Nasturtiums
If your garden could use a little boost of happiness, the ultra-charming nasturtium might be exactly what it needs! If you aren’t already familiar with nasturtiums: Tropaeolum majus refers to varieties that climb or trail, while Tropaeolum minus refers to bush or dwarf nasturtiums. Trailing nasturtiums are gorgeous in window boxes or trained onto trellises in raised beds; dwarf nasturtiums are content in containers. Nasturtiums feature lovely trumpet-shaped blossoms in warm shades: reds, yellows, oranges, salmons and pinks — plus some varieties feature blossoms with colorful contrasting spots.
You’ll love the leaves, too — rounded edges and a starlike design that radiates outward. Also: Some varieties display variegated leaves, which are purely exquisite.
Why Grow
They’re beautiful. You’ll fall in love with their delicate blossoms and their gorgeous foliage. On dewy mornings, water droplets may collect in the center of the leaves and they look like diamonds in your garden.
Pollinators love them. Please plant nasturtiums, if for no other reason than because pollinators go crazy for them. Bees in general (and honeybees, in particular) absolutely love nasturtiums, and planting them is a great way to attract these beneficial bugs to visit your farm and gardens.
Nasturtium blossoms and leaves are also edible, and the flavor is usually described as “spicy or peppery.” You can add nasturtiums to salads or soups, but nasturtiums are also excellent when combined with dairy products such as butter and ice cream. Nasturtiums make a fantastic pesto, too. If you prefer a special beverage, add nasturtiums to your tea.
Easy to Grow
You can start seeds indoors and then transplant to the garden after all danger of frost has passed, or you can direct sow. Plant seeds ½-inch deep, and space 6 to 12 inches apart. Full sun is great, but nasturtiums don’t mind partial shade. They may blossom best in full sun, but don’t hesitate to fill a partially shaded window box; they’ll grow just fine.
Nasturtiums are annuals in most locations so that makes it easy to shake things up in the garden from year-to-year; don’t worry about trying to choose a permanent location.
Keep in mind that nasturtiums don’t handle frost. They’re very sensitive and must be protected. Cover your plants if frost looms! Also, if you keep your plants tidy, they’ll keep producing all season.
If you have limited garden space, choose a dwarf/bush variety, and plant it in a container. You’ll love the flexibility of being able to move the nasturtiums wherever you like (even to protect them from cold weather), and you’ll be surprised at how well your nasturtiums will flourish in a container.
They’re generous with their seeds. If you choose an open-pollinated variety, you can collect and save the seeds; you’ll be all set for next year’s garden!