Nasturtium (Tropaeolum nanum)

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum nanum)

Sowing Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a type of plant that thrive in well-draining, loose soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. They prefer full sun to partial shade and can be sown outdoors after the last spring frost, or indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost. The best time for outdoor planting is generally spring or early summer, depending on the local climate. To sow Nasturtium seeds, prepare the planting area by filling small pots or seed trays with a good quality seed-starting mix. Sow the seeds about 1/2 inch (1 cm) deep, spaced about 2 inches (5 cm) apart. If planting directly into the garden, space them further apart. Water the soil gently but avoid dislodging the seeds. Provide warmth and light if starting indoors, keeping the seedlings in a warm, sunny spot. If the temperature is above 60°F (15°C), sow seeds directly outdoors. Nasturtium seeds typically germinate within 7 to 14 days. To transplant seeds, harden off them for a week before transplanting them. Once the seedlings have at least two sets of true leaves and the outdoor temperature is consistently above 50°F (10°C), transplant them into the garden or larger containers. After sowing, maintain consistent soil moisture but not wet, as nasturtiums are drought-tolerant once established. Thin the seedlings to the desired spacing to prevent overcrowding and promote good air circulation. Fertilize them sparingly with a balanced, organic fertilizer if needed. Support the plants with a trellis or support structure if needed. Finally, apply a light layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

More information

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum) is a genus of 80 annual and perennial flowering plants native to South America, commonly cultivated as garden ornamental. Nasturtiums are native to the Andes region of South America, particularly in countries like Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina. They have been introduced to various parts of the world as an ornamental plant and can now be found in gardens and in the wild in many places with temperate and subtropical climates. The botanical name for Nasturtium is Tropaeolum, derived from the Latin words 'tropaeolum majus', meaning 'turnip of Troy'. The flowers of nasturtiums are typically brightly colored, with five petals and a distinct spur at the back. They come in shades of red, orange, yellow, and even mahogany, with a sweet, slightly peppery scent. Both leaves and flowers are edible, with leaves offering a tangy, peppery flavour. Young leaves can be eaten in salads or garnished, while the flowers can be used in decoration of various dishes including desserts.

Nasturtiums are easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance once established and can thrive in poorer soil conditions. They attract pollinators, making them a great addition to a pollinator garden. Some varieties of nasturtiums can be used as groundcovers or trailing plants, adding color to the landscape. The flowers can also be used to create natural dye for fabrics and textiles, producing shades of orange, yellow, and brown. Nasturtiums are space-saving, as they can be trained making them suitable for small gardens or containers. With proper care, they can bloom from early summer through to autumn, providing a long season of color and beauty in the garden and a favorite among gardeners and nature enthusiasts.

Summary.

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum nanum)

The flowers of nasturtiums are typically brightly coloured, with five petals and a distinct spur at the back. They are easy to grow and prefer full sun to partial shade and can be sown outdoors after the last Spring frost, or indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow the seeds about 1/2 inch (1 cm) deep, spaced about 2 inches (5 cm) apart. If planting directly into the garden, space them further apart. Water the soil but avoid dislodging the seeds. If the temperature is above 60°F (15°C), sow seeds directly outdoors, which typically germinate within 7 to 14 days. To transplant seeds grown inside, harden off them for a week before transplanting them after they have two pairs of true leaves. After sowing, maintain soil moisture but do not saturate. Established Nasturtiums are drought tolerant.