GROW GUIDE

Nasturtium

Tropaeolum majus

Plant Description

Nasturtium

A striking plant distinguished by its rounded, shield-like leaves and vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that range in hue from creamy white to fiery red.

Belonging to the Tropaeolaceae family, it is revered for its peppery, mustard-like flavor which lends a lively punch to salads and decorative garnishes.

Gardening Level: easy

Quick Facts:

  • Sun Requirements

    Full Sun

  • Days To Sprout

    10-14 Days

  • Days To Harvest

    35-50 Days

  • Plant Spacing

    8-12"

  • Seeds Per Hole

    2

  • Planting Depth

    1/2"

Best Planting Locations

  • Hanging Baskets

    Allows the vibrant flowers and lush foliage to cascade beautifully over the sides.

  • Raised Beds

    Excellent for ensuring good drainage. Raised beds also make it easier to manage pests and keep the soil warm.

  • Garden Borders

    Suitable for adding a burst of color at the edges of garden paths or flower beds.

  • Containers

    Perfect for patios or balconies, providing flexibility to move plants to achieve optimal sun exposure. Containers should be deep enough to accommodate their taproot.

Getting Started

  • 1

    Find the Spot

    Nasturtium thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If planting indoors, a bright, sunny window will best mimic their natural growing conditions.

  • 2

    Prep the Soil & Fertilizer

    Use well-draining, poor to moderate soil. Nasturtiums thrive with minimal care, but you can boost flowering by avoiding high-nitrogen fertilizers, which encourage foliage over blooms.

  • 3

    Plant the Seeds

    Before planting, soak the seeds in water for 8-12 hours. Plant 2 seeds or 1 seedling 1/2 inch deep in pots or the ground. These seeds need darkness to germinate.

    During germination, keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Maintain a soil temperature of about 70° F.

    Space seedlings or plants about 8-12 inches apart to allow for their spreading habit.

Good Neighbors:

  • Tomato:

    Repels common tomato pests like whiteflies, improving health

  • Broccoli:

    Nasturtiums lure aphids away, reducing pest pressure on broccoli

  • Cucumber:

    Reduces pest attacks, enhancing cucumber growth and health

  • Dill:

    Attracts beneficial insects, providing mutual pest protection

Enemy Plants:

  • Rosemary & Sage:

    Need drier soil, they will not grow well together

Attractants:

  • Butterflies, Moths & Hummingbirds

    Attracted to its nectar

  • Aphids & Beetles:

    Acts as a trap crop, bringing them away from other plants

Repellents:

  • White Flies

    Repelled by nasturtium's aroma

  • Squash Bugs

    Repelled by nasturtium's aroma

  • Mosquitoes

    Repelled by nasturtium's aroma

Best Time to Plant

USDA Hardiness Zones

Day to Day Maintenance

  • Watering

    Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy, as nasturtium prefers consistent moisture. However, avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

  • Pruning

    Pruning isn’t necessary for nasturtiums, but you can deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms.

The Harvest

  • Gathering

    Pick leaves and flowers as needed throughout the growing season. The more you harvest, the more the plant will produce.

  • Extra Tip

    Harvest nasturtiums early in the morning when their water content is highest, ensuring the crispest texture and most vibrant flavor.

Favorite Uses

  • Salad

  • Sandwich

  • Tea

  • Pesto

  • Garnish

How to Store

  • Refrigeration (Whole Leaves and Flowers)

    • Duration: Up to one week
    • Location: Store in the refrigerator
    • Method: Lay nasturtium leaves and flowers between damp paper towels and place them in a sealed plastic bag or container. This keeps them fresh and crisp.

  • Refrigeration (Pickled)

    • Duration: Several months
    • Location: Store in the refrigerator
    • Method: Pickle nasturtium seeds to make "poor man's capers" or the flowers for a unique garnish. Submerge in a vinegar brine and store in airtight jars.

  • Freezing (Whole Flowers)

    • Duration: Up to three months
    • Location: Store in the freezer
    • Method: Place whole nasturtium flowers on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to an airtight container. This preserves their vibrant colors and shape for decorative use in dishes.

  • Room Temperature (Seeds)

    • Duration: Up to one year
    • Location: Keep in a cool, dry place
    • Method: Dry nasturtium seeds thoroughly and store in an airtight container. Use as a peppery seasoning or replant next season.

Fun Facts

  • Edible Beauty

    Nasturtiums are not only vibrant and colorful, but every part of the plant is edible. The leaves, flowers, and seeds can be used in salads, as a garnish, or even pickled as a caper substitute, offering a peppery flavor similar to arugula or watercress.

  • Natural Pest Deterrent

    Nasturtiums are often planted in gardens as companion plants because they can help repel harmful pests like whiteflies and squash bugs. This makes them a valuable addition to any organic garden.

  • Medicinal Uses

    Historically, nasturtiums have been used in herbal medicine to treat a variety of ailments due to their high levels of vitamin C and natural antibiotics. They have been used to treat respiratory and urinary tract infections, among other conditions.

  • Space Travelers

    Nasturtiums have been grown in space! They were among the first plants to be grown in the NASA Vegetable Production System aboard the International Space Station, helping researchers study plant growth in microgravity environments.