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How to Grow and Care for Nasturtium Plants

Tropaeolum majus

Vining PlantsThis is an annual plant or it is commonly grown as an annualThis plant grows best with full sun for most of the dayThis plant requires shade during the heat of the dayOnce established this plant requires little or no supplemental wateringThis plant will tolerate some drought, but benefits from periodic wateringHummingbird PlantWhite flowering plantRed flowering plantYellow flowering plantorange flowering plantA photograph is availableHow to Use the Plant Care Icons at The Garden Helper



Once established, Nasturtium plants take little or no care.
As they spread and grow, their foliage resembles a sea of small lily pad leaves topped with
brightly colored, fragrant, edible 2" blossoms.
There are two main forms of Nasturtiums.
The dwarf varieties will grow to 15" tall as they form nice compact clumps.
Climbing varieties grow up to eight feet as they spread along the ground, but are also capable of climbing up six foot fences, stumps or other structures.

Growing Requirements for Nasturtium Plants

Nasturtiums are only hardy in USDA zones 8-11, so they are most commonly grown as annual plants.
They will flower best if they are planted 6"-12" apart and grown in full sun, but are they also capable of growing in light shade.
They will tolerate a wide range of soil conditions as long as it is well draining,
but they prefer sandy, not-too-rich soil mixes.
Water regularly and thoroughly until new plants are well established, after which time Nasturtiums are very drought tolerant.
 Mort the Garden Gnome
Nasturtium plants tend to produce lots of lush foliage and no flowers when they are grown in rich soil, so fertilizing is seldom needed unless they are growing in extremely poor soil.

Propagating Nasturtium Plants

Nasturtiums are very easily grown from seed, but they resent transplanting, so it is best to sow the seeds directly in the garden as soon as all danger of frost has passed.
If you intend to start your seeds indoors, plant them in 'Jiffy Pots' which can be moved into the garden without disturbing the roots.
Maintain a temperature of 65° in the medium for germination in 7-12 days.
Tropaeolum seeds require darkness for germination,
so be sure to cover them well!

Nasturtium plants can also be propagated with basil cuttings, but this method tends to take longer than starting new plants from seed.


Nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus
Nasturtium Plant Blooming in the Garden, Tropaeolum majus


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