Nasturtium: When To Plant and How To Grow

Aug 06, 2024

Looking for the ultimate edible plant to add to your garden? Then it’s time to embrace the nasturtium! Nasturtiums are easy to grow, pack a nutritional punch, and add a bright splash of color to the landscape.

They can also serve as the perfect companion plant in your garden. Today, we’re discussing this low-maintenance species and why it deserves a spot in your plot.

What is nasturtium?

Nasturtiums are vibrant flowering plants that have rounded, lobed, alternate leaves and flute-like blossoms that range from sunny yellow to deep maroon. Here’s a closer look at these fan favorites:

Where do nasturtiums originate?

It’s thought that nasturtiums originated in South America, where people used them for their ornamental, culinary, and medicinal properties. In fact, many believe that humans cultivated the plant we know today in ancient times from different varieties in the genus Tropaeolum.

Ideal growing conditions

Nasturtiums enjoy bright, direct sunlight or partial afternoon shade and may thrive in areas with less nutrient-rich soil. However, they still require adequate drainage. While they act as perennials in hardiness zones nine to 11, they’re considered annuals in colder climates.

Popular varieties

Tropaeolum majus, or common nasturtiums, and T. minus, the dwarf variety, are the most popular species in garden centers today. You’ll find dozens of cultivars to choose from.

For example, “Jewel” nasturtium varieties are bushy dwarf plants with yellow, orange, and red flowers. “Gleam” varieties have trailing vines with double blossoms. And “Alaska” is another common nasturtium with variegated leaves.

How to grow nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are surprisingly easy to grow in just about any sunny garden. Many varieties do well in pots and are great companion plants, while others can serve as natural ground cover.

Here’s a guide for cultivating them in your own backyard:

Growing nasturtium from seed

The most reliable way to grow nasturtiums is by seeding them directly into your garden. They will even self-seed in more habitable environments.

However, if you’re planting them yourself, you can sow seeds from early fall to mid-winter in Florida. Plant them directly in the ground, about a half-inch deep and 10 to 12 inches apart. Remember, nasturtiums are drought tolerant and prefer poor soil, so resist the temptation to fertilize or overwater.

Planting nasturtium sprouts

Nasturtium roots are particularly tender. If you intend to transplant seedlings, you’ll need to treat them with care. Do your best to avoid disturbing the roots, and consider sowing them in compostable peat pots you can plant directly into the ground. Once seedlings have several sets of leaves, gently relocate them to your garden shortly after the last frost of the season.

Propagating nasturtiums from clippings

It’s also possible to propagate these showy bloomers from clippings. Use a sharp, clean scissors to remove cuttings with at least two sets of leaf nodes. Strip the lower leaves and ensure no flower buds are present. Then, place them directly into moist, sterile seedling mix or potting soil.

Harvesting nasturtiums

While it’s hard to argue with the beauty these plants bring to the garden, the real pleasure is enjoying their bright, spicy flavor. Here are our tips for harvesting:

When to harvest your nasturtiums

You can start munching on nasturtium leaves about four to six weeks after planting when they’re well-established. If you plan to add the colorful flowers to your plate, pick the blossoms as soon as they open. This will also extend the plant’s life and encourage more blooms.

Of course, you don’t want to remove all the flowers if you plan to save seeds. It’s often best to allow them to dry on the vine and then collect the seed pods before they fall off. At maturity, nasturtium seeds are about the size of a plump pea. They should detach easily, but if you meet resistance, give them a few days and try again.

How to store nasturtium seeds

After harvesting your nasturtium seeds, spread them on a clean towel and let them dry completely. They should become wrinkled and brown within a few days. Then, you can store them in a glass jar or paper envelope until the next season.

How to use nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are excellent for companion planting in the garden, as they serve as a natural ground cover, attract beneficial pollinators, and lure pests away from your valuable fruits and vegetables.

Aside from the tuberous roots, all other parts of the plant are edible. The tender leaves, unripe seed pods, and colorful flowers lend a light, peppery flavor to salads and other dishes.

Additionally, there’s evidence that shows nasturtiums can boost your natural immunity and help fight off illnesses and infections.

Whitwam Organics has everything you need for a thriving garden all season long!

At Whitwam Organics, we’re passionate about sharing the joys of gardening. In addition to offering plants, seeds, and soil amendments, we also teach others about optimal plant care and landscaping through residential and commercial consultations.