NASTURTIUM
Nasturtiums are annual, ornamental garden plants that grow well in almost all climate zones. In warmer zones (like Zone 9 and above), they can behave as perennials, though cold winter temperatures will kill them back.
Growing nasturtiums from seeds is very easy, whether in containers or directly in the ground. They make a lovely addition to any garden or container setup. They have orange flowers that attract pollinators, and beautiful, almost round, green leaves. Every part of this plant is edible! Nasturtium leaves and flowers add a peppery kick to salads. They are rich in Vitamin C, while the seed pods can be pickled like capers.
GROWING FROM NASTURTIUM SEEDS
Soak the hard seeds in lukewarm water overnight (around 4 to 8 hours) to soften their tough outer shells and speed up germination.
Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep in well-draining soil, spacing them roughly 8 to 12 inches apart once you’re ready to plant outdoors after the danger of spring frost has passed. In Zone 7b, nasturtiums can start as early as April. You can also start another crop in July to enjoy blooms into September.
Choose a location that receives full sun (at least 6 hours of direct light daily) for the best bloom production. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge in 1 to 2 weeks. The leaves start growing very fast. Within 3 to 7 weeks, the plant will be full of leaves. The first blooms will come between 8 and 12 weeks. It takes 90 days for the plant to fully develop.
Once established, nasturtiums are low-maintenance and actually thrive in poor-to-average soil. Avoid using rich fertilizers high in nitrogen, as they will cause the plant to produce lush foliage at the expense of its edible, vibrant flowers. Nasturtiums are planted near vegetables to draw damaging aphids away from your main crop.
Nasturtiums can grow to be 12 to 18 inches tall and wide. Pick the flowers when the blossoms are big and full. They look good anywhere in the garden—whether in borders, window boxes, pots, or cascading over retaining walls. Enjoy them!
