The Growers Guide to Nasturtium
May 25, 2023
Growing Nasturtium
Are you looking for easy-to-care-for flowers that will reward you all summer long with bright, cheerful blooms? Nasturtiums, with their cheerful trumpet shapes in vivid oranges, yellows, and reds, might be just the cheerful annuals you're looking for. Don't be intimidated if you've never grown them before; we'll explain how to care for and enjoy vibrant nasturtiums with ease.
Unleash Nature's Brilliance: Your Ultimate Nasturtium Guide for a Spectacularly Colorful Garden! Expert Planting, Care, and Growing Tips for Vibrant Nasturtiums to Flourish.
Choose the Right Location
Find a sunny spot in your garden where your nasturtiums can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. They also thrive in well-draining soil.
Prepare the Soil
Before planting, remove any weeds and loosen the soil. Mix in compost for better drainage and nutrient-rich soil.
Planting Nasturtium Seeds
Directly sow the seeds into the prepared soil after the danger of frost has passed. Plant the seeds half an inch deep, spacing them 10-12 inches apart.
Watering Your Nasturtiums
Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Avoid overwatering as it may lead to root rot. Reduce watering during rainy periods.
Providing Support (Optional)
If you have climbing or trailing varieties, consider providing support such as trellises or stakes to help them grow and flourish.
Pruning and Deadheading
To promote bushier growth, pinch back the tips of your nasturtiums when they reach about 6 inches in height. Remove faded flowers (deadheading) to encourage continuous blooms.
Dealing with Pests and Diseases
Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can make the plants more susceptible to aphids. If aphids or other pests appear, try using organic pest control methods like insecticidal soap or neem oil. Treat any diseases promptly.
Harvesting Nasturtiums
Both the leaves and flowers of nasturtiums are edible and have a peppery flavor. Harvest them in the morning when the flavors are most intense. Add them to salads, sandwiches, or use them as a vibrant garnish.
Overwintering Nasturtiums
In colder climates, nasturtiums are typically grown as annuals. However, you can try saving seeds or taking cuttings to overwinter the plants indoors for a continuous supply of colorful blooms.
Conclusion
With their brilliant colors and easy-care nature, nasturtiums are a must-have for any garden. Follow these expert tips and unleash the full potential of these vibrant flowers to create a truly spectacular and colorful garden!
Gardening enthusiasts and beginners alike are sure to appreciate the vibrant hues and easy-care nature of nasturtiums. Known for their bright flowers and versatile uses, nasturtiums are a must-have addition to your garden. If you've considered planting nasturtiums, then you're in the right place. We're here to provide a full guide on how to plant, care for, and nurture these garden beauties for the most vibrant blooms.
A Brief Overview of the Nasturtium
If you're new to the world of nasturtiums, you might be wondering what makes these plants so special. Nasturtiums are annual flowering plants that are recognized for their bright-colored, trumpet-shaped flowers and rounded leaves. They come in a rainbow spectrum of colours including fiery reds, sunny yellows, vibrant oranges and even beautiful multi-color varieties.
One attractive aspect of nasturtiums is their versatility. They are not just decorative, they are fully edible from their flowers down to their leaves and seeds. Each part of the plant offers a unique peppery flavor that can spice up salads, pestos and practically any dish you can think of.
But the allure of nasturtiums extends beyond their taste and vibrant looks. They are loved by gardeners because they are low-maintenance, hardy, and function as companion plants that can naturally repel certain pests.
1. Planting Your Nasturtiums
If you're wondering how to plant nasturtium, you'll be glad to know it's relatively simple. Whether you're starting from seeds or transplanting seedlings, here's a step-by-step guide:
1.1 Planting Nasturtium from Seeds
- Preparation: Nasturtium seeds have a hard coating which can slow down germination. To speed this up, you can soak the seeds overnight.
- Planting: Sow nasturtium seeds about 1/2 inch deep and 10 to 12 inches apart. They prefer full sun but can tolerate some partial shade. They are not picky about soil but ensure it is well-draining.
- Germination: With the right conditions, germination should occur after 7-10 days.
1.2 Transplanting Nasturtium Seedlings
Transplanting nasturtiums can be a little tricky as they are somewhat sensitive to being moved. But it's not impossible, just follow these steps:
- Acclimation: Gradually introduce the seedlings to outdoor conditions by taking them out for a few hours each day over a week. This process is known as hardening off.
- Transplanting: Dig a hole in the garden that is large enough to fit the entire root ball of the seedling. Gently place the seedling in the hole and cover it with soil, carefully avoiding aerial parts of the plant.
2. Nurturing and Caring for Your Nasturtium
Once your nasturtium plant is settled in its new home, it's time for nurturing. Although nasturtiums are quite low-maintenance, here are a few top tips:
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry periods. However, do not overwater as nasturtiums are susceptible to rot.
- Fertilizing: Nasturtiums actually thrive on poor soil, and too much fertilizer may lead to lush leaves but few flowers. Therefore, avoid fertilizing unless your soil is extremely poor.
- Pruning: To encourage bushier growth and more blooms, consider pruning your nasturtium once it starts to grow vigorously.
3. Enjoying Your Blooming Nasturtiums
Once your nasturtiums start blooming, the show truly begins. The vibrant flowers provide a splash of color to gardens, patios, and window boxes. Plus, they attract pollinators boosting your garden’s overall health.
Don't forget that nasturtium flowers, leaves, and seeds are all edible! The peppery taste can add a splash of flavor to salads or be used as a creative garnish for your culinary creations. Certainly, the beauty of nasturtium extends beyond the garden and on to your table.
Final Word
Gardening with nasturtiums is largely a joyous, low-stress experience. This colorful, functional, easy-care flowering plant is an excellent candidate for your garden, especially if you're a busy person who cannot spend too much time on plant care. With this guide at hand, enjoy the vibrant elegance and delightful tanginess that the nasturtium will bring into your life.
FAQ
Q: What Kind Of Soil Do Nasturtiums Need?
Nasturtiums thrive best in moist, well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. Make sure to include a few handfuls of compost or aged manure in the soil mix before planting.
Q: How Often Should I Water Them?
Water your nasturtiums when the top inch of the soil feels dry. They do need consistent moisture, so it's best to stick to a regular watering schedule. As a general rule of thumb, if you haven't rained in the past three days, it's time to water again.
Q: When Can I Expect Them To Bloom?
Nasturtiums typically bloom during the summer months. Depending on the weather, you can expect to see some blooms within several weeks after planting.
Q: What Should I Do After They Bloom?
You can allow nasturtiums to keep growing over the summer as annuals. If you plant them in early spring, you may want to deadhead them each week to prevent self-seeding and encourage more flowers. Alternatively, you can wait until they start to die off in the fall before harvesting the seeds.
Growing Nasturtium is an excellent way to add a bright, vibrant splash of color to any garden. Not only are they a beautiful addition, but they attract beneficial insects that ward off bad pests and are naturally disease-resistant. The edible flowers, leaves and seed pods provide an incredible array of culinary and medicinal uses, making them an incredibly rewarding plant to grow!
