Growing Nasturtium Flowers In Your Garden [Guide]

Nasturtiums are beautiful flowers that come in a range of colors, including shades of yellow, orange, red, and even variegated combinations. What makes nasturtiums even more appealing is their versatility, as they can be grown in various garden settings, such as containers, borders, or hanging baskets. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, nasturtiums are a great choice due to their ease of growth and low maintenance requirements.

One of the key benefits of growing nasturtiums is their stunning and vivid colors that can instantly liven up your garden. Their vibrant blooms can create a visually pleasing focal point or add a pop of color to a dull corner. Nasturtiums also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to a healthy and vibrant ecosystem in your garden.

Apart from their ornamental value, nasturtiums are also edible. The leaves, flowers, and even the seeds of nasturtiums are edible and can be used in various culinary applications. The leaves have a peppery flavor similar to watercress, while the flowers have a slightly milder and sweeter taste. They can be added to salads, used as garnishes, or even infused into oils and vinegars for a unique flavor twist.

Another advantage of growing nasturtiums is their ability to repel certain pests in the garden. Nasturtiums emit a fragrance that deters aphids and other harmful insects, making them a natural pest control option. By planting nasturtiums alongside your other plants, you can create a more balanced and pest-resistant garden ecosystem.

Whether you're looking to enhance the visual appeal of your garden, enjoy their edible flowers and leaves, or utilize their natural pest-repelling properties, growing nasturtiums is a rewarding and beneficial gardening experience. With their vibrant colors, versatility, and culinary uses, nasturtiums are sure to bring joy and excitement to your garden and kitchen.

What Type of Nasturtium Should You Grow?

When it comes to nasturtium varieties, there are several popular options to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and charm. Some of the commonly grown nasturtium varieties include Alaska, Jewel Mix, and Empress of India.

Alaska is a popular nasturtium variety known for its stunning variegated foliage. The leaves of Alaska are marbled with shades of green and cream, providing an eye-catching backdrop to the vibrant flowers. The flowers come in a range of colors, including shades of orange, yellow, and red. Alaska nasturtiums typically grow to a height of 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), making them suitable for containers or borders.

Jewel Mix is another popular choice among gardeners. This variety features a dazzling array of flower colors, including shades of orange, yellow, red, and mahogany. The flowers of Jewel Mix nasturtiums are larger in size and have a slightly ruffled appearance, adding a touch of elegance to any garden. The plants can reach a height of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) and are well-suited for borders or hanging baskets.

Empress of India is a unique nasturtium variety known for its deep, velvety crimson flowers. The intense red blooms contrast beautifully with the plant's dark green foliage, creating a captivating visual display. Empress of India nasturtiums typically grow to a height of 12 to 14 inches (30 to 35 cm) and are well-suited for containers or borders.

When choosing a nasturtium variety, consider the specific garden setting you have in mind. Alaska nasturtiums, with their variegated foliage and versatile flower colors, can add a splash of interest to containers or borders. Their compact growth habit makes them suitable for smaller spaces.

Jewel Mix nasturtiums, with their larger and vibrant flowers, are great for adding a burst of color to borders, hanging baskets, or cascading over walls. Their trailing growth habit allows them to create a cascading effect, making them ideal for draping over edges or spilling out of containers.

Empress of India, with its deep red blooms and dark green foliage, creates a striking contrast. This variety can be planted as a focal point in containers or used to add depth and richness to borders.

Consider the available space, desired visual impact, and the specific garden setting when selecting nasturtium varieties. By choosing the right nasturtium variety for your garden, you can create a captivating display and enhance the overall aesthetics of your outdoor space.

Where Should You Plant Nasturtiums?

Nasturtiums thrive in full sun to partial shade, making it important to select a growing site that provides the optimal amount of sunlight. While they can tolerate some shade, nasturtiums generally produce more abundant blooms and lush foliage when exposed to at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. This ensures that the plants receive sufficient energy to develop vibrant flowers and lush foliage.

Soil preparation is essential for the successful growth of nasturtiums. These plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, it is beneficial to amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and texture. This enhances the soil's ability to retain moisture while also promoting healthy root development.

In addition to adding organic matter, ensuring proper drainage is crucial for nasturtiums. They are susceptible to root rot and other fungal diseases in waterlogged soil. If the soil in your chosen location is heavy or tends to retain water, consider incorporating sand or perlite to improve drainage. This will help prevent waterlogged conditions and promote healthy root growth.

Look for areas in your garden that receive ample sunlight throughout the day, especially during the morning and early afternoon. While nasturtiums can tolerate partial shade, providing them with enough sunlight will result in stronger growth and more abundant blooms.

Nasturtiums are known for their sprawling growth habit, so ensure that they have sufficient space to spread and trail without overcrowding nearby plants. In terms of soil compatibility, nasturtiums are generally adaptable and can grow well in a wide range of soil types.

How to Start Nasturtiums From Seed

Nasturtium seeds have a hard outer shell, and soaking them prior to planting can help speed up germination. Place the seeds in a container and cover them with warm water. Let them soak for 12 to 24 hours.

Once the seeds have been soaked, choose a well-prepared garden bed or container for direct sowing. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Dig shallow holes or furrows about 1 inch deep and 6 to 12 inches apart, depending on the variety. Place the soaked seeds in the holes or furrows, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Cover the seeds with soil, gently firming it down to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. After planting, water the soil thoroughly but gently to avoid displacing the seeds. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination occurs.

Nasturtium seeds typically germinate within 7 to 14 days, depending on the temperature and conditions. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them to the desired spacing, usually around 12 inches apart for compact varieties and up to 24 inches apart for trailing varieties.

Caring for Nasturtium Flowers

Regular watering is crucial for the health and vitality of nasturtiums. These plants prefer consistently moist soil, especially during dry periods. Watering should be done deeply and evenly to ensure the entire root zone is adequately hydrated. It is important to avoid overwatering, as excessively wet soil can lead to root rot and other diseases. Monitor the moisture level of the soil and adjust your watering frequency accordingly. Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain moisture in the soil and reduce water evaporation.

Weed control is essential for the successful growth of nasturtiums. Weeds can compete with the plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight, potentially hindering their growth and development. Regularly inspect the planting area and remove any weeds that emerge. It is best to hand-pull weeds or use shallow cultivation to avoid damaging the shallow roots of the nasturtiums. Applying a layer of organic mulch around the plants can also help suppress weed growth by smothering weed seeds and preventing them from germinating.

Nasturtiums are generally not heavy feeders and can thrive in moderately fertile soil. However, providing them with some additional nutrients can promote better growth and more abundant flowering. Organic fertilizers, such as compost or well-rotted manure, are excellent choices for nourishing nasturtiums. These natural fertilizers provide a slow release of nutrients and help improve the soil structure. Apply compost or well-rotted manure around the base of the plants, taking care not to bury the stems. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.

Mulching offers several benefits when it comes to growing nasturtiums. A layer of organic mulch, such as straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips, helps conserve moisture in the soil by reducing water evaporation. This is particularly important during hot and dry periods. Mulch also acts as a natural weed barrier, suppressing the growth of unwanted plants and reducing the need for frequent weeding. Additionally, mulch helps regulate soil temperature, keeping the roots cool in hot weather and insulating them during cooler periods. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants, taking care to keep it a few inches away from the stems to prevent moisture-related issues.

Should You Prune Nasturtiums?

Pruning nasturtiums can have several benefits, including promoting bushier growth and enhancing the overall appearance of the plants. By selectively removing certain stems or branches, you can encourage the development of lateral shoots, resulting in a fuller and more compact plant. Pruning also helps maintain the desired shape and size of the nasturtiums, preventing them from becoming leggy or sprawling.

If you’re wondering how to prune nasturtiums, start by assessing the overall growth of the plants. Look for long, straggly stems or branches that may be detracting from the plant's appearance. Using a pair of clean and sharp pruning shears or scissors, carefully trim back these overgrown stems to a desired length, preferably just above a set of healthy leaves or lateral shoot. This will encourage the plant to produce new growth from the trimmed area, leading to a bushier and more attractive plant overall.

It's important to note that pruning should be done selectively and with care, as excessive pruning or cutting into old wood can weaken the plant and affect its ability to produce flowers. It's recommended to prune nasturtiums during the active growing season, typically in late spring or early summer when the plants are actively producing new growth. Avoid pruning too late in the season, as this may remove potential flower buds and reduce the plant's blooming capacity.

How to Deadhead Nasturtiums

Deadheading is the process of removing spent or faded flowers from the nasturtium plants. It serves two main purposes: promoting continuous blooming and improving the overall appearance of the plants. When left unattended, the flowers of nasturtiums will naturally fade and form seed pods. By deadheading, you can redirect the plant's energy towards producing more flowers instead of setting seeds, resulting in a prolonged and abundant blooming period.

To deadhead nasturtiums, inspect the plants regularly and identify flowers that have started to fade or wilt. Follow the stem down to the first set of healthy leaves or lateral shoot, and use your fingers or a pair of pruning shears to remove the flower head just above this point. Make sure to cut or pinch off the entire flower, including the seed pod if it has started to develop. Removing the entire flower will prevent the formation of seeds and signal the plant to produce more flowers.

How to Harvest Nasturtium Flowers

Harvesting nasturtium flowers and leaves should be done when they are fully open and vibrant, usually in the morning when the plants are well-hydrated. Look for flowers that have reached their full size and display rich colors, such as vibrant oranges, yellows, and reds. Gently pluck the flowers from the stem, taking care not to damage the plant or surrounding blooms. As for the leaves, choose young and tender ones, as they tend to have a milder flavor. Harvesting both the flowers and leaves regularly will encourage the plant to produce more blooms throughout the season.

The bright and peppery flavor of nasturtium flowers makes them a delightful addition to salads, adding a burst of color and a hint of spice. They can also be used as a garnish for various dishes, imparting both visual appeal and a unique flavor. Nasturtium leaves can be used as a substitute for herbs like watercress or arugula, lending a similar peppery taste to soups, sauces, and pesto. Additionally, the unripe seed pods, often referred to as "capers," can be pickled and used in salads or as a flavorful topping for various dishes. Be creative in the kitchen and explore different ways to incorporate nasturtiums into your culinary repertoire.