subtle blue tint, which provide a stunning contrast to its red flowers.
This variety remains dense and upright, making it an excellent choice for gardens where space is limited. Jewel Mix offers a unique combination of sprawling growth without vining habits. Its clusters of colorful blooms are particularly noteworthy, as they tend to produce more blossoms than other nasturtium varieties. What’s more, Jewel Mix flowers a bit longer into the summer months. Peach Melba is another compact option that boasts lovely yellow flowers with a striking raspberry-colored center.
This early-blooming variety continues to flower until frost, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a long-lasting display of color. Strawberry and Cream is a showstopper, thanks to its dramatic strawberry-hued splashes that seem hand-painted on the leaves. This petite variety tops out at 12 inches and flowers from June until frost, providing a delightful pop of color throughout the growing season. Other notable dwarf varieties include Mahogany, Phoenix, Vesuvius, and Whirly Bird.
Semi-Trailing Nasturtium Varieties:
Semi-trailing nasturtiums typically reach heights of 2-3 feet and spread out just as far. Among these varieties are some excellent choices for adding a pop of color to your outdoor spaces. For instance, Scarlet Gleam is well-suited for hanging baskets, window boxes, or even cascading over a low wall. I’ve had the pleasure of using it as ground cover in the past and have also seen it thrive when grown up a trellis.
Another option worth considering is Troika Red, which, although a newer variety, has already proven itself to be quite striking. It will reach around 12 inches in height but spread out to an impressive 40 inches or more. If you’re looking for something a bit larger, Salmon Gleam might be the way to go. This semi-trailing nasturtium is slightly taller than some of its counterparts, spreading out to approximately 60 inches or so.
When I’ve grown this variety in the past, I’ve received countless comments on how the flowers seem to glow in the sunlight – truly a sight to behold.
Climbing or Vining Nasturtium Varieties:
One of the most impressive features of nasturtium vine is its ability to grow up to 6-8 feet or even longer in ideal conditions. Some varieties like ‘Jewel of Africa’ can be quite vigorous, spreading quickly if left unchecked. I’ve had experience with this variety myself, allowing it to take over an unused bank and ultimately filling the entire area. With a little planning, you too can harness its natural charm by providing ample space for it to thrive.
On the other hand, ‘Tall Trailing Mix’ is another climbing type that will travel far and wide, requiring at least 10 feet of clearance per plant. Its vibrant orange, yellow, and red flowers boast a spicy aroma, while the plant itself can effortlessly climb walls and fences.
How to Plant Nasturtiums
Zones
When to Plant Nasturtiums
For optimal growth, nasturtiums should be planted in the spring when the soil has warmed up and the threat of frost has passed. They are quick-growing and spread rapidly, making them a great choice for those looking to add some visual interest to their garden. When planting, it’s essential to avoid the last frost date to ensure the best results.
If you’re working with containers or raised beds, you can get away with planting slightly earlier, just be sure to provide adequate protection from any unexpected cold snaps. Nasturtiums are not fond of frigid temperatures, so a little extra care can go a long way in keeping them happy and healthy.
Direct Sowing
When planting seeds directly in the garden, ensure they’re placed at a depth of around 3/4 of an inch. To increase germination rates, sow 3-4 seeds in a small, circular pattern. Thoroughly water the soil and maintain consistent moisture levels until the seedlings emerge.
Staring Indoors
When it comes to nasturtium, you have the flexibility to start seedlings indoors and then transfer them outside when they’re ready. One of the benefits of this approach is that you can avoid any potential weather-related setbacks. In my experience, nasturtium is a robust species that adapts well to transplanting, as long as the roots are minimally disturbed during the process. If necessary, use peat pots to help with this transition.
To get started, plant your seeds indoors about 4-6 weeks prior to the last expected frost date. Then, once the threat of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures have stabilized at around 50°F, you can safely transplant your nasturtium seedlings outside.
Sun Requirements
When it comes to placement, nasturtiums thrive in environments with a balance of light and warmth. While they can tolerate partial shade, the best results come from plants basking in 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. This moderate amount of solar radiation allows the plants to reach their full potential, producing an abundance of flowers. Extreme heat, however, is not ideal for these delicate blooms.
Soil Requirements
What sets nasturtiums apart from other flowering plants is their remarkable adaptability to various soil conditions. While they thrive in light soils with excellent drainage, they’re also surprisingly resilient when it comes to tolerating different pH levels – a range of 6.8 to 7.1 seems to bring out the best in these lovely plants.
How to Care for Nasturtiums
Watering
When it’s time to water your garden, include your nasturtiums in the routine. You won’t need to give each plant individual attention unless you notice the leaves starting to wilt. It’s essential to strike a balance between keeping the soil consistently moist and avoiding waterlogged conditions. In my experience, I’ve been able to grow healthy nasturtiums without watering them at all, so it seems they’re quite adaptable.
Despite this, it’s still important to ensure the soil isn’t as dry as a rock nor does it suffer from ‘wet feet’ issues.
Weeding
To foster optimal growth for nasturtiums, it’s essential to create a weed-free environment that allows them to spread freely. Nasturtiums often develop a dense, bush-like habit, which can make it challenging to spot weeds until they’ve already taken root. By maintaining a tidy garden, you’ll be able to identify and remove weeds early on, giving your nasturtiums the space they need to ramble unimpeded.
Fertilizer
When cultivating nasturtiums, don’t overthink the role of fertilizer in their growth. In fact, these flowers thrive remarkably well without any supplementation at all. However, be aware that excessive fertilization can have an unintended consequence – it may lead to a lush display of foliage at the expense of blooming, resulting in fewer and farther-between flowers.
Mulching
While nasturtiums themselves don’t require mulching, it’s essential to consider the needs of any companion plants they’re growing alongside. If those companion plants would benefit from a layer of organic material to retain moisture and suppress weeds, then go ahead and apply the mulch. However, when it comes to nasturtiums specifically, you can skip this step as they don’t have the same requirements.
Common Problems and Solutions for Growing Nasturtiums
Whitefly
A common issue with nasturtiums is the presence of sucking insects, such as whiteflies, which can lead to a range of problems. One of the most concerning consequences is the deposition of honeydew, a sticky substance that can quickly turn into sooty mold. To manage this issue in the long term, I have found neem oil to be an effective solution.
Cabbage Butterfly
When it comes to dealing with cabbage butterflies, it’s clear they have no qualms about attacking everything in your garden – particularly plants from the brassica family. To effectively control these pesky pests, consider using a knockdown spray like organic pyrethrum.
Slugs and Snails
When you’re dealing with slugs, the signs of an infestation are quite unmistakable – leaves with characteristic chew marks and a noticeable abundance of slug waste. To tackle this issue effectively, consider utilizing snail pellets from your local garden center. However, make sure to opt for products containing bittering agents, which help prevent accidental ingestion by children or pets.
Companions for Nasturtium
Many gardeners swear by planting nasturtiums alongside other plants to naturally control pests on those specimens. In fact, the following companion plants benefit greatly from having nasturtiums nearby: cabbage, kale, cauliflower, cucumber, gourd, beans, tomato, radish, and broccoli. When dealing with aphids and whiteflies plaguing tomatoes and potatoes, nasturtiums can be an effective interplanting solution.
Additionally, squash beetles and borers are deterred by planting nasturtiums alongside squash. While personal experience is lacking on the matter, some gardeners claim that nasturtiums even attract beneficial predatory insects to your garden.
How to Harvest Nasturtiums
Leaves
When it comes to adding a burst of flavor to your salads or summer dishes, peppery leaves are an excellent choice. For optimal taste and texture, harvest them at their tender and youthful stage, as larger leaves can become tough and lose their appeal. It’s also important to experiment with different varieties to find the one that suits your palate best.
For added freshness, consider plucking those leaves in the morning when they’re at their plumpest, having absorbed water throughout the night. This simple trick can elevate your dishes to a whole new level.
Flowers
When it comes to adding a pop of color and a tangy kick to your salads, nasturtium flowers are an excellent choice. These vibrant blooms can grow quite large, making them a striking addition to any dish. To ensure they make a statement, I add the flowers on top of the salad, rather than mixing them in, allowing their unique flavor and beauty to shine through.
Depending on the time of year, the taste experience can be quite complex – starting with a sweet, honey-like burst followed by a spicy, peppery kick that adds depth and excitement to your meal.
Seeds
One of my preferred methods for utilizing nasturtium seeds is by crafting ‘Poor Man’s Capers.’ These tasty treats are essentially a combination of pickled onion, caper, and nasturtium. To ensure optimal results, it’s essential to harvest the seeds shortly after the blossoms have fallen. Be cautious not to delay too long, as oversized or brownish seeds often indicate they’ve gone past their prime.
Nasturtiums are remarkably easy to cultivate and grow rapidly.
Their large seeds make them an excellent choice for involving children in the gardening process, allowing them to witness the fruits of their labor quickly. This versatile plant is also one of the few edibles that can thrive in a variety of environments with minimal maintenance requirements. Consider starting with a compact variety and then experimenting with different growth patterns.
I’d love to hear about your creative ways to incorporate nasturtiums into your culinary endeavors!
Do you have any favorite recipes or methods for utilizing these delightful seeds?
