If you’re looking for how to grow nasturtiums {start to finish} you’ve come to the right spot!
I LOVE growing nasturtiums, and I especially love the way the flowers and vines trail down the sides of my pots when I plant them in containers.
This year I plan on growing nasturtiums on the back deck tucked around the edges of a few tomato plants. And as an added bonus, nasturtium flowers are edible as well so they’ll make a nice addition to our summer salads.
How to Grow Nasturtiums
Where to Plant Nasturtium
Plant in full sun in pots, garden beds or raised beds. They will tolerate a bit of shade, but will not flower as well.
Planting Seeds
Soak seeds for 12-24 hours prior to planting for best results. Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost or direct sow outdoors 1-2 weeks after last frost.
Plant 1/2″ deep {they need dark to germinate, so depth is important} and about 6-12″ apart {if planting outdoors}. Thin when they are about 1″ tall {if starting indoors}.
Growing Tips
Nasturtium are extremely easy to grow. They actually do great in poor quality soil and need zero fertilization. The sunnier the location, the brighter and more abundant the flower. Water and dead head regularly to promote re-blooming.
How to Harvest
Leaves, flowers, and stems of Nasturtium are edible. To harvest, simply pull the petals and/or leaves off as desired. They have a peppery taste and can be added to salads or used as garnish on cakes, etc.
Fun Fact
Nasturtiums have been used for centuries for their medicinal qualities. They can be made into a topical treatment for acne or added to shampoo and/or conditioner to promote hair growth.
Are you ready to start your garden but you’re not sure when you should plant your seeds or set out your transplants? Head on over HERE and you’ll be taken to a handy dandy chart that is broken down into what vegetables should be planted {or transplanted} each month in your area.
Anyone can do this. Dirt + Seeds+ Water = Food!
~Mavis
Sharon says
Mavis: As a general rule, do you start seeds in dirt or seed plugs? Both seem to have advantages. Thanks!
Mavis Butterfield says
I start nasturtiums in the dirt. They are so easy to grow.
Jamie says
And the seeds are very easy to collect in the fall to to save and plant again the following spring!
Kim says
Their round leaves are charming!
Jody says
You can also make a quick pickle with the seeds and use them in place of capers in a recipe.
Diana Wright says
My nasturtiums are almost done for the year. It is 96 today and they don’t like the heat. I planted them once and each year they come back. I actually have so many I have to pull them up! I love eating the flowers and the leaves on sandwiches and in salads.
Karen says
OMG, 96? Where do you live?
Wendy Panozzo says
You must live in SoCal? It’s a scorcher down here!
Diane says
I’ve tried these a couple of years and don’t think I’m going to do them this year. For me, these are huge attractors of aphids. It’s too big a fight to keep them. Anyone have success battling aphids on these plants? Thanks
Diane says
They are listed as a trap crop to attract aphids and squash bugs so they will leave your vegetables alone.
Lindsey says
The seeds can be harvested and used to make “poor man capers.”
Susan says
Nasturtium Pesto
4 cups packed nasturtium leaves
2 cups packed flowers
5 cloves of garlic
1 1/2 cups oil (any kind- I like olive oil)
1 cup walnuts (or any nut you like)
Pulse in food processor
RobininSoCal says
Thanks!
Susan says
Nasturtium Cupcake Tin Quiches
12 Medium – Large leaves
Whisk together-
5 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup water
salt/pepper
Fillings-
Your choice- finely chopped
Onion
Olives
Parsley
Mushrooms
Broccoli
Really anything you like or have on hand
Grated cheese for the top
Grease a 12-ct muffin tin with oil
Place a nasturtium leave top side DOWN in each cup
Add fillings-doesn’t take a lot!
Pour quiche filling liquid in- don’t overflow
Sprinkle with cheese
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until set
Cool 10 minutes -carefully remove from pan