Nasturtium: How to Grow, Harvest, Fertilize, and Use Nasturtium

My Journey Growing Nasturtiums

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As I sit on my balcony, surrounded by the vibrant colors of my indoor plants, I am reminded of the joy that growing my own nasturtiums has brought me. In this article, I will share my experiences and tips on how to grow these beautiful and delicious flowers.

Why Nasturtiums?

I first discovered nasturtiums a few years ago when I was browsing through a local nursery. Their bright yellow and orange flowers caught my attention, and I was immediately drawn to their unique shape and color. As I learned more about nasturtiums, I discovered that they are not only beautiful, but also edible and nutritious.

Nasturtiums are a great choice for beginners because they are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance. They are also a great addition to any garden or indoor space because they can thrive in a variety of conditions.

When to Plant Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a warm-season crop, which means they thrive in temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15°C and 27°C). They can be direct-sown in the garden in late spring to early summer, when the soil has warmed up and the risk of frost has passed.

If you live in a cooler climate, you can start nasturtiums indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. This will give them a head start on the growing season and allow them to get established before being transplanted outside.

How to Plant Nasturtiums

Planting nasturtiums is relatively easy. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Choose a location: Nasturtiums prefer well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Choose a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
2. Prepare the soil: Nasturtiums prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (around 6.0-7.0). Test your soil pH and amend it if necessary.
3. Sow the seeds: Sow nasturtium seeds directly in the ground in late spring to early summer. You can also start them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date and transplant them outside when the weather warms up.
4. Water the seeds: Keep the soil consistently moist during the first few weeks after sowing. Once the seeds have germinated, reduce watering to about 1-2 inches per week.
5. Thin the seedlings: Once the seedlings have 2-3 sets of leaves, thin them out to about 6-8 inches apart. This will give them enough space to grow and receive adequate sunlight.

How to Care for Nasturtiums

Caring for nasturtiums is relatively easy. Here are some tips:

1. Water regularly: Nasturtiums need consistent moisture, especially during the first few weeks after sowing. Reduce watering once the seedlings have established themselves.
2. Fertilize lightly: Nasturtiums are heavy feeders, but they don't require a lot of fertilizer. Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) once a month to promote healthy growth.
3. Deadhead: Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms and keep the plant looking tidy.
4. Watch for pests: Keep an eye out for pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Use organic or chemical controls as needed to prevent infestations.

Harvesting Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are edible and can be harvested in as little as 3-4 weeks after sowing. Here's how to harvest them:

1. Wait for the flowers to bloom: Nasturtiums will produce flowers in about 3-4 weeks after sowing. Wait for the flowers to bloom and the petals to start falling off.
2. Pinch off the flowers: Pinch off the flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent the plant from going to seed.
3. Harvest the leaves and stems: Use scissors or pinch off the leaves and stems to harvest. You can use the leaves and stems raw in salads, sautés, and other dishes.

Conclusion

Growing nasturtiums has been a wonderful experience for me. They are easy to care for, beautiful to look at, and delicious to eat. If you're looking to add some color and nutrition to your garden or indoor space, I highly recommend giving nasturtiums a try. Happy growing!