Growing Nasturtium: A Beginner's Guide to Cultivating These Beautiful Flowers
If you're looking for an easy-to-grow flower that adds a pop of color to your garden or balcony, nasturtiums might just be the perfect choice. Not only are these flowers beautiful, but they're also edible and have numerous health benefits. In this article, we'll go over everything you need to know to grow nasturtiums, from choosing the right spot to harvesting your blooms.
What Are Nasturtiums?
Nasturtiums are annual flowering plants that come in a variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, and even bi-colored varieties. They're easy to grow and care for, making them a popular choice for beginner gardeners. Nasturtiums are also known for their peppery flavor and can be used in salads or as a garnish.
Choosing the Right Spot
Nasturtiums prefer full sun to partial shade, so choose a spot in your garden or balcony that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. They also prefer well-drained soil, so make sure the area where you plant them is not prone to flooding or standing water.
Nasturtiums can be grown in containers or directly in the ground. If you're planting them in containers, make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom. You can also train nasturtiums to climb up trellises or other support structures.
Planting Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums can be started from seed or by purchasing young plants from a nursery. If you're growing nasturtiums from seed, plant them in early spring after the last frost has passed. You can also start them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date and transplant them outdoors once the weather warms up.
When planting nasturtium seeds, make a small hole in the soil about 1/2 inch deep, drop the seed in, and cover it with soil. Space the seeds 10-12 inches apart if you're planting them in the ground, or use a larger container if you're growing them in pots.
Caring for Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums don't require much maintenance, but there are a few things you can do to keep them healthy and thriving. Here are some tips:
- Water your plants regularly, but don't overwater them. Nasturtiums can tolerate drought conditions, so let the soil dry out between waterings.
- Fertilize your plants every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Pinch back the stems of your nasturtiums to promote bushier growth and more blooms.
- Remove any dead or diseased foliage to prevent the spread of disease.
- Watch out for aphids, which can be a common pest for nasturtiums. If you notice aphids on your plants, spray them off with a strong stream of water or apply neem oil to the affected areas.
Harvesting Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums bloom from late spring to early fall and can be harvested throughout the growing season. The flowers and leaves of nasturtiums are both edible and can add a spicy kick to salads or other dishes.
To harvest nasturtiums, simply pick the flowers and leaves off the plant. Make sure to wash them thoroughly before using them in your cooking.
Growing nasturtiums is an easy and rewarding experience for gardeners of all levels. With their bright colors and unique flavor, these flowers are sure to add a special touch to any garden or dish. Follow the tips outlined in this article and you'll be on your way to a bountiful harvest of beautiful nasturtiums.
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