How to grow Nasturtium

Nasturtium

How to Grow: Nasturtium

Nasturtium seeds are relatively large and easy to handle, making them a great choice for direct sowing.

Direct Sowing (Recommended): Sow seeds directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up (typically late spring).
Sowing Depth: Plant seeds about ½ inch deep and 6-12 inches apart, depending on whether it's a bush or vining variety.
Pre-soaking (Optional): You can gently nick the seed coat with a file or soak seeds in warm water for a few hours before planting to speed up germination.
Germination Time: Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days at temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Keep the soil consistently moist until germination occurs.
Starting Indoors: While possible, Nasturtiums don't always transplant well due to their delicate root systems. If starting indoors, use biodegradable pots to minimize root disturbance when transplanting. Start 2-4 weeks before the last frost.

Light & Growing Nasturtiums thrive in full sun but can tolerate some partial shade, especially in hotter climates.

Sunlight: Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for the best flowering and plant vigor. In very hot regions, afternoon shade can prevent wilting.
Growth Habit: Bush varieties form mounding plants 12-18 inches tall and wide. Vining varieties can trail or climb 3-10 feet, depending on the cultivar and support. They produce round, lily-pad-like leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of yellow, orange, red, and cream.
Maintenance: o Support for Vining Types: Provide a trellis, fence, or allow them to cascade over walls and containers. o Deadheading (Optional): Removing spent flowers can encourage more blooms, though many gardeners allow them to self-seed.

Harvesting Nasturtium Every part of the Nasturtium (except the roots) is edible and offers a unique peppery zest!

Leaves: Harvest young, tender leaves as needed throughout the growing season. They have a mild peppery flavor, similar to watercress or arugula, and are excellent in salads or sandwiches.
Flowers: Pick fresh flowers as they open. Their vibrant colors and spicy-sweet taste make them a beautiful and delicious garnish for salads, desserts, or drinks.
Seed Pods (Nasturtium "Caperts"): After the flowers fade, plump green seed pods will form. Harvest these when they are still soft and green. They can be pickled in vinegar brine to create a delightful substitute for capers.
How to Harvest: Snip off leaves, flowers, or seed pods with clean scissors or pinch them off with your fingers. Regular harvesting encourages more production.

Why Grow Nasturtium?

Edible Beauty: Few plants offer such a combination of stunning beauty and delicious edibility. Both the leaves and flowers add a peppery, vibrant kick to salads, sandwiches, and as a garnish.
Medicinal Properties: o Natural Antibiotic & Antiseptic: Contains compounds like benzyl isothiocyanate, offering antimicrobial effects, traditionally used for minor respiratory and urinary infections. o Immune Boosting: High in Vitamin C, supporting overall immune health. o Expectorant: Traditionally used to help clear congestion and phlegm from the respiratory system.
Easy to Grow: With large seeds and a forgiving nature, Nasturtiums are a fantastic choice for beginner gardeners and children.
Vibrant Color: Their cheerful yellow, orange, red, and cream flowers bring a lively burst of color to any garden space, from beds and borders to hanging baskets and window boxes.
Versatile Growth: Choose from bushy varieties for tidy clumps or vining types to trail, climb, or sprawl as groundcover. Nasturtiums are truly a garden gem, offering ease of growth, vibrant aesthetics, unique culinary uses, and valuable traditional medicinal benefits!

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