Growing Nasturtium: How to Cultivate and Care for These Vibrant Flowers

Are you looking for a beautiful, easy-to-grow flower that will add color and character to your garden? Look no further than nasturtiums! These bright, cheerful plants are beloved by gardeners around the world for their vibrant hues and distinctive, rounded leaves. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, learning how to grow and care for nasturtiums is a rewarding experience that will brighten up any outdoor space.

What Are Nasturtiums?

Nasturtiums are a type of flowering plant in the genus Tropaeolum. They are native to South America, but have been cultivated all over the world for centuries. Nasturtiums are known for their brightly colored flowers, which come in shades of orange, yellow, and red. They also have distinctive, rounded leaves that are easy to recognize.

Getting Started

The first step in growing nasturtiums is to choose a location for your plants. Nasturtiums prefer full sun to partial shade, so look for an area of your garden that gets plenty of sunlight. They also prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is poor, consider adding compost or other organic amendments to improve its quality.

Nasturtium seeds can be sown directly into the ground, or started indoors and transplanted later on. If you're starting your seeds indoors, sow them about 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. Sow the seeds in peat pots or other biodegradable containers, and keep them moist until they germinate. Once the danger of frost has passed, you can transplant your seedlings into your garden.

Care Tips

Once your nasturtiums are established, they require very little care. Water them deeply once a week, and make sure the soil stays moist. Nasturtiums are drought-tolerant, but if they don't get enough water, their leaves may start to droop.

Nasturtiums are also relatively pest-resistant, but they can sometimes attract aphids, whiteflies, and other common garden pests. If you notice pests on your plants, try spraying them with a mixture of water and dish soap. This will help to deter the insects without harming your plants.

Harvesting and Uses

Nasturtiums are not just pretty to look at -- they are also edible! The flowers and leaves of the plant have a peppery, slightly spicy flavor that can be used in a variety of dishes. Try adding nasturtium leaves to salads, or stuffing the flowers with cream cheese or another soft filling for a unique appetizer.

If you're growing nasturtiums for culinary purposes, make sure to harvest them before they start to wilt or fade. The best time to harvest nasturtiums is in the morning, when the flowers are at their freshest. Rinse them thoroughly and pat them dry before using them in your recipes.

Nasturtium in Full Bloom

Final Thoughts

Growing nasturtiums is a fun and rewarding experience that can add beauty and flavor to your garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these vibrant flowers are a great choice for anyone looking to add some color and character to their outdoor space. With a little care and attention, your nasturtiums will thrive and provide you with years of enjoyment.

nasturtium, gardening, flowers, edible plants, companion planting