Nasturtiums are beloved by gardeners worldwide for their easy-care nature, vibrant flowers, and peppery-tasting leaves that can add zest to any dish. Beyond their aesthetic and culinary appeal, nasturtiums offer many benefits to the garden, from attracting pollinators to serving as companion plants that help deter pests. Learning how to save and plant nasturtium seeds can ensure a fresh supply of these cheerful flowers year after year without needing to buy new seeds. This guide will walk you through every step of the process—from seed collection to planting—so you can enjoy a garden full of colorful, beneficial nasturtiums.
Why Grow Nasturtiums?
Before diving into the how-to, it’s important to appreciate why nasturtiums make an excellent addition to any garden:
- Pollinator-Friendly: Their bright, funnel-shaped flowers attract bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.
- Pest Deterrence: Nasturtiums are known to repel some pests, like aphids and whiteflies, making them valuable companion plants.
- Edible: Both leaves and flowers are edible, adding a peppery flavor to salads, garnishes, and other dishes.
- Easy to Grow: Nasturtiums are low-maintenance, hardy, and thrive in a variety of conditions.
With these benefits in mind, let’s jump into the process of saving and planting nasturtium seeds.
Step 1: Recognizing When Nasturtium Seeds are Ready for Harvest
After flowering, nasturtiums develop round, green seed pods, typically three seeds per pod. Knowing when to harvest them is key to successful seed saving:
- Color and Texture: When the seed pods mature, they’ll turn from bright green to a light brown or tan color and start to look wrinkled. At this point, they are ready to be harvested.
- Easy Removal: Mature seeds will fall off the plant or detach easily with a gentle touch. If they require force to pull, they may not be fully ripe.
Step 2: Harvesting the Seeds
Once the seeds are mature, you can harvest them directly from the plant.
- Inspect the Plant Regularly: Nasturtium seeds ripen at different times. Regularly check your plants to gather seeds as they mature.
- Avoid Collecting Green Seeds: Immature seeds, which are green and plump, are unlikely to germinate successfully, so only collect those that are brown and dry.
Step 3: Drying the Seeds
After harvesting, the seeds need to dry completely to ensure they remain viable during storage. This is a simple yet crucial step to prevent mold and rot.
- Drying Method: Lay the seeds on a paper towel or screen in a warm, dry place for about a week.
- Optimal Environment: Avoid exposing seeds to direct sunlight, which could damage them. A shady, well-ventilated area is best.
Once dry, they will feel firm and won’t crumble under slight pressure.
Step 4: Storing Nasturtium Seeds
Proper storage is essential to maintain seed viability until you’re ready to plant.
- Storage Container: Use an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Add a silica packet if available to keep moisture at bay.
- Labeling: Write the date and type of seed on the container so you can track its age. Stored properly, nasturtium seeds can remain viable for up to two years.
- Storage Conditions: Place the container in a cool, dark location, such as a pantry or refrigerator. Avoid storing seeds in humid areas, as moisture can trigger premature germination or rot.
Step 5: Planting Nasturtium Seeds in Spring
When spring arrives, it’s time to bring those saved seeds to life! Nasturtiums prefer direct planting in the garden over starting indoors, as they don’t transplant well due to their delicate roots.
Choosing the Right Planting Location
- Soil Type: Nasturtiums prefer slightly poor, well-draining soil. Excessive fertility, especially nitrogen, can lead to lush foliage with fewer blooms.
- Sunlight: A location with full to partial sunlight will provide the best results. In hotter climates, partial shade is ideal to avoid scorching the leaves.
Planting Method
- Prepare the Soil: Loosen the soil in your chosen location, breaking up any clumps.
- Spacing: Sow seeds about 10-12 inches apart for bush-type nasturtiums, and 18 inches apart for trailing types, which need room to spread.
- Planting Depth: Sow seeds approximately ½ inch deep in the soil and cover lightly.
- Watering: Water the area gently to keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering, as nasturtiums prefer drier conditions once established.
Step 6: Caring for Nasturtium Plants
Nasturtiums are quite low-maintenance, but some care tips can help them thrive:
- Watering: Water consistently during germination but reduce once they’ve sprouted. Established nasturtiums are relatively drought-tolerant.
- Fertilizer: Avoid adding extra fertilizer; nasturtiums do well in less fertile soil.
- Pest Management: If you notice aphids or other pests, a gentle spray of soapy water can help. However, nasturtiums are naturally pest-resistant, which is a bonus for organic gardeners.
Step 7: Enjoying and Harvesting from Your Nasturtium Plants
Once planted and established, nasturtiums will grow vigorously, and you can enjoy their benefits in multiple ways:
- Flowers and Leaves for Culinary Use: Pick the edible leaves and flowers regularly to add to salads, garnish dishes, or flavor oils and vinegars.
- Seed Saving: As the season progresses, you can begin the cycle again by saving new seeds from mature pods.
Troubleshooting Common Nasturtium Growing Issues
While nasturtiums are hardy, a few common issues may arise:
- Excessive Foliage with Few Flowers: This typically indicates too much nitrogen in the soil. Avoid fertilizing nasturtiums and consider a location with poorer soil.
- Wilting or Yellowing: Overwatering or poor drainage can cause wilting. Allow the soil to dry between waterings, and ensure the planting area is well-drained.
- Aphids and Pests: Although nasturtiums repel some pests, aphids may still appear. Wash them off with a gentle spray or apply organic insecticidal soap if necessary.
Tips for Companion Planting with Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums work well with many garden plants, as they help deter pests from other crops. They pair particularly well with:
- Tomatoes: Nasturtiums repel aphids, which are common on tomatoes.
- Cucumbers: They help deter squash bugs and cucumber beetles.
- Beans and Radishes: Nasturtiums attract pollinators, which benefits these crops.
Conclusion
Saving and planting nasturtium seeds is a rewarding gardening practice that promotes sustainability and allows you to cultivate your favorite flowers year after year. Whether you’re new to gardening or an experienced grower, nasturtiums provide beauty, function, and even flavor to your garden. By following these simple steps, you’ll have a continuous supply of these vibrant plants and enjoy their many benefits, from garden aesthetics to pest control.
Ready to save and grow your nasturtium seeds? Try it out, and share your results and tips with the gardening community! 🌸🌱 #NasturtiumLove #SeedSaving #GardenTips #EdibleGardening #HomegrownBeauty