Nasturtiums are among the most versatile flowers for gardeners of all levels. Known for their colorful blossoms, edible leaves and blooms, and natural pest-repellent qualities, nasturtiums bring beauty and utility to any space, from a backyard garden to a patio container. This article delves into how to grow and care for these charming flowers, providing everything you need to enjoy a vibrant, thriving nasturtium garden.
Why Choose Nasturtiums?
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are annual flowers native to South and Central America. Their brightly colored blooms and distinctive rounded leaves make them an attractive addition to any garden. They come in a variety of shades, including red, orange, yellow, and even creamy white, providing a burst of color wherever they grow. Not only are they beautiful, but they’re also edible, adding a peppery flavor to salads and garnishes. Additionally, nasturtiums are known for their pest-deterring properties, making them ideal companion plants.
Getting Started: Types of Nasturtiums
There are two main types of nasturtiums:
- Trailing Nasturtiums: These varieties spread outward, often cascading over garden beds, hanging baskets, or other structures. They can grow up to 10 feet long, providing ground cover or adding a lovely trailing effect.
- Bush Nasturtiums: These are more compact, reaching around 1-2 feet in height and making them perfect for container gardening or borders.
Preparing to Plant Nasturtiums
Choosing the Right Spot
Nasturtiums thrive in sunny locations but can tolerate light shade. They prefer cooler conditions and do best when planted in the spring. In hot climates, a bit of afternoon shade can help protect the plants from excessive heat.
Selecting Soil
Nasturtiums grow best in well-drained, low-fertility soil. Surprisingly, they do not require nutrient-rich soil. In fact, too much fertilizer can result in lush foliage but fewer blooms. For container gardening, use a standard potting mix without added fertilizers. For garden beds, ensure the soil is loose and drains well to avoid root rot.
Soaking the Seeds
Nasturtium seeds have a hard outer shell, which can slow down germination. To help the seeds sprout more quickly, soak them in warm water for 12 to 24 hours before planting.
Planting Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are best sown directly in the garden after the last frost has passed. They can be started indoors about 4-6 weeks before the final frost, but they don’t transplant as easily due to their fragile root systems.
Steps for Planting
- Prepare the Soil: Loosen the soil in your chosen spot to ensure good drainage.
- Plant the Seeds: Sow seeds ½ inch deep, spacing them about 10-12 inches apart. For container gardens, place 1-2 seeds per small pot or 3-4 seeds per larger pot.
- Cover and Water: Gently cover the seeds with soil and water them lightly. Be careful not to overwater, as nasturtiums don’t tolerate soggy soil.
Caring for Nasturtiums
Once your nasturtiums have sprouted, caring for them is easy! These hardy flowers don’t require much maintenance.
Watering
Nasturtiums need regular watering, especially in dry conditions, but be cautious not to overwater. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but allow the top layer to dry slightly between waterings.
Thinning Out Seedlings
Once seedlings appear and grow a few inches, thin them out to avoid overcrowding. This helps each plant access sufficient sunlight, water, and nutrients.
Deadheading for Continuous Blooms
To encourage a continuous display of blooms, remove spent flowers regularly. This process, called deadheading, redirects the plant’s energy from seed production back to flowering.
Pruning and Trimming
For trailing nasturtiums, occasional pruning can prevent them from overtaking other plants. Cut back leggy growth to promote a fuller shape and encourage more blooms.
Growing Nasturtiums in Containers
Nasturtiums grow beautifully in containers, making them ideal for gardeners with limited space or those looking to add some color to patios and balconies. Follow these tips for successful container growth:
- Choose the Right Pot: Use a container with good drainage holes, as nasturtiums don’t tolerate waterlogged soil.
- Use a Light Potting Mix: A standard, low-nutrient potting mix works well. Avoid fertilizer-rich mixes.
- Position in Sunlight: Place your containers where they’ll get plenty of sunlight—about 6-8 hours per day.
Companion Planting with Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums aren’t just a feast for the eyes; they’re also beneficial to other plants. They act as “trap crops,” attracting aphids, whiteflies, and other pests, keeping them away from more vulnerable plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. Here are a few companion planting ideas:
- Tomatoes: Planting nasturtiums near tomatoes can help deter whiteflies and aphids.
- Cucumbers and Squash: Nasturtiums protect these plants from aphids and beetles.
- Broccoli and Cabbage: The peppery scent of nasturtiums can repel cabbage moths.
Harvesting and Using Nasturtiums
One of the unique benefits of growing nasturtiums is that the entire plant is edible! Both the leaves and flowers have a peppery flavor, similar to arugula, and make a vibrant addition to salads, sandwiches, and garnishes.
- Flowers: Pick blooms fresh and use them as a garnish or to add a peppery flavor to dishes.
- Leaves: Young leaves are more tender and can be added to salads.
- Seeds: Nasturtium seeds can be pickled and used as a caper substitute!
Common Pests and Problems
While nasturtiums are generally hardy, they can sometimes face pest issues or environmental challenges:
- Aphids: Aphids may be attracted to nasturtiums, but this can work in your favor if you’re using them as a trap crop. Regularly check for infestations and spray with a mild soap solution if needed.
- Powdery Mildew: In humid conditions, nasturtiums may develop powdery mildew. To prevent this, avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation around your plants.
- Wilting: Nasturtiums don’t like overly wet soil. If you notice wilting, check the soil moisture and allow it to dry out slightly between waterings.
Seasonal Care and Overwintering
Nasturtiums are generally grown as annuals, but in warmer climates (zones 9-11), they may act as perennials. If you live in a colder region and want to save seeds for next season, follow these steps:
- Collect Seeds: After flowering, allow some flowers to go to seed. Nasturtium seeds are large and easy to collect.
- Store Seeds: Dry the seeds thoroughly and store them in a cool, dry place for the next planting season.
Benefits of Growing Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums offer numerous benefits to the garden and gardener alike:
- Low-Maintenance: Perfect for beginners or those with limited time.
- Pest Deterrent: Acts as a natural pest repellant for nearby plants.
- Edible and Versatile: Provides a unique, peppery addition to meals.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color to any garden or container arrangement.
Conclusion
Growing nasturtiums is a rewarding endeavor for any gardener. With their vibrant colors, edible qualities, and pest-deterring benefits, these flowers are both beautiful and functional. Whether you’re adding them to your vegetable garden as a companion plant or cultivating a container garden on your balcony, nasturtiums bring a burst of color and life to any setting.
Now that you know how to grow and care for nasturtiums, why not give it a try? With minimal effort, you can enjoy an array of blooms, enhance your garden’s health, and even add a unique flavor to your meals!
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