How to grow Nasturtium?
- Latin Family: Tropaeolaceae
- Latin Genus: Tropaelum
- Ease of Growing: Moderate
- Growing Type: Annual
Nasturtiums do best in cool climates with a good amount of sun but this adaptable plant can tolerate high heat and poor soil as well. Both the leaves and flowers are edible raw and add a sweet and spicy kick to salads. Nasturtium leaves can also be made into a pesto.
Nasturtium History
Nasturtium varieties grown in gardens today mostly descended from Peru. The Spanish brought Nasturtiums to Europe and the plant eventually made its way to North America. The Inca of Peru ate nasturtium fresh and used it medicinally as well. In Europe, the greens were eaten in salads and unripe flower buds were pickled. Pickled Nasturtium buds are high in oxalic acid and should not be consumed in large quantities. Nasturtiums have been cultivated in North America since the mid 1700's and since its introduction, breeders have made significant developments, creating more ornamental and culinary varieties.
Soil Preference
- PH (min/max): 6.1 - 7.8
- PH Ideal (min/max): 6.5 - 7.5
Many gardeners prefer growing Nasturtiums in nitrogen poor soil, as nitrogen rich soil encourages more vegetative growth with less blooms. Grow in well drained soil. In gardens with very sandy soils, add compost to help retain moisture.
How to care for Nasturtium?
Nasturtium is often considered invasive (if they like their growing conditions) and only minimal care is needed. Make sure Nasturtium is well watered for the most healthy leaves and flowers.
Water
For the best flavor, keep nasturtiums well watered. This helps to neutralize the spiciness of the greens and flowers.
Fertilizer
Grow nasturtium in soil that is higher in Phosphorus and Potassium than Nitrogen. Growing Nasturtiums in nitrogen rich soil produces more vegetative growth and discourages blooming.
Seeds
Seed Viability: 3 - 4 years
Germination Percentage: 70.0
Flowers are cross-pollinated by insects, so to keep the seed pure grow only one variety.
Wait for the pods to dry on the plant and remove the seeds from the inside. Be sure to remove the fleshy coating on the seeds before you put them away for storage.
Light
Part shade
In areas with hotter summers, plant Nasturtiums in a partially shaded area of the garden.
Conditions:Warm
Season:Short Season, Long Season
Sun: min. 6 hours daily
Nasturtiums grow best in the sun in areas with cooler summers.
Conditions:Cool
Season:Short Season, Long Season
Storage
Nasturtium's flowers and leaves are best used fresh. If you need to, store flowers in a plastic bag in the fridge for 1 - 2 days.
Storage Req: Refrigerator
Storage Temp: 35-40°F
Storage Length: 1-2 days
Problems
Nasturtium Types
Pests
- Deer
- Leafhoppers
- Cabbage Looper
- Spider Mites
- Cabbageworms
- Flea Beetle
- Leafminers
- Corn Earworm
- Whiteflies
- Caterpillars
- Aphids
- Slugs and snails
Diseases
- Mosaic Virus (Several species)
- Bacterial Wilt
- Bacterial Spot
- Bacterial Leaf Spot
- Damping Off
