Nasturtiums, with their vibrant flowers and edible qualities, are a gardener’s dream. These versatile plants are not only easy to grow but also offer numerous benefits, from enhancing your garden’s aesthetics to boosting soil health and even improving your meals. Every part of the nasturtium plant is useful, making it a must-have addition to your backyard. In this article, we’ll explore why nasturtiums deserve a place in your garden, how to grow them, and the many ways you can use and enjoy them.
Why Grow Nasturtiums?
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are more than just a pretty plant. Their brightly colored blooms and unique foliage make them a stunning addition to any garden. But they’re not just about looks—nasturtiums are functional plants that serve several purposes.
1. A Pollinator Magnet
The bold, cheerful flowers of nasturtiums are a beacon for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds. By planting nasturtiums, you’re inviting these beneficial creatures into your garden, which in turn helps boost the productivity of your fruits and vegetables.
2. Natural Pest Control
Nasturtiums are known as “trap crops” because they attract pests like aphids, caterpillars, and whiteflies, keeping these harmful insects away from your main crops. By planting nasturtiums near vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, or cucumbers, you can naturally reduce pest damage.
3. Edible Beauty
Every part of the nasturtium plant is edible, making it a fantastic choice for gardeners who love to cook. The flowers, leaves, and seeds can all be incorporated into various dishes, adding a peppery, mustard-like flavor.
4. Easy to Grow and Maintain
If you’re new to gardening, nasturtiums are the perfect plant to start with. They’re incredibly hardy, drought-tolerant, and require minimal maintenance.
5. Soil Health and Erosion Control
Nasturtiums help enrich the soil and prevent erosion. Their sprawling habit covers the ground, protecting it from heavy rainfall and wind, while their organic matter decomposes and adds nutrients back into the soil.
How to Grow Nasturtiums
Growing nasturtiums is simple and rewarding. Follow these steps to get started:
1. Choose the Right Spot
Nasturtiums thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Select a spot in your garden that receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily.
2. Prepare the Soil
These plants aren’t picky about soil quality and can grow in poor soils. However, well-drained soil will ensure healthy growth. Avoid using overly rich soil, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
3. Sow the Seeds
Nasturtiums are best grown from seeds. Directly sow them into the ground or containers about ½ inch deep and 10-12 inches apart. If you want a head start, you can also start the seeds indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost.
4. Watering
Water your nasturtiums regularly but avoid overwatering. Once established, they are drought-tolerant and can handle dry spells with ease.
5. Support or Let Them Sprawl
Depending on the variety, nasturtiums can grow as trailing vines, climbers, or compact bush plants. Provide a trellis or let them spill over the edges of containers or garden beds for a cascading effect.
6. Harvest Regularly
Pick flowers, leaves, and seeds often to encourage more growth and keep the plant looking tidy.
How to Use Nasturtiums
One of the most exciting things about nasturtiums is their versatility in the kitchen and garden. Here’s how you can make the most of this remarkable plant:
1. Edible Leaves
The leaves of nasturtiums have a peppery flavor, similar to arugula. Use them fresh in salads, sandwiches, or wraps for a spicy kick.
2. Vibrant Flowers
Nasturtium flowers are a showstopper when used as garnishes for salads, cakes, or cocktails. Their vibrant colors and slightly spicy taste make them a unique addition to your plate.
3. Pickled Seeds
The seeds of nasturtiums are often called “poor man’s capers.” Pickle them in vinegar and use them as a tangy substitute for capers in recipes.
4. Herbal Infusions
The flowers and leaves can be used to make herbal infusions or teas. Their natural compounds are believed to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
5. Natural Dyes
The vibrant colors of nasturtium flowers can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or art projects.
6. Compost Addition
At the end of the season, add spent nasturtium plants to your compost pile. They decompose quickly and enrich the compost with valuable nutrients.
Additional Benefits of Nasturtiums
1. Medicinal Properties
Nasturtiums have been used in traditional medicine for their antibacterial and antifungal properties. They’re also believed to support the immune system and respiratory health.
2. Long Blooming Season
Nasturtiums flower from spring to fall, providing continuous color and beauty in your garden throughout the growing season.
3. Versatility
Nasturtiums can grow in containers, hanging baskets, or directly in the ground. They’re a great choice for small spaces or balcony gardens.
Common Varieties to Try
If you’re ready to grow nasturtiums, consider these popular varieties:
- ‘Jewel Mix’: Compact plants with double blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and red.
- ‘Trailing Nasturtiums’: Perfect for hanging baskets or covering trellises.
- ‘Alaska Variegated’: Features unique variegated leaves and bright flowers.
- ‘Empress of India’: Deep red flowers with blue-green foliage.
Tips for Success
- Avoid over-fertilizing nasturtiums, as this can lead to lush leaves but fewer flowers.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
- Plant nasturtiums near vegetable gardens to act as a natural pest repellent.
Conclusion
Nasturtiums are the ultimate multitasking plant. From their vibrant blooms to their pest-repellent qualities, they’re a valuable addition to any backyard. Plus, their edible nature and easy-growing habits make them perfect for gardeners of all skill levels. By incorporating nasturtiums into your garden, you’ll enjoy a healthier, more beautiful, and functional outdoor space.
Why wait? Start planting nasturtiums today and discover all the incredible ways they can benefit your garden and your plate!
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