If you’re looking for a plant that checks all the boxes: easy to grow, low maintenance, edible, beneficial to your garden, and absolutely gorgeous, nasturtiums are the answer. These cheerful, sun loving flowers are a favourite among gardeners for their versatility and beauty. We feel that nasturtiums are definitely a must-have in your garden.

There’s so much to love about nasturtiums! Here’s why these plants are a gardener’s best friend:

• Easy to grow: Nasturtiums thrive with minimal effort, making them perfect for beginners and busy gardeners.
• Low maintenance: They require little care, just plant them and watch them flourish.
• Entire plant is edible: From the leaves to the flowers and seeds, every part of the nasturtium is both beautiful and delicious.
• Attracts beneficial insects: Nasturtiums draw pollinators like bees and butterflies while also attracting predatory insects that keep pests in check.
• Living ground cover: Their trailing vines and lush foliage can act as a living mulch, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
• High in minerals: Nasturtiums are nutrient rich, containing vitamins A, C, and minerals like potassium and iron.
• Great companion plant: They pair well with vegetables like tomatoes, beans, and cucumbers, improving growth and repelling harmful insects.
• Trap crop for aphids: Nasturtiums lure aphids away from your vegetables, serving as a sacrificial plant to protect your main crops.

With so many benefits, nasturtiums are a joy to have in any garden!

How to grow nasturtiums

Zone 5b comes with its own set of challenges, especially a shorter growing season and cooler temperatures. However, nasturtiums are hardy annuals that adapt well to these conditions with a little planning. Here’s your step by step guide to growing nasturtiums.

Variety

There are several varieties of nasturtiums, each suited to different growing spaces. Choose one that fits your garden setup:

• Trailing Nasturtiums: These varieties, such as Jewel Mix or Empress of India, are perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, or cascading over walls.
• Bush Varieties: Compact types like Alaska or Whirlybird are great for flower beds and small spaces.
• Climbing Nasturtiums: Varieties like Tall Trailing Mix need support structures and can grow up to 10 feet tall!

When to plant

In Zone 5b, the growing season is short, so timing is important. You can either:

• Start Indoors: Start seeds 4-6 weeks before the last frost date (mid-April). Sow seeds in seed trays to give them a head start.
• Direct Sow: If you prefer to plant directly outdoors, wait until the soil has warmed up and all danger of frost has passed, usually late May. (From our experience the direct sown does not flourish as much as the ones that were started indoors earlier, but still works!)

Soil and sunlight requirements

Nasturtiums are incredibly forgiving when it comes to soil and light:

• Soil: Nasturtiums thrive in poor to average soil that is well draining. Avoid overly rich soil, as it leads to lush leaves but fewer flowers.
• Sunlight: Choose a location with full sun for the best blooms. Partial shade is acceptable, especially in hotter months.

Planting instructions

• Soak the seeds overnight to speed up germination.
• Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep and 8-12 inches apart.
• Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge.

Watering

Nasturtiums prefer moderate watering. Water deeply once or twice a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be cautious with drainage.

Fertilizing

Skip the fertilizer! Nasturtiums are happiest in nutrient poor soil. Too much fertilizer will cause the plant to grow lots of leaves and stems at the expense of flowers.

Pests and diseases

Nasturtiums are generally pest-resistant but can occasionally attract:

• Aphids: While aphids may feed on nasturtiums, this is actually a benefit in companion planting, as they act as a trap crop, protecting your vegetables.
• Caterpillars: Handpick caterpillars if they appear.
• Powdery mildew: Avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.

Frost protection

As an annual, nasturtiums are sensitive to frost. Use row covers or garden fabric to protect them during unexpected cold snaps. Alternatively, plant them in containers that can be brought indoors in case of frost.

What’s edible on a nasturtium?

One of the most unique features of nasturtiums is that the entire plant is edible! Here’s how you can use each part:

Leaves

Nasturtium leaves are round, tender, and slightly peppery, similar to arugula or watercress. They’re perfect for:

• Salads
• Wraps
• Pestos
• Sandwiches

Flowers

The flowers are mild and sweet-spicy, with stunning colours that make them a favourite garnish. Try using them:

• In salads
• As a garnish for desserts
• Infused in oils, vinegars, or cocktails

Seeds

The young green seeds are an under appreciated treasure! They can be eaten fresh, ground into a spice, or pickled to create a caper like condiment. Use them in:

• Pasta dishes
• Sauces
• As a topping for pizza or salads

Companion planting with nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are fantastic companion plants because they repel harmful pests and improve the health of other plants. Here are some great pairings:

• With tomatoes: Deters whiteflies and aphids.
• With cucumbers or Squash: Keeps squash bugs and cucumber beetles at bay.
• With beans: Enhances nitrogen fixation in the soil.

Additionally, their bright flowers attract pollinators, which can boost the yield of your vegetable garden.

Nutritional benefits of nasturtiums

Nasturtiums aren’t just pretty, they’re packed with nutrients! They contain:

• Vitamin C: Boosts immunity and supports skin health.
• Vitamin A: Supports vision and skin.
• Minerals: High in potassium, calcium, and iron, making them a nutrient dense addition to your meals.

Nasturtiums are a gift to any garden. Incorporating nasturtiums into your garden is not just about enhancing its aesthetic appeal; it’s also a strategic choice for promoting a healthier garden ecosystem. With their vibrant flowers and lush foliage, nasturtiums can attract beneficial insects, deter pests, and even serve as a delicious addition to your kitchen creations.

We love that they are low maintenance, making them perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners alike. We hope you get to add these beautiful flowers into your garden too! 

Happy Gardening!💚