19 Nifty Things You Should Know About Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus), are one of the easiest and prettiest flowers to grow.

As a child in primary school I remember nasturtium seeds being sold to us as fundraisers, and when they blossomed  there was  a flower show in the main auditorium where our gardening efforts could be reviewed in all their glory.

If a girl from the big smoke can grow nasturtium seeds in a pot on a window sill, then you can grow them wherever.

19 Things You Need to Know About Nasturtiums

Here is what you need to know to make growing them a success story:

1. Nastutrium seeds grow quickly,usually 10 to 12 days.

2. You can save the seeds. Pick the light coloured dry seeds for best results.

3. They are self sowing in warm areas.

4. The whole plant is edible.

5. Flowers are good in salad.

6. Seeds can be pickled like capers.

7. Health Benefits they contain a host of vitamins including: B¹, B², Maganese and Calcium.

8. Frenemies include Black flies, aphids, slugs, cabbage moth catapillars.

9. Leaves are antibiotic and contain Lutein.

10. Low maintenance, can grow in average soil, but prefers moist well drained soil, and no fertilizer is needed.

11. It can be used as a topical toner.

12. Makes a good tea.

13. There are any varieties. The genus includes perennials, annuals, and climbers.

14. There are Alaska hybrids have variegated leaves.

15. Will grows comfortably in zones 8-11.

16. Some varieties are compact while others reach heights of  5ft (1.524m ) or more.

17. Plant is native to South and Central America.

18. It loves well drained soil.

19. Nasturtiums are a member of the Brassicaceae (cabbage family).

Now It’s Your Turn

Just pop the seeds in, cover with soil and wait.  They are that simple, and you can see why they are a good choice to introduce children to gardening.

These days I grow Nasturtiums in hanging baskets.  You can sow them directly, or move them as soon as the first two leaves appear.

Here is a great recipe for nasturtium salad from Champagne Tastes.

Have you grown nasturtiums? Do you have any recipes to share?  Let us know in the comments below.