Nasturtium flowers are some of the most stunning flowers you'll ever find on a herb plant. Nasturtium translates to nose twister, given the name because of its peppery taste. This plant has a interesting story not only because of the flavor, its leaves and flowers make it a great ornamental plant worthy of painting. Most seeds today come from Peru are trailing or bush variety. Nasturtium seeds were used in place of peppercorn during WWII, subject of paintings, displays and has culinary medicinal uses.
Nasturtium was cultivated by the Incas, later made its way around the world and back to Thomas Jeffersons garden. Was made popular by King Louis XIV at the Palace of Versailles. Nasturtium is a easy to grow annual, that likes warm seasons, can grow in a container or directly sown. Some consider nasturtium an invasive plant because it can propagate by seeds, cuttings, and vine runners. In milder climates the roots will regenerate if the roots are still intact. And are self-sowing, you can eat the seeds or let a new batch grow next year.
Plant and go
Botanical Name: Tropaeolue
| Depth: ½" | Spacing: 10-12" | Row: 10-12" | Temp: 55-65F |
| Germ: 7-14 days | Sun: Full/ 6-8 hrs | pH: 6.1-7.8 | Harvest: 35-52 days |
| Soil: well drained | Container: 10x12" | Fertilizer: 10-10-10 | Fert Freq: 2-3 wks |
Sometimes used as a trap plant for pests like aphids nasturtium will grow great in containers or garden but does not transplant well. Naturism typically doesn’t need extra fertilizer they prefer poor quality soil. Too much fertilizer will encourage more leaves to grow and less flowers. Indoors , sow seeds 2-4 weeks before last frost, or wait 1-2 before last frost and direct sow. Sow seeds ½-1 inch deep, 2-3 seeds per spot. Space 2-3 inches apart, rows 10-12 inches apart. Germination takes about 7-4 days. You can presoak seeds, once a root starts to sprout then plant. Thin leaves appear a little at a time until you get to 10-12 inches apart. Nasturtium like temperatures between 55-65F and can tolerate 30-40F. Make sure the spot you pick gets 6+ hours of direct sunlight. Nasturtiums can grow in partial shade but will not bloom well in those conditions.
Harvest
You can harvest when the plant is 6 inches long, by clipping the vine. The leaves and flowers are edible. And collect seed pods when they are ¼ in diameter. To remove pods, roll your finger over the pod, it should come off easily.
Tip
The larger seeds have a better chance of germinating then the smaller seeds.
Fun fact
Some vines can reach up to 80 feet long.
Conclusion
Nasturtiums are a very interesting herb that has a interesting history. These plants can grow great in containers, garden or window boxes, as ornamental plants. These natural beauties are great for beginner to accomplished gardener.