Nasturtium plants include more than 80 perennial and annual flowering species in theTropaeolumgenus.
The rounded leaves look like miniature lotus leaves.
In most North American climates, nasturtiums are grown asannuals.
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The leaves andflowers are edible, with a peppery tang.
Planted in the spring after the threat of frost has passed, nasturtiums are fast and easy to grow.
Nasturtium is a popular companion plant in vegetable gardens where it attracts pollinating insects and keeps pests away.
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Soil
Nasturtiums do well in relatively infertile soil with good drainage.
Soil that’s too rich will result in abundant greenery, but few flowers.
This plant grows best in soil with a neutral pH (6 to 8).
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Nasturtiums will survive moderate droughts, but blooms will likely diminish and the foliage will begin to look spindly.
Nasturtiums struggle in extremely dry or extremely humid conditions.
The flowers are funnel-shaped and come in varying shades of yellow, orange, pink, and red.
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Certain varieties boast subdued shades of butter yellow and cream, and others have variegated leaves.
Pick the fully opened flowers for use in salads and to garnish summer desserts.
For bushy varieties, trimming stems is not generally needed.
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This will reduce transplant shock.
Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep and 10 to 12 inches apart.
Keep the soil continuously moist until seeds sprout, which should take about a week to 10 days.
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The plants grow best in natural stone or clay containers with ample drainage.
Nasturtiums are prone to contract bacterial leaf spot.
The disease is spread by splashing water and manifests itself as small brown or black spots on the leaves.
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Providing ample airflow between plants and watering with drip irrigation instead of overhead irrigation reduces the risk of infection.
Plants with abundant foliage but no blooms may be an indicator of rich soil conditions.
Pruning your plant may also help if you planted a variety that holds flowers under its leaves.
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In waterlogged soil, root rot may occur.
Nasturtium repels whiteflies, squash bugs, aphids, several beetle species, and cabbage loopers.
No, nasturtiums don’t come back year after year.
In most climates, nasturtiums are grown as annuals and last for one growing season only.
However, the plants tend to reseed themselves without intervention and then new plants grow from the seeds.
The best place for nasturtium is a location in full sun where the soil has excellent drainage.
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum).
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.
