Growing Nasturtiums: A Complete Beginner's Guide

Introduction to Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are the perfect multitasker for any garden. These cheerful, easy-to-grow flowers are entirely edible, attractive to pollinators, and even help protect your vegetables from pests. Native to the Andes Mountains of Peru, nasturtiums were prized by the ancient Incas as both food and medicine.

The name "nasturtium" comes from Latin meaning "nose-twister," describing the plant's peppery bite similar to watercress. Spanish conquistadors brought nasturtiums to Europe around 1500, and Thomas Jefferson was growing them at Monticello by 1774.

Why Grow Nasturtiums?

Completely Edible

Every above-ground part is edible: flowers, leaves, and even immature seed pods (pickled as "poor man's capers").

Easy to Grow

Nasturtiums thrive in poor soil where other plants struggle. In fact, rich soil produces fewer flowers!

Natural Pest Control

Use them as trap crops to lure aphids away from vegetables, or as companion plants to deter pests.

Beautiful Colors

Flowers range from cream and yellow through orange to deep red and mahogany, often with contrasting markings.

Nutritious

High in vitamin C, iron, and manganese. Contains the highest lutein content of any edible plant—important for eye health.

Long Bloom Season

From early summer until frost, providing months of color and harvest.

Understanding Nasturtium Types

By Growth Habit

Trailing/Climbing Types:

Feature	Details
Length	6-10 feet
Growth	Vining, scrambling
Uses	Trellises, hanging baskets, ground cover
Examples	Tall Trailing Mix, Spitfire

Compact/Bush Types:

Feature	Details
Height	12-18 inches
Growth	Mounding
Uses	Borders, containers, edging
Examples	Jewel Mix, Alaska, Tom Thumb

Popular Varieties

Variety	Type	Features
Alaska Mix	Compact	Variegated cream/green foliage
Empress of India	Compact	Blue-green leaves, scarlet flowers
Jewel Mix	Compact	Multiple colors, long bloom
Whirlybird	Compact	Upward-facing, spurless flowers
Tall Trailing Mix	Trailing	Classic vining type
Black Velvet	Compact	Deep burgundy, almost black

Basic Care Requirements

Light

Light Level	Performance
Full sun	Best flowering
Part shade	Good foliage, fewer flowers
Hot climates	Afternoon shade beneficial

Soil

Factor	Requirement
Type	Any well-draining
Fertility	Poor to average—NOT rich
pH	6.0-7.5 (adaptable)
Key	Don't fertilize!

Important: Rich soil and fertilizer produce lush foliage but few flowers. Nasturtiums actually prefer poor soil.

Watering

Situation	Approach
Newly planted	Keep moist
Established	Drought tolerant
Hot weather	Water when wilted
Containers	More frequent

Temperature

Factor	Range
Germination	55-65°F (optimum)
Growing	50-85°F (ideal 55-75°F)
Frost tolerance	None—killed by frost
Heat	May slow in extreme heat

Planting Nasturtiums

From Seed (Recommended)

Step	Details
Timing	After last frost
Soaking	Optional—24 hours in water
Depth	1/2 to 1 inch
Spacing	8-12 inches
Germination	7-14 days

Direct Sowing (Preferred): Nasturtiums have fragile roots that resent transplanting. Direct sowing is easiest and most successful.

Starting Indoors

Step	Details
Timing	2-4 weeks before last frost
Container	Peat pots (to avoid root disturbance)
Temperature	60-65°F
Transplant	Very carefully, minimizing root disturbance

Spacing Guide

Type	Spacing
Bush/Compact	8-12 inches
Trailing	12-18 inches
Ground cover	12-24 inches

Growing Through the Season

Early Season Care

Task	Details
Thin seedlings	When 3-4 inches tall
Water	Keep moist until established
No fertilizer	Resist the urge!

Mid-Season

Task	Details
Water	When soil dries
Harvest	Pick flowers and leaves regularly
Watch for aphids	Use as trap crop

Late Season

Task	Details
Continue harvest	Until frost
Save seeds	Allow some to dry on plant
Remove	After killing frost

Container Growing

Nasturtiums excel in containers:

Container Requirements

Factor	Specification
Size	8+ inches deep
Drainage	Essential
Soil	Regular potting mix
Fertilizer	None or very light

Best Container Types

Type	Best Varieties
Hanging baskets	Trailing types
Window boxes	Compact varieties
Large pots	Either type
Mixed containers	Compact as filler

Nasturtiums as Trap Crops

How It Works

Concept	Details
Principle	Aphids prefer nasturtiums over vegetables
Placement	4-6 feet from crops being protected
Timing	Plant before pest problems start
Benefit	Also attracts beneficial insects

Companion Planting

Partner	Benefit
Cucumbers	Deters cucumber beetles
Squash	Deters squash bugs
Cabbage family	Trap for aphids, flea beetles
Beans	General pest deterrent
Tomatoes	Aphid and whitefly trap

Attracting Beneficials

Insect	Role
Ladybugs	Eat aphids
Hoverflies	Larvae eat aphids
Lacewings	Eat various pests
Parasitic wasps	Control caterpillars

Eating Nasturtiums

Flowers

Use	Tips
Salads	Pick fresh, remove green parts
Garnish	Colorful decoration
Stuffed	Fill with cream cheese
Flavor	Peppery, like watercress

Leaves

Use	Tips
Salads	Young leaves are mildest
Sandwiches	Layer like lettuce
Pesto	Blend with nuts, oil, cheese
Cooked	Sautéed like spinach

Seeds (Green)

Use	Tips
"Capers"	Pickle in vinegar and salt
Harvest	When green and tender
Brine	2 weeks in salt/vinegar

Common Problems and Solutions

Aphids (Expected!)

Sign	Management
Black clusters	This is the trap crop working
Remove	Pick off infested parts
Spray	Strong water blast
Benefit	Attracts ladybugs

Caterpillars

Type	Treatment
Cabbage worms	Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis)
Loopers	Hand-pick, Bt
Prevention	Row covers on seedlings

Few Flowers

Cause	Solution
Rich soil	Move to poorer location
Fertilizer	Stop fertilizing
Too much shade	More sun needed

Yellow Leaves

Cause	Solution
Normal aging	Remove old leaves
Overwatering	Reduce water
Nutrient deficiency	Light compost if severe

Saving Seeds

Step	Details
Selection	Leave best flowers to seed
Maturity	Seeds turn brown and fall
Collection	Gather before they scatter
Storage	Paper envelope, cool, dry
Viability	3-5 years

Seasonal Timeline

Season	Activity
Spring	Direct sow after last frost
Early Summer	First flowers appear
Mid-Summer	Peak bloom, regular harvest
Late Summer	Continue harvesting, seed saving
Fall	Harvest until frost kills plants

Quick Care Summary

Aspect	Requirement
Light	Full sun to part shade
Soil	Poor to average, well-drained
Water	Low once established
Fertilizer	None!
Maintenance	Very low
Edibility	Entirely edible
Pest role	Trap crop and companion plant

Nasturtiums offer unbeatable value: easy to grow, beautiful to look at, delicious to eat, and helpful for pest control. They're the perfect flower for any gardener.