Cultivating Nasturtiums: A Step-by-Step Guide for Sowing, Raising, and Gathering Nasturtium Greens
Growing and Harvesting Nasturtiums: A Comprehensive Guide
Nasturtiums, with their vibrant blooms and peppery flavor, are a delightful addition to both ornamental and kitchen gardens. Here's a guide on how to grow and harvest these versatile plants, particularly in window boxes or hanging baskets.
Choosing the Right Variety
Nasturtiums come in two main categories: bush and trailing or climbing types. For container gardening, opt for trailing or climbing varieties as they grow well in confined spaces and display beautifully with cascading blooms. Some popular varieties include 'Alaska' (trailing), 'Empress of India' (trailing), and 'Jewel Mix' (trailing).
Growing Conditions
To thrive, nasturtiums need full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) and well-draining, moderately fertile soil. They prefer poorer soils as too much fertility leads to lush leaves with fewer flowers. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, allowing it to dry between watering. Hanging baskets dry faster, so check moisture frequently.
Planting and Maintenance
Plant nasturtium seeds about half an inch deep into the soil. Pinch back spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and remove any leggy growth. For window boxes, allow trailing stems to spill over the edge for an ornamental effect.
Harvesting Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums can be harvested at any stage of growth, but the flavor is most intense when they are young. Use quality scissors for harvesting. Harvest leaves for salads when they are small and tender, and harvest flowers for salads when the plant has bloomed.
Edible Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are edible and have a peppery, mustard-like taste. They add color and flavor to salads, making them attractive for both ornamental and kitchen garden uses. Companion planting with nasturtiums can help other vegetables prosper.
Germination and Growth
After the germination stage, plants can begin to emerge within 7 to 10 days in optimal conditions. Nasturtiums bloom between 35 to 52 days after germination in full sun, correct soil, and with quality watering practices.
Additional Tips
Nasturtiums attract helpful pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. They are somewhat drought-tolerant but thrive best in moist soil. Nasturtium seeds germinate between 10 to 14 days after planting in optimal conditions.
In summary, plant trailing nasturtiums in rich but well-drained soil, place them in full sun, keep moisture consistent without overwatering, and provide a support if you want climbing types. These conditions make nasturtiums thrive beautifully in window boxes or hanging baskets, offering vibrant trailing blooms and lush foliage well-suited to container display.
- For a striking container garden, consider planting organic nasturtium seeds in a home-and-garden window box or hanging basket.
- To create an appealing home lifestyle, consider integrating edible nasturtium plants, with their peppery flavor and vibrant blooms, into both your ornamental and kitchen gardens.
- In your gardening pursuit, select the right nasturtium variety, such as 'Alaska', 'Empress of India', or 'Jewel Mix', for optimal growth in containers.
- Ensure your garden decor includes suitable soil, offering it a well-draining, moderately fertile surface for nasturtiums to thrive.
- To attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds to your home, plant nasturtiums in areas with full sun and consistent soil moisture.
- In the quest for a lush home-and-garden living space, consider organically growing nasturtiums alongside your vegetables for an attractive and flavorful addition.
