Nasturtium
Overview
The Nasturtium (Tropaeolum) is a versatile and colorful plant, popular in gardens for its striking flowers and easy growth. It thrives in sunny spots with moist soil and has edible varieties commonly used in cooking. This hardy plant can act as an ornamental addition or spice up your dishes.
Characteristics
Known for its bright, attractive flowers and edible leaves, adaptable to various climates, and easy to grow.
Region
Native to the Andes Mountains of South America; found worldwide.
Natural Habitat
Typically found in the native Andes Mountains of South America.
Cultivation
Requires full sunlight, consistently moist soil, and well-drained conditions.
Uses and Benefits
Edible and Beneficial Uses
Every part of the nasturtium plant offers value in the kitchen and garden. The flowers make stunning garnishes with their bright orange, yellow and red petals that add a peppery kick to salads. The round leaves are entirely edible and pack a wasabi-like punch that enlivens sandwiches and adds zip to pestos.
- The seeds can be pickled as a caper substitute with a piquant flavor
- Young leaves provide high levels of vitamin C and lutein1
- Flowers contain antimicrobial compounds that support immune health1
Beyond the plate, nasturtiums serve as companion plants by:
- Deterring harmful insects like aphids and cabbage moths
- Attracting pollinators with nectar-rich blooms
- Providing ground cover to retain soil moisture
Traditional herbalists have long used nasturtium as a natural antibiotic and to treat respiratory infections1. The leaves contain compounds that support urinary tract health and boost resistance to common colds.
Plant nasturtiums near vegetables like tomatoes, cabbage, and fruit trees to maximize their protective benefits while enjoying their edible and medicinal qualities year-round.
Cultivation Tips
- Soil Preparation: Plant in lean, well-draining soil with pH 6.1-7.8. Poor to average soil encourages abundant blooming, while rich soil produces excessive foliage.
- Planting Time & Method: Direct sow when soil reaches 55-65°F, spacing seeds 10-12 inches apart at 1-inch depth. Seeds germinate in 7-10 days.
- Growth Requirements: Provide 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Water deeply but infrequently to establish strong roots. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Support & Care: Install trellises or supports for climbing varieties before plants reach 6 inches. Trim back leggy growth to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
- Seasonal Maintenance: Remove spent blooms weekly to extend flowering season. Water at soil level to prevent fungal issues on leaves.
- Container Growing: Choose containers at least 12 inches deep with drainage holes. Trailing varieties excel in hanging baskets or window boxes1.
For best results, avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers and maintain consistent moisture without overwatering. Harvest flowers and leaves regularly to promote continuous production through the growing season.
Companion Planting
Companion Planting Benefits
Nasturtiums serve as excellent companion plants in vegetable gardens, creating natural pest protection and enhancing growth. Their strong scent and bright flowers work as a living defense system, particularly beneficial for these pairings:
- Brassica Family (broccoli, cabbage, kale)
- Repels cabbage moths and aphids
- Creates protective barrier around crops
- Fruiting Vegetables
- Improves tomato growth and flavor
- Protects squash from common pests
- Enhances cucumber production
- Legumes
- Supports healthy bean development
- Attracts pollinators to pea flowers
Plant nasturtiums along garden borders or between vegetable rows for maximum effectiveness. Their sprawling habit creates natural ground cover, suppressing weeds while attracting beneficial insects like:
- Ladybugs – natural aphid control
- Bees – essential pollinators
- Hoverflies – pest management
For best results, space nasturtiums 10-12 inches apart around companion plants. Their sacrifice as “trap crops” helps protect your valuable vegetables – pests prefer nasturtium leaves over other garden plants, keeping your primary crops safer. Regular monitoring helps maintain this natural balance in your garden ecosystem.
Seasonal Considerations
Seasonal Growing Guide for Nasturtiums
Spring signals the perfect time to start your nasturtium journey. In cooler regions, begin seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the final frost date, maintaining temperatures around 65-70°F for optimal germination. Once soil warms to 55-65°F, direct sowing becomes possible.
Summer brings peak blooming season, requiring specific care:
- Morning watering to prevent evening moisture that attracts slugs
- Regular deadheading to extend flowering period
- Mulching to retain moisture during hot spells
- Weekly harvesting of flowers and leaves for culinary use
Fall presents unique opportunities and challenges:
- Reduced watering as temperatures cool
- Collection of seeds from spent flowers for next season
- Protection of plants from early frosts with row covers
Winter considerations vary by climate:
- In zones 9-11: Plants may overwinter with protection
- In colder zones: Save seeds and store in cool, dry place
- Indoor container plants: Provide bright light and reduced water
For continuous blooming throughout seasons, stagger plantings every 2-3 weeks from spring through mid-summer. Most varieties will flower abundantly for 3-4 months when properly maintained 1.
Pro Tip: Monitor local frost dates and soil temperatures to maximize your growing season. In warmer climates, consider planting a fall crop in late summer for autumn blooms.
Issues and Troubleshooting
- Yellowing Leaves: Nasturtiums with yellowing leaves are often suffering from overwatering or poor soil drainage. Ensure the soil is well-draining and reduce watering frequency to allow the soil to partially dry between waterings.
- Pest Infestation: Aphids and caterpillars frequently target nasturtiums. Combat these pests by applying neem oil or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs to your garden.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as white, powdery spots on the leaves. Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering2 to prevent moisture buildup.
- Leggy Growth: Spindly, stretched-out growth indicates the plant is not receiving enough sunlight. Move your nasturtium to a sunnier location for more compact, bushier growth.
- Invasiveness: Nasturtiums can spread rapidly and become invasive if not regularly pruned5. Control aggressive growth by frequently trimming back sprawling stems and vines.
History and Folklore
Nasturtiums trace their origins to the rugged slopes of the Andes Mountains, where these hardy plants thrived in the harsh mountain climate. Spanish conquistadors first encountered these vibrant blooms during their South American explorations in the 1500s, sending specimens back to Europe where they captured the imagination of botanists and gardeners alike.
In the gardens of colonial Peru, these flowers were known as “Blood of the Incas,” reflecting their cultural significance and striking crimson hues. Their journey from New World discovery to European gardens marked the beginning of their global cultivation journey.
Historical Uses:
- Traditional healers used the leaves to dress wounds
- Respiratory ailments were treated with flower infusions
- Victorian gardeners planted them as symbols of conquest and valor
During the Victorian era, nasturtiums gained particular prominence in patriotic displays, their bold colors adorning both grand estate gardens and humble cottage plots. This versatile plant’s journey from Incan medicinal herb to beloved garden flower reflects humanity’s enduring connection with useful and beautiful plants5.
References
1. Tropaeolum – Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropaeolum
2. How to Grow and Care for Nasturtium – The Spruce, https://www.thespruce.com/nasturtiums-cool-season-flowers-1402910
3. Nasturtium (plant genus) – Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasturtium_(plant_genus)
4. Growing Nasturtiums: How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Nasturiums | The …, https://www.almanac.com/plant/nasturtiums
5. Nasturtium | Description, Tropaeolum, Uses, Edible, & Facts, https://www.britannica.com/plant/common-nasturtium
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Nicolas Duval
Nicolas is a passionate advocate for nature and the art of wildcrafting. His dedication shines through in Wildcraftia, a website he meticulously crafted to serve as a haven for nature enthusiasts worldwide. Driven by a deep appreciation for nature’s connection to humanity, Nicolas embarked on his journey in 2011 with SmokableHerbs, a platform showcasing his love for nature’s bounty. Building upon this foundation, he established Smokably, a thriving online store offering premium herbs and blends to a global audience.