Nasturtiums are so gorgeous! They are a great plant to have in the garden. You can start Nasturtium seeds indoors four-six weeks before your first frost date. Then plant them outdoors after the threat of frost is gone.
You can plant them in the landscape, in pots and hanging baskets and even cooler is they are totally edible! You can add the foliage and flowers to your salad for a tasty zing!
How to Grow Nasturtium Seeds
Nasturtium Seeds
Nasturtium seeds (Tropaeolum majus) round seeds that are typically brown or black in color. They are about the size of a peppercorn and have a hard outer shell.
You and easily order seeds online. Once you have a collection of see you can grow from your own stock every year. Nasturtium seeds are a nice size which makes them very easy to plant.
When to plant Nasturtium Seeds Indoors
The seeds are easy to germinate and can be planted indoors or outdoors. To plant nasturtium seeds indoors, start them 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Sow the seeds 1/2 inch deep in moist, well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and the seeds should germinate within 7-14 days.
When to plant Nasturtium Seeds Outdoors
To plant nasturtium seeds outdoors, wait until the last frost has passed. Sow the seeds 1/2 inch deep in moist, well-draining soil. Space the seeds 6-12 inches apart. Nasturtiums will germinate in 7-14 days.
Nasturtiums are fast-growing plants and will bloom within 60-70 days of planting. Nasturtiums are known for their vibrant flowers, which come in a variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, pink, and white. Nasturtiums also have edible leaves and flowers, which can be added to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.
How to grow Nasturtium from seed
- Nasturtium seeds need warm soil to germinate, so wait until the soil temperature is at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit before planting.
- Sow the seeds directly in the ground or in pots. If you are planting in pots, use a well-draining potting mix.
- Water the seeds regularly, but be careful not to overwater them. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Fertilize your nasturtium plants every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms.
A great choice for beginner gardeners as they are easy to grow and maintain, and they provide a beautiful display of flowers all summer long and pollinators love them!
They look very beautiful trailing over a raised garden bed or covering up a less than pretty space in the garden. They are often used as a sacrificial or trap plant for aphids and squash bugs. Plant them next to your Brassicas and they’ll help keep pests away.
If you haven’t started a vegetable garden yet check out my post on how to get started.
Nasturtiums are not too picky about the type of soil you plant them in so use what you have available. They are forgiving if you forget to water them and they love full sun. They can tolerate part shade but do much better with 6-8 hours of sun.
Be sure to collect and dry seeds for the next growing season! Nasturtiums are heavy seeders and you’ll have plenty to plant or share with friends next year!
Nasturtiums grow pretty quickly from seed so feel free to start them directly in the garden after your first frost date.
Happy Gardening!
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