Tips for growing and caring for Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are easy-to-grow annuals that have beautiful, bright edible flowers.
They can be grown directly in the garden or planted in containers, hanging pots or window baskets.
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Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are native to Peru and have pale green, round leaves with long stems.
They have bright orange, yellow and red flowers and bloom in summer and fall.
There are about 80 different species of Nasturtium including dwarf, trailing and bushy types. [1]
Nasturtiums are popular annual flowers because they’re edible, fast-growing and attract beneficial insects including butterflies and lacewings to the garden. They’re also a great companion plant.
HOW TO GROW NASTURTIUMS
Best Soil for Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums thrive in poor quality soil and produce more flowers in poor soil than in rich, well-fertilized soil.
How much sunlight do Nasturtiums need?
Nasturtiums prefer to grow in a position that is in full sun or partially shaded in the afternoon. It hot areas they can become scorched in very hot afternoon sun.
How long do Nasturtiums take to mature?
Nasturtium plants begin to bloom in 5 to 7 weeks and will flower from summer to fall.
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How tall do Nasturtiums grow?
There are many different varieties of Nasturtium that range from small dwarf plants that grow only 6 inches (15 cm) high to climbing varieties that can grow 8 to 10 feet (2.3 to 3 m).
How much space is needed between plants?
Each plant should have at least 10 inches (25 cm) space in all directions.
Growing Nasturtiums from Seeds
Nasturtium seeds
In colder areas, or to get an earlier start, you can plant the seeds in containers indoors and transplant them to the garden in spring.
Nasturtium seeds are usually planted 1/2 inch (about 1.5 cm) deep and about 10 inches (25 cm) apart.
It usually takes about 10 to 14 days for nasturtium seeds to germinate.
Soaking seeds in water overnight prior to planting may speed up germination.
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Nasturtium varieties to try in your Garden
Growing Nasturtiums from Cuttings
Nasturtiums can be propagated from cuttings, but the most common method is from seed.
To propagate nasturtiums from cuttings, take a 3 inch (7cm) section of stem and trim off the lower leaves.
Place the cuttings in moist perlite or sand and roots will form in two to three weeks.
Watering Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums need to be watered regularly throughout the growing season, especially in hot weather, but be careful not to over-water your plants.
Let the soil dry out a bit between watering.
Fertilizer for Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums flower better in poor soil, so they don’t need fertilizer.
Pests & Diseases
Nasturtiums can be affected by aphids, slugs and caterpillars.
Pruning Nasturtiums
If the plants get a bit untidy or overgrown, prune them back to a manageable size and they’ll quickly produce new growth.
Regular deadheading of flowers will also prolong blooming.
Companion Planting
Nasturtiums spread out over the ground, so they help to suppress weeds and shade the soil when grown near taller plants like tomatoes, sweet corn and sunflowers. [2]
They attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to the garden and when planted in a vegetable garden they can be used as an aphid trap so that the vegetable plants won’t be affected by aphids.
Harvesting and Using Nasturtiums
The best time to pick Nasturtium flowers is in the morning. The flowers and leaves can be used in salads or as a garnish or decoration.
Nasturtiums have a peppery taste, similar to watercress.
The seeds can be left to dry out on the vine and stored in an envelope to replant the next year.
Common Questions
Can Nasturtiums Grow in the Shade?
Nasturtiums are best grown in full sun where they produce the most flowers, but they will also grow in partial shade.
Are Nasturtiums Frost Tolerant?
Nasturtiums aren’t frost tolerant so it’s best to make sure the risk of frost has passed before planting seeds outdoors.
Where Do Nasturtiums Grow?
Nasturtiums grow well in most areas, except for cold, mountainous areas.
Final Thoughts
Nasturtiums are one of the easiest annual flowers for beginner gardeners and kids to grow.
You can eat the entire plant and they’re great for hanging pots, window boxes and ground covers.
Nasturtiums don’t need much ongoing care so it won’t matter if they’re a bit neglected.
Here’s a quick video about growing Nasturtium flowers that I think you’ll enjoy.
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Have you tried growing Nasturtiums in your garden? Let me know in the comments below.
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Great to know considering my track record with plants – NOT so great, LOL!
Being that these can be grown in window baskets, I could grow these in our apartment! I think they will brighten up the area.
You sure can Brianne, Nasturtiums are great for hanging baskets and window boxes.
My hubby is a passionate lover of gardening and we have also a huge collections of flowers. I have learned some new tips from here. Thanks for sharing!
When it comes to flowers, I have the worst luck. I’ve never heard of Nasturtiums but they are beautiful!
These are so pretty. Would love to grow these in my garden!
This is the first time I heard about Nasturtiums. It looks so amazing! I hope I can plant some at home.
I love to grow nasturtiums in my garden. I am slack at watering plants and it’s nice to know that nasturtiums are not a high-maintenance one.
I remember that we had Nasturtiums in our garden when I was a kid and my grandmother had big hanging pots full of them on her balcony. We never used them for eating, though.
I never knew about all these things plants need. I thought you just plant them and that is it but it seems I have been missing the nasturtiums. Thanks for the info and I will reconsider next time I am gardening.
Beautiful flowers! I have flowering plants in pots and the blooms really give me such happy feelings. Although last week was sad for me because a neighbor’s cat dug up my chrysanthemum seedlings! Ugh.
We were just gifted a pot of these, so thanks for the great resource. We’ll take good care of them with your help!
I love flowers! These are so dainty and feminine.
I’ve never heard of these beautiful flowers! Wow! Thank you for showing us how to care for them ♡
There are some really fab piccys here for sure. I would love to grow some of these beautiful flowers…they look amazing x
Beautiful flowers! I didn’t know Nasturtiums were quite easy to grow! They’re so bright and cheerful. I definitely will be adding some come spring!
These are some pretty flowers. Thanks for sharing these tips.
ive never heard nasturtiums before this post. but, they are beautiful. maybe, we dont have one here growing in my country. lovely post, like the flower! 🙂
This is so cool!!! Edible flowers?! Just blew my mind haha. My four year old wants to grow flowers so this may be a good one to try.
I love nasturtiums and have been growing them for years. I know they grow down, but could they grow up like in an obelisk?
Hi Judy, yes you can train nasturtiums to climb up a trellis or vertical structure.
I am so excited about nasturtiums. I used to grow them as a child in the flower beds. I learned a few years ago that they are edible. Now you tell me they have a peppery taste. I am allergic to pepper so I am very excited that I have found a replacement for pepper in my foods. Can I cook with it, or should it remain raw?
Hi Tammy, yes you can cook nasturtium leaves. They can be stir fried, stuffed or used to make pesto.