Nasturtium
Introduction
Nasturtiums produce interesting broad and round leaves that carpet the ground, with bright orange, yellow, and red flowers growing through the leaf cover. There are also trailing varieties good for growing in pots. Both the leaves and flowers of nasturtiums are edible and are used fresh in salads.
Planting
- Sow outside in their final growing position when the weather warms in the spring
Harvesting
- Plants flower from late June onwards
- The flowers and leaves have a peppery taste
(please check your specific variety before eating)
(inside)
(outside)
(fresh)
(stored)
= jar, 
= freeze, 
= store
Varieties
Nasturtiums come in a multitude of colours for a gardener to choose from. In addition, there are differences in growth habit:
-
Nasturtiums for ground cover
These spread over a bed and are a natural way of keeping moisture in the soil on hot summer days (acting like a mulch). -
Climbing nasturtiums
The plants can ramble up a trellis, or even other plants, providing a wonderful display of colour -
Trailing nasturtiums
One of my favourite ways of growing nasturtiums is to add them to hanging baskets. I find them far easier to grow than petunias, and just as colourful
The easy way for a gardener to organise their growing and discover gardening ideas.
Growing
Nasturtiums are very easy to grow and relatively hardy. The seeds can be sown outdoors in their desired growing position from March, or started before indoors (for early colour for hanging baskets and containers).
Keep the soil moist throughout the growing season.