Nasturtium - Garden Basics - Flower - Annual
(Tropaeolum majus)
If
your little ones are showing a budding interest in gardening,
nasturtiums are a wonderful choice for their first garden. The
seeds are large enough for small hands to handle and the leaves
and flowers are entirely edible.
Plants form a low bush or trailing plant eight to twelve inches tall. Trailing plants may exdend almost a yard. Leaves are bright green and rounded and the bright flowers come in shades of red, yellow, orange, cream or crimson. They make a great informal display as a groundcover or along fences. Trailing varieties look great in hanging baskets.
Nasturtiums are suitable for all but the coldest climate zones. Plants need full sun and good drainage, but the soil does not need to be especially rich. Sow the seeds directly in the garden at 8-20 inch intervals, depending on variety. Sow seeds in early spring in warm areas and in late spring to early summer in cooler zones. Once plants are established, limit them to one deep watering every 7-10 days. Plants don't require supplementary feedings, and too much fertilizer will result in leaf growth at the expense of flowers. Frequent picking prolongs the flowering period, so cut flowers often. Flowering season can last into autumn, and the plants self-seed readily.
Nasturtiums are an attractive and nutritious addition to salads, and they make a beautiful garnish. Nasturtiums have 10 times the vitamin C of lettuce, so add a gererous portion of leaves and flowers to your salad mixes. Grind the seeds in a pepper mill, and use as you would black pepper.
- Type
annual -
Propagation
seeds -
Light
full sun -
Flower Color
red, yellow, orange, cream, crimson -
Bloom Time
late spring to early fall -
Height
varries with variety -
Width
12 inches -
Soil Requirements
well drained -
Zones
all but the coldest areas -
Uses
massed displays, along fences, hanging baskets
