How to grow and care for Nasturtium plant?

Native to South America, Nasturtium is a blooming plant known by its scientific name, Tropaeolum. These lovely plants do exceptionally well in containers. Their distinctive leaves and flowers add a touch of charm to any space. They are frequently grown in companion planting as a trap crop, keeping other garden pests such as aphids away from the more expensive vegetables.

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See also: How to grow and care for Easter Lily?

Key facts: Nasturtium plant

Genus Name	Tropaeolum
Common Name	Nasturtium
Plant Type	Annual, Vine
Light	Sun
Height	6 to 12 inches
Width	12 to 18 inches
Flower Colour	Orange, Pink, Red, White, Yellow
Foliage Colour	Blue/Green
Season Features	Fall Bloom, Summer Bloom
Special Features	Attracts Birds, Good for Containers, Low Maintenance
Propagation	Seed, Stem Cuttings
Problem Solvers	Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant
Toxicity	Stomach or intestinal ulcers, likely to be unsafe for children

Nasturtium: Interesting facts

Nasturtium’s edible qualities are noteworthy since its leaves and flowers can be consumed. The flowers add a slightly hot, watercress-like flavor that gives salads, sandwiches, and other varied foods a bright, peppery edge. The leaves can be added to soups and stews to enhance their flavor, or use them in place of basil in pesto.
Nasturtium has long been a mainstay in traditional medicine. Many think it is good for immune system support and respiratory wellness.
Aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs can all be naturally repelled from your garden by planting nasturtiums. The powerful scent of the plant acts as an organic barrier, deterring pests and safeguarding neighboring plants.
In addition to being vivid and colorful, Nasturtium flowers draw butterflies and bees, two important pollinators.
There are more than 80 different species of nasturtium, ranging in size, color, and leaf shape.
Growing nasturtiums is a low-maintenance plant that even beginners may easily grow. It loves soil that drains well and enjoys soaking up the sunlight.
Nasturtium is known for growing quickly and robustly. The seeds sprout rapidly, and the plant can begin blooming within six to eight weeks from the time of sowing.
Iron and manganese, two important elements, as well as vitamins C and D, are abundant in nasturtium leaves and flowers.

Nasturtium: How to propagate them from cuttings?

Assemble potting soil, garden sheers, a pot with drainage holes, and powdered rooting hormone (optional).
Add potting soil to the pot.
Choose a stem with at least three leaves still attached from your mature nasturtium plant, and cut off a 4-inch (or longer) portion. Although it is not required, dipping the cut end into rooting powder could expedite the process.
Create a hole in the center of the soil and insert the stem into it, making sure it is at least an inch deep.
Use your fingers to gently backfill the hole and then carefully water the pot in the sink.
After letting the pot drain, put it under grow lights or in a bright window.
Look for roots in a week or so. After the stem has firmly taken root, move it into your sunny garden and maintain the soil moist.

Nasturtium: How to grow them from seeds?

Once the soil has warmed, seeds can be spread directly in the garden or begun indoors two to four weeks prior to the typical final spring frost date.
When planting outdoors, place the seeds straight into soil that is between 55-65 Fahrenheit. Space the seeds 1/2 inch deep and 10 to 12 inches apart.
Till the seeds develop, which should take a week to ten days, keep the soil consistently moist.
Nasturtiums are a picky crop when it comes to transplanting, therefore when planting in pots, start the seeds in peat or paper pots. Transplant shock will be lessened as a result.

Nasturtium: Care Tips

Light: For the greatest flowers, select a planting location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Nasturtiums can withstand some shade, but the amount of flowers they produce will be reduced.
Soil and water: The most often planted annual nasturtium species like frequent watering and do best when directly seeded in well-drained soil, while there are other varieties with different requirements. They are prone to wilting during dry spells, but they quickly recover when given water.
Temperature and humidity: Nasturtiums showcase their optimal blooming during the cooler periods of spring and fall. They are not particular about humidity, although they may face challenges in excessively humid or extremely dry conditions. While they can withstand light frost, exposure to freezing temperatures will lead to the demise of the plants.
Fertiliser: Nasturtiums do not need fertilizer, nor do they require soil amendments unless the soil is extremely poor; in fact, rich soil sometimes promotes foliage growth at the expense of flowering plants. Given that nasturtiums are frequently used in food preparation, it is advisable to avoid using artificial additives.
Pruning: Nasturtiums usually do not require deadheading, but keeping the plant bushy and appealing will require plucking off the leaves and blossoms for culinary purposes. Remove a minimum of 12 inch to stimulate the plant.
Potting and repotting Nasturtium: Whether planted alone or in a mixed container with other plants with similar cultural requirements, Nasturtium makes a good potted plant. Ensure the potting soil drains properly and choose a pot with plenty of drainage holes. Remember that potted plants need more frequent watering than plants in the landscape.
Pests and problems: If you notice small insects on your plants, give them a strong stream of water from the hose to get rid of them. In less-than-ideal circumstances, bacterial leaf spot can also develop. Reduce the likelihood of this illness by allowing adequate airflow between plants and watering them at the soil level as opposed to using an overhead spray.

Nasturtium: Toxicity

Nasturtiums are commonly regarded as non-toxic and are even suitable for consumption. Both the leaves and flowers of nasturtium plants are frequently incorporated into salads, lending a peppery flavour. These plants are recognised for their vibrant colours and culinary applications. Nevertheless, it is essential to acknowledge that while nasturtiums are generally safe for human consumption, some individuals might experience mild stomach upset, or skin irritation due to their peppery compounds or stomach or intestinal ulcers. It is also known to be unsafe for children.

As with any plant, it is advisable to consume them moderately and to be mindful of potential individual sensitivities or allergies.

FAQs

Can nasturtiums be grown in pots or containers?

Yes, nasturtiums are well-suited for container gardening. They thrive in well-drained soil and can be grown in pots, hanging baskets, or window boxes.

Can nasturtiums be used for companion planting?

Yes, nasturtiums are excellent companion plants. They can attract aphids and caterpillars away from other plants, acting as a sacrificial crop. Additionally, they may deter pests such as whiteflies and cucumber beetles.

Are nasturtiums suitable for beginner gardeners?

Yes, nasturtiums are ideal for beginner gardeners. They are hardy, fast-growing and relatively low-maintenance. Their adaptability to different soil types and resistance to pests make them a great choice for those new to gardening.

Can nasturtiums survive in cooler climates?

Nasturtiums are annual plants that prefer warmer temperatures. They can withstand mild frosts but will not survive harsh winter conditions. In cooler climates, they are best grown as annuals or started indoors before the last frost.

Can nasturtiums be used for culinary purposes other than salads?

Yes, in addition to salads, nasturtium flowers and leaves can be used in sandwiches, garnishes, and as a colorful addition to appetizers.

What type of soil is best for growing nasturtiums?

Nasturtiums prefer well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. They are adaptable and can thrive in various soil types, but they perform best in moderately fertile soil.

Do nasturtiums require a lot of water?

Nasturtiums prefer regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. They are relatively drought-tolerant once established.

Can nasturtiums be grown indoors?

While nasturtiums can be started indoors for transplanting, they generally thrive better when grown outdoors. If starting indoors, use biodegradable pots to minimise root disturbance during transplanting.

How can I encourage continuous blooming in nasturtiums?

To encourage continuous blooming, regularly remove faded flowers. This prevents the plant from setting seed and redirects its energy into producing more blooms. Regular pruning can also help maintain a compact shape.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com

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