Choosing the Right Nasturtium Variety

The first time I planted Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), the vibrant, peppery blooms transformed my modest garden into a vibrant explosion of color. Originating from South America, this edible flower offers both culinary delight and ornamental charm.

Opting for the appropriate variety simplifies care and enhances enjoyment. For compact spaces or containers, trailing varieties such as "Alaska" or "Whirlybird" flourish beautifully without overwhelming the garden.

If you're seeking visual spectacle, climbing types like "Tall Climbing Mix" scale supports gracefully, creating a vertical floral display reaching up to ten feet (about three meters).

Planting Nasturtium: Timing and Location

When to Plant

Nasturtiums dislike frost, preferring soil temperatures around 55-65°F (13-18°C). For most climates, sow seeds directly outdoors roughly two weeks after the last frost date.

In warmer regions with mild winters—like my California garden—they sprout enthusiastically from late winter until early summer.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Plentiful sun and well-draining soil prove essential for healthy nasturtium growth. While they'll tolerate partial shade, abundant sunlight enhances bloom production.

Rich or heavily fertilized soil, curiously enough, encourages lush foliage at the expense of flowers. In my earliest gardening days, overly attentive fertilizing led only to leaves upon leaves—beautiful, but hardly the blooms I'd dreamed of.

"Nasturtiums thrive best in moderate to poor soil. Excess nutrients lead plants into leafy luxury, neglecting floral duty." — Barbara Pleasant, author and gardening expert.

Sowing and Germinating Seeds

1. Soak seeds overnight to hasten germination. This simple overnight plunge mimics natural rainfall, coaxing reluctant seeds awake.
2. Plant seeds approximately half an inch (1.25 cm) deep, spacing them roughly 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) apart for bush varieties. Climbers require slightly more elbow room.
3. Water gently but thoroughly, maintaining consistent moisture until seedlings appear, typically within a week or two.

Caring for Nasturtium: Watering, Feeding and Maintenance

Watering Wisely

Moderation serves nasturtiums best. Water regularly to prevent stress, yet allow the soil surface to dry slightly between drinks.

My favorite approach—watering deeply once per week, adjusted accordingly for weather—ensures healthy, resilient plants.

Skip the Fertilizer

These hardy blooms need little pampering. Applying fertilizer isn't necessary and may even diminish flowering, as nasturtiums readily adapt to basic soil nutrients.

Pruning and Deadheading

Regular deadheading encourages continuous blooming throughout the season. Pinch spent blossoms and leaves regularly, prompting the plant into prolific flowering.

Pruning unruly vines also keeps plants tidy and manageable, especially with vigorous climbers.

Common Nasturtium Issues and Solutions

Though generally carefree, nasturtiums occasionally attract aphids. During a particularly wet spring, dozens of tiny aphids invaded my nasturtium leaves, creating temporary despair.

Thankfully, a simple remedy of soapy water sprayed liberally resolved this nuisance promptly. Ladybugs, natural aphid predators, offer another beneficial solution—both effective and garden-friendly.

Harvesting and Enjoying Nasturtium Blooms

The true reward in growing nasturtium lies in utilizing their vibrant blooms, leaves, and seeds in culinary creations. Both flowers and foliage possess a peppery taste reminiscent of arugula or watercress.

• Brighten salads and sandwiches with tender blossoms.
• Stir chopped leaves into cream cheese or butter spreads for added zest.
• Preserve fresh seeds by pickling—using a briny mixture—for homemade nasturtium "capers."

"Edible flowers like nasturtium are not merely decoration. They're another edible gift of nature worth savoring." — Chef Alice Waters

Interesting Nasturtium Facts to Inspire You

• Nasturtiums were treasured medicinally by indigenous South Americans for their potent antibacterial and antifungal properties (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2003).
• They're attractive companion plants, effectively deterring pests from cucumbers, tomatoes, and squash when planted nearby, according to Cornell University's companion planting guide.
• One mature nasturtium plant can produce dozens of blooms throughout its flowering season—impressively productive for minimal effort.

Growing Nasturtium enriches both your garden and culinary adventures. With minimal fuss, these vibrant blooms generously reward your gardening efforts, as they've consistently enriched mine.

Growing Nasturtium rewards gardeners richly, offering bright, peppery blooms that spice up salads and gardens alike. Simple, honest care—sunshine, modest soil, and occasional watering—brings vibrant blossoms and vigorous foliage. These cheerful plants invite beneficial insects, repel pests, and self-seed generously, returning season after season. With minimal fuss, nasturtiums deliver bold beauty and flavorful bites—true garden harmony in its purest form.