Nasturtiums are vibrant edible flowers that are beloved for their bright colors and peppery flavor. Both the leaves and blossoms can be used to add interest and taste to salads, sandwiches, and more. These low-maintenance plants are easy to grow in gardens and containers. With proper nasturtium care, you’ll be rewarded with months of colorful, tasty blooms.
Key Facts About Nasturtiums
Native to Peru and Chile, nasturtiums come in shades of yellow, orange, and red. The funnel-shaped flowers have a curved “spur” on the back.
- Nasturtiums belong to the genus Tropaeolum and are related to cress and mustard plants
- There are over 50 varieties of nasturtiums available, with a wide range of flower sizes, colors, and growth habits
- The plants can grow up to 6 feet in height, depending on the variety, with smaller dwarf cultivars and larger vining types
- Nasturtium flowers have 5-7 petals and long nectar spurs that attract hummingbirds and bees
- The round, green leaves resemble lily pads and provide lovely contrast to the brightly colored blooms
- All parts of the nasturtium plant are edible, with the flowers and leaves having a delightfully spicy, peppery taste
Nasturtiums are often compared to watercress since the leaves and flowers have a similar peppery bite. These pretty edible flowers are packed with vitamin C too. Both the flowers and round leaves are used in salads or as edible garnishes.
Why Gardeners Love Growing Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums add vibrant splashes of color while also being edible. The brightly colored flowers and leaves dress up green salads visually and taste-wise.
- The edible flowers and foliage add spice and flair to recipes
- They require very little maintenance or care once established
- Nasturtiums deter common vegetable garden pests like aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs
- The trailing varieties work well as living mulch and erosion control
- They come in a wide range of heights and colors to fit any garden design
- Both flowers and leaves can be preserved by freezing or air drying
- The seed pods can be substituted for capers in pickling recipes
The leaves, flowers, and peppery seed pods can all be used to flavor foods like watercress does. Nasturtiums are so versatile – flower parts can be stuffed, pickled, or used in place of basil. These low-maintenance plants thrive with little care and deter certain garden pests like aphids.
Caring for Nasturtium Plants
Nasturtiums are relatively easy to grow but do require some specific care for optimal growth.
Selecting the Best Site
Choosing a site with full sun and well-drained soil is key.
- Select a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day
- Prepare soil by mixing in compost or other organic matter to improve drainage
- Allow 18-24 inches between plants to prevent overcrowding
- For containers, use a quality potting mix and allow adequate drainage holes
- Protect plants from strong winds, which can damage stems and flowers
Planting Tips
Nasturtiums can be grown from seed or transplants:
Direct sowing: Plant seeds 1⁄2 to 1 inch deep, spaced 6-12 inches apart after the last expected frost date. Bush types reach 12-18 inches across at maturity. Keep soil moist and seeds will germinate in 10-15 days when soil temperature reaches 60°F.
Transplants: Gently remove plants from containers, disturbing the roots as little as possible. Plant at the same depth they were growing in pots. Water thoroughly after transplanting.
As plants develop, thin bush seedlings to 8-12 inches apart and give trailing types 1-2 feet between plants. Vining nasturtiums will need trellises or tepees for vertical climbing support.
Watering and Feeding Correctly
Keep the soil consistently moist until the plants become established. Water at ground level to keep foliage dry and prevent disease.
- Water whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry
- Avoid overhead watering to minimize foliar diseases
- Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds
- Fertilize lightly with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks
- Reduce watering as plants mature, allowing soil to partially dry out
Maximizing Flower Production
To get abundant nasturtium blooms:
- Give plants plenty of sunlight
- Choose well-drained, slightly acidic soil
- Water at the base of plants and avoid wetting the leaves
- Go easy on nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowers over leafy growth
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flower production
Growing Healthy Plants
Effective Pruning Methods
Pruning is not mandatory but can improve plant shape and productivity.
- Prune off any dead or damaged growth to keep plants looking tidy
- Pinching the tips prompts bushier, compact growth
- Cutting back leggy stems encourages branching and bloom proliferation
- Clear away dropped leaves and flowers to prevent fungal issues
- Pruning is best done in early spring or fall to avoid active growth periods
Support for Climbing Varieties
Staking or trellising may be needed for climbing nasturtium varieties.
- Provide supports early before vines become overly long and tangled
- Use stakes, fences, netting, strings attached to overhead structures
- Gently tie main stems to supports, taking care not to crush the vines
- Check attachments periodically to prevent girdling as stems grow
- Allow 1-3 feet between plants to permit air circulation
Avoiding Pests and Diseases
Nasturtiums have few serious pest and disease problems, especially when provided their preferred growing conditions. Issues are most likely to occur if plants become stressed by improper care.
- Inspect regularly for early detection
- Improve air circulation
- Remove and destroy severely affected plants
- Practice crop rotation between seasons
- Control weeds and debris that harbor pests
Common potential problems include:
Aphids: Check developing shoots and leaf undersides for tiny pear-shaped insects. A strong stream of water can dislodge populations. Ladybugs and other beneficial insects help control aphids naturally.
Whiteflies: Adults resemble tiny white moths hovering around plants. Their larvae attach to leaf undersides and excrete sticky “honeydew.” Use yellow sticky traps and insecticidal soap sprays if populations are high.
Powdery mildew: This fungal disease coats leaves with a white powdery layer during cool, humid weather. Improve ventilation around plants and avoid wetting foliage. Remove badly affected growth promptly.
Leaf miners: Larvae create meandering trails in between leaf surfaces as they feed. Pick off badly infested leaves. Keep nearby weeds under control. Row covers provide a physical barrier against the adult flies.
When and How to Harvest
The best time for gathering nasturtiums is mid-morning on a dry, sunny day when flowers are fully open. Leaves taste sweetest and most tender while young and small.
- Use clean, sharp scissors or garden shears
- Handle delicate blooms gently to prevent bruising
- Select unblemished, pest-free plant parts
- Wash in cool water; pat dry with paper towels
Snip whole flowers just above a leaf node, or pluck individual petals for garnishes, salads and sauces. Both the rounded leaves and thin tendrils are edible too.
Storage Methods
Enjoy nasturtiums fresh whenever possible, but preserving allows for extended usage. Popular options include:
Drying: Gently wash plant parts and dry on screens or wire racks out of direct sun. To test for complete dryness, petals should crumble when squeezed. Store dried nasturtiums in airtight glass jars up to one year.
Freezing: Spread on cookie sheets in single layer and freeze solid, then pack into rigid containers or freezer bags. Frozen nasturtiums will keep 8-12 months at 0°F.
Vinegar infusion: Pack washed flowers and leaves into clean jars, then cover completely with white vinegar. Allow 2-3 weeks for full flavor extraction, then strain and rebottel the finished nasturtium vinegar.
Using Nasturtiums
Every part of nasturtiums from the leaves to the flowers to the peppery seeds and seed pods can be used to spice up all kinds of recipes.
Flowers: Whole blossoms or separated colorful petals instantly dress up salads, pastas, cheese platters, and desserts with their vibrant hues. Stuff flowers with savory or sweet fillings for elegant appetizers. Crystallize blooms using egg whites and superfine sugar for whimsical cake decorations.
Leaves: Mince young leaves and add raw to salads, sandwiches, rice or quinoa bowls. Blanch larger leaves briefly then sauté in olive oil with garlic. Use as a peppery substitute for basil when making pesto and herb butters.
Seeds and seed pods: Green seed pods can be pickled and used as flavorful, ornamental “poor man’s capers.” Mature dried seeds lend a spicy zing to salad dressings, compound butters, and dipping sauces.
With their range of flavors from sweet floral to radish-like spiciness, nasturtiums offer creative possibilities limited only by your imagination!
Recipe Inspiration
Looking for ways to use your homegrown nasturtium bounty? Here are just a few recipe ideas:
- Nasturtium pesto – Blend leaves, olive oil, nuts, garlic, lemon juice, parmesan
- Stuffed nasturtiums – Fill blossoms with goat cheese, herbs, nuts; bake/fry
- Nasturtium vinegar – Steep flowers and leaves in white vinegar for 2-3 weeks
- Faux capers – Pickle immature green nasturtium seed pods in brine
- Salad dressing – Whisk nasturtium leaves, lemon, oil, mustard, honey
- Herb butter – Cream butter with chopped leaves and petals, spread on breads
- Crystallized flowers – Coat blooms in egg white and superfine sugar, allow to dry
- Nasturtium martini – Muddle 5-6 flowers in vodka and vermouth cocktail
Let your creativity run wild with these edible flowers in both sweet and savory dishes!
Medicinal Uses
Historically, nasturtiums were employed as a medicinal herb used internally and externally for various therapeutic purposes. Modern scientific research is still exploring the potential health benefits of these cheery plants.
All parts of nasturtiums contain high levels of disease-fighting antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A precursors, and protective plant pigments.
The peppery oils may have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects against certain microbes when applied to the skin or consumed. More studies are needed to quantify and confirm these benefits in humans.
Some traditional folk uses for nasturtiums medicinally include:
- Treating coughs and colds – Sipping nasturtium tea may help clear congestion
- Aiding digestion – The bitters stimulate gastrointestinal function and appetite
- Disinfecting minor cuts and scrapes – Apply fresh poultices to speed healing
- Clearing urinary tract infections (UTIs) – Drinking floral tea provides antibacterial action
- Boosting immunity – The high vitamin C content helps prevent winter ills and scurvy
While extensive modern research is still needed, nasturtiums appear to hold promising potential for herbal healing. Their vibrant beauty alone surely lifts the spirits!
Troubleshooting Issues
Fixing Poor Flowering
- Ensure plants receive at least 6 hours of direct sun
- Avoid over-fertilization which promotes leafy growth over blooms
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further bud development
- Prevent overcrowding by proper spacing at time of planting
- Extreme heat and drought stress can inhibit flowering
Diagnosing Leaf Problems
Yellowing or wilting leaves may indicate:
- Overwatering leading to saturated soil – Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings
- Underwatering during periods of drought – Deep water plants when top few inches of soil become dry
- Nutrient deficiencies – Fertilize plants with a balanced soluble fertilizer
- Disease problems like powdery mildew or leaf spot – Improve air circulation, avoid wetting foliage, remove afflicted leaves promptly
Battling Pest Invaders
- Aphids – Use insecticidal soap, neem oil, strong spray of water, or introduce ladybugs
- Caterpillars – Handpick off plants, apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray
- Slugs/snails – Remove by hand, set out beer traps, use diatomaceous earth
- For all pests – Control weeds, debris; inspect plants frequently
Top Tips for Success
Here are some final tips for flourishing nasturtiums:
- Sow seeds directly in the garden 2-3 weeks after last expected frost date
- Prepare a sunny site with well-draining, average soil enriched with compost
- Space plants 12-24 inches apart to allow good air circulation
- Water at soil level when top inch becomes dry; avoid wetting foliage
- Apply organic fertilizer sparingly every 3-4 weeks during active growth
- Remove spent blooms and yellowed leaves to encourage new flowers
- Monitor for pests and treat promptly with organic methods if found
- Enjoy the edible flowers and leaves by adding them to recipes
- Preserve abundant harvests by air drying or freezing for extended usage
With proper care, nasturtiums offer season-long beauty and tasty treats! These low-maintenance plants decorate gardens and salad bowls with their vibrant colors and peppery zip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Curious if you can grow nasturtiums successfully? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
How long do nasturtiums bloom? In favorable conditions, nasturtium plants will bloom continuously all season until hard fall frosts end their growing cycle. Deadheading spent flowers encourages more bud development.
What type of soil do nasturtiums like? Nasturtiums prefer nutrient-poor, fast-draining soil and tolerate a wide pH range. Mix in ample organic matter like compost to improve drainage in dense clay soils before planting.
Can you grow nasturtiums from cuttings? While nasturtiums don’t root well from stem cuttings, you can easily grow more plants from seeds saved from spent flower heads at the end of the season.
Are nasturtiums easy to grow? Yes! Nasturtiums are one of the easiest flowering annuals to grow. They basically take care of themselves with minimal watering and fertilizer once established. Just be sure to provide full sun and well-drained soil.
Can nasturtiums tolerate frost? No, nasturtiums are frost tender and will die back with first hard fall freezes. In cold regions, grow nasturtiums as annuals or cover plants to extend the season. Moving containers to protected areas can keep them going a bit longer as well.
What containers are good for nasturtiums? Nasturtiums grow well in both hanging baskets and standing pots as long as containers are at least 10 inches deep and have adequate drainage. Mix potting soil with extra perlite or vermiculite for proper aeration.
Grow Vibrant and Spicy Nasturtiums Now
With their vibrant rainbow colors and spicy flavor, it’s no wonder nasturtiums have been cherished for centuries as both ornamentals and edibles. These easy-care plants enhance gardens, salad bowls, and even herbal medicine cabinets!
By providing simple but important growing conditions like full sun and well-drained soil, nasturtiums generously reward us with an abundance of cheery blossoms and tasty leaves. Preserve the edible bounty by air drying or freezing. Get creative using the flowers, foliage, seeds and seed pods to spice up all kinds of recipes from savory to sweet.
As a medicinal herb, nasturtiums may hold untapped healing potential with their high antioxidant content and antimicrobial essential oils. More research is illuminating their possible benefits for immunity, cognition, and more.
So let some nasturtium magic brighten up your landscape, enliven your cuisine, and boost your DIY herbal medicine chest! These multifaceted plants promise season-long delight for the eyes, taste buds, and beyond.
