In gardens that favor both charm and utility, few flowers balance beauty and function quite like the nasturtium. With its bold colors, quick-growing nature, and edible leaves and blossoms, this flower brings a lively burst of personality to beds, containers, and even vegetable plots. Nasturtiums are more than ornamental; they’re companion plants, drawing aphids away from vulnerable crops and enriching the landscape with minimal effort.
Their casual elegance pairs well with rustic garden styles, tumbling over the edges of pots or trailing down walls with ease. Whether you grow them for their peppery taste, their pollinator-friendly blooms, or their low-maintenance appeal, nasturtiums will reward you generously from spring until the first frost.
Portrait of the Nasturtium
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus and relatives) are cheerful, fast-growing annuals known for their vibrant flowers and round, lily pad-like leaves. Native to South and Central America, they’ve gained popularity worldwide for their versatility and edibility. From ground cover to climbing varieties, nasturtiums bring vibrant flair wherever they’re planted, and they’re as useful in the kitchen as they are in the flower bed.
- Type: Annual
- Family: Tropaeolaceae
- Common names: Indian cress, Tropaeolum
Foliage and Form
Nasturtiums grow in a sprawling, trailing, or bushy habit depending on the variety. Their distinctive, rounded leaves resemble lily pads, often with a waxy, slightly bluish hue. These leaves are edible, with a peppery flavor similar to arugula.
- Height: 20–30 cm (8–12 in), trailing types can spread up to 2 m (6.5 ft)
- Spread: 30–90 cm (1–3 ft)
- Growth Habit: Mounding or trailing
Blooms and Fragrance
Nasturtium flowers are trumpet-shaped with five petals, often in shades of orange, red, yellow, and cream. Some have deeper markings or ruffled petals. Though they have a mild, slightly spicy scent, they are better known for their flavor and color than fragrance.
- Bloom Time: Late spring to first frost
- Color: Warm tones – red, orange, yellow, and cream
- Fragrance: Mild to none
The Right Time to Plant and Care for Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums do not require pruning, but deadheading can promote continued blooming. They grow best when directly sown outdoors after the last frost, as they dislike transplanting.
| Month | Planting | Flowering |
|---|---|---|
| January | ❌ | ❌ |
| February | ❌ | ❌ |
| March | ✅ (indoors in mild zones) | ❌ |
| April | ✅ (direct sow in warmer climates) | ❌ |
| May | ✅ (main sowing outdoors) | ✅ (late month) |
| June | ❌ | ✅ |
| July | ❌ | ✅ |
| August | ❌ | ✅ |
| September | ❌ | ✅ (until frost) |
| October | ❌ | ❌ |
| November | ❌ | ❌ |
| December | ❌ | ❌ |
✅ = Recommended ❌ = Not advised
Ideal Watering, Sunlight, and Environment for Nasturtiums
Watering
Nasturtiums prefer moderate watering. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings, and avoid heavy feeding or overly rich soil, which encourages foliage over flowers. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fewer blooms.
Sunlight
They thrive in full sun, producing more flowers with at least 6 hours of direct light daily. In hotter climates, partial shade during the afternoon is beneficial to prevent scorching.
Indoor vs Outdoor
Nasturtiums are outdoor plants. They dislike transplanting and root disturbance, so they are best sown directly in containers, beds, or hanging baskets. However, in frost-prone areas, you can start seeds indoors in biodegradable pots to reduce transplant shock.
Temperature
They prefer mild, temperate climates with temperatures between 15–24°C (59–75°F). Frost will kill the plant, so sow only after the last frost date in your area.
Ideal Soil Conditions for Growing Nasturtiums
| Soil Feature | Optimal Condition | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Soil Type | Light, sandy or loamy | Prevents over-fertilization and promotes flowering |
| Texture | Loose and well-draining | Avoids soggy roots |
| Drainage | Excellent | Prevents root rot and fungal issues |
| Moisture | Slightly dry to evenly moist | Excess moisture limits blooming |
| Soil pH | Neutral to slightly acidic (6.0–7.0) | Ideal for nutrient uptake |
| Fertility | Low to moderate | Rich soil = more leaves, fewer flowers |
Common Problems & Solutions
| Issue 🐾 | Symptoms 🔍 | Solutions 🛠️ |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids 🐜 | Clusters on stems, sticky residue | Spray with water or use neem oil |
| Poor Blooming 🌸 | Lots of leaves, few flowers | Avoid high-nitrogen soil or fertilizers |
| Leaf Spot 🍃 | Brown or yellow spots | Remove affected leaves, improve airflow |
| Powdery Mildew 🌫️ | White coating on leaves | Increase air circulation, avoid overhead watering |
| Slugs & Snails 🐌 | Ragged holes in leaves | Use copper tape or natural slug traps |
Nasturtiums are joyful, fast-growing companions in any garden. Whether climbing a fence or spilling from a pot, they offer color, flavor, and a touch of whimsy—all with remarkably little care.