Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are one of the most versatile and rewarding plants you can grow in your backyard. These vibrant, easy-to-care-for flowers not only add a pop of color to your garden but also serve as a delicious and nutritious addition to your meals. Every part of the nasturtium plant—the leaves, flowers, and seeds—is edible, making it a must-have for gardeners who love both beauty and functionality. Whether you’re looking to enhance your landscape, improve your health, or create gourmet meals, nasturtiums offer something for everyone. Let’s dive into why you should grow nasturtiums and how to make the most of this incredible plant.
Why Grow Nasturtiums?
1. Stunning Aesthetic Appeal
Nasturtiums are available in a range of vibrant colors, including bright orange, deep red, and sunny yellow. Their trailing or bushy growth habits make them perfect for garden borders, hanging baskets, and even ground cover. They can add a burst of color to any space, enhancing the beauty of your backyard effortlessly.
2. Edible and Nutritious
Every part of the nasturtium plant is edible and packed with nutrition. The leaves have a peppery taste similar to arugula, making them perfect for salads. The flowers add a decorative and flavorful touch to dishes, while the seed pods can be pickled to create a caper-like condiment. Additionally, nasturtiums are rich in vitamin C and contain natural antibiotic properties, supporting immune health.
3. Natural Pest Repellent
Nasturtiums are known for their ability to deter pests naturally. They release a chemical that repels aphids, squash bugs, and whiteflies while attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and bees. Planting nasturtiums near your vegetable garden can help protect crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans from pest infestations.
4. Easy to Grow and Maintain
One of the best things about nasturtiums is how effortless they are to grow. They thrive in poor soil conditions and require minimal care. Even beginner gardeners can enjoy their benefits with little effort.
How to Grow Nasturtiums in Your Garden
1. Choosing the Right Variety
There are two main types of nasturtiums:
- Trailing varieties: These work well in hanging baskets, raised beds, or as ground cover.
- Bush varieties: Ideal for container gardening and small garden spaces.
2. Planting Nasturtiums
- When to Plant: Nasturtiums grow best in the spring and summer months. Sow seeds after the last frost.
- Soil Requirements: They thrive in well-draining soil but can tolerate poor soil conditions. Avoid over-fertilization, as it leads to excessive foliage growth with fewer flowers.
- Sunlight Needs: Nasturtiums prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Watering: Keep the soil moderately moist but not overly wet.
3. Caring for Your Nasturtiums
- Pruning: Trim back leggy vines to encourage fuller growth.
- Deadheading: Removing spent flowers promotes continuous blooming.
- Pest Control: While they naturally deter many pests, occasional aphid attacks can occur. Simply spray plants with water or use an organic insecticidal soap.
Harvesting and Using Every Part of the Nasturtium
1. Leaves
Nasturtium leaves have a bold, peppery flavor that adds zest to salads, sandwiches, and pestos. Young leaves are more tender and milder in taste.
2. Flowers
These colorful blooms are perfect for garnishing dishes, adding a mild spice to salads, or even stuffing with soft cheese for a gourmet appetizer.
3. Seeds (Poor Man’s Capers)
Nasturtium seed pods can be pickled to create a delicious caper substitute. To do this:
- Collect green seed pods before they mature.
- Rinse them and soak in a salt brine for 24 hours.
- Drain and store in vinegar for a few weeks before use.
Companion Planting with Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums make excellent companion plants. They can help repel harmful insects while benefiting neighboring plants. Here are some plants that thrive alongside nasturtiums:
- Tomatoes: Nasturtiums deter whiteflies and aphids that commonly attack tomato plants.
- Cucumbers: The plant’s spreading habit helps provide shade and reduces weed growth around cucumber plants.
- Cabbage Family (Brassicas): Nasturtiums attract pests like cabbage worms away from crops like kale, broccoli, and cabbage.
Fun and Creative Ways to Enjoy Nasturtiums
1. Nasturtium-Infused Vinegar
Steep nasturtium flowers and leaves in white vinegar for a few weeks to create a flavorful, peppery vinegar perfect for salad dressings.
2. Nasturtium Pesto
Blend nasturtium leaves with garlic, nuts, olive oil, and parmesan cheese to create a spicy, unique pesto that pairs well with pasta or grilled vegetables.
3. Floral Ice Cubes
Freeze nasturtium flowers into ice cubes for a visually stunning and tasty addition to summer beverages.
4. Nasturtium Butter
Mix finely chopped nasturtium flowers into softened butter for a colorful, flavorful spread for bread and grilled meats.
Common Questions About Growing Nasturtiums
1. Do nasturtiums come back every year?
Nasturtiums are typically grown as annuals, but they readily self-seed, meaning new plants may sprout the following season without additional planting.
2. Can you grow nasturtiums in pots?
Yes! Nasturtiums grow beautifully in containers. Just ensure the pot has good drainage, and avoid excessive fertilization.
3. Do nasturtiums need a lot of sun?
They thrive in full sun but can tolerate some shade. However, plants in shaded areas may produce fewer flowers.
4. How do I stop nasturtiums from taking over my garden?
Regular pruning and deadheading will keep them from spreading excessively. If they start to overrun other plants, simply trim back their vines.
Conclusion: Why Every Backyard Needs Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are a low-maintenance, stunning, and edible plant that brings multiple benefits to any garden. Whether you want to brighten up your space, enjoy a natural pest deterrent, or experiment with unique culinary uses, nasturtiums are a perfect choice. Their versatility, ease of growth, and beauty make them an ideal addition to any gardener’s collection.
Would you consider growing nasturtiums in your garden? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🌿🌼