Nasturtium Seeds Jewel Mix produce bright flowers throughout the summer. A great ground-cover and popular in hanging baskets too.

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are not only easy to grow and pretty to look at, they are hard-working, edible flowers that more than earn their spot in any home garden. These cheerful little annuals flowers thrive on neglect and will work hard for you both above and below the soil level without needing anything in return. There’s an old adage that applies to these growing annuals flowers - be nasty to nasturtiums. Use these seed-planting tips and get ready to enjoy a colorful bloom harvest and improved garden soil structure by growing nasturtiums.

See also:

- Nasturtium Tall Climbing mix seeds

- Nasturtium Tom Thumb Alaska mix seeds

- Nasturtium Bloody Mary Seeds

- Nasturtium Whirlybird mix seeds

Planting Location

Nasturtiums are hardy in all growing zones and are not picky about the soil in which they grow. Select any sunny location to plant these hard working annuals. They will grow in partial shade, but will not produce many blooms.

Soil Preparation

A light tilling to break-up the top soil is the only soil preparation needed prior to planting. Do not work in organic matter or fertilize as this will actually cause the plants to produce fewer blooms.

When planning to plant nasturtiums in the vegetable garden as a companion plant, try to limit the usage of organic matter in the areas where the flowers will be planted.

Plant Seeds

The nasturtium seeds are large and have a hard exterior shell, for faster germination, soak the seed in warm water overnight prior to planting.

Seeds can be started indoors in a flat container or pots 6 weeks before the last spring frost in your region. Seedlings can be transplanted into the soil once the plants have developed their second set of leaves, called true leaves, and all danger of frost has past. Space plants 12 inches apart. The plants grow rapidly and will fill in all the gaps very quickly.

If you prefer to plant seeds directly into outdoor soil, wait until all danger of frost has past. Sow seeds into prepared soil, then cover with 1/2 inch of soil and water in well. Thin plants to 12 inches apart by plucking the extras ones out of the soil after the seeds germinate.

Nasturtium Seeds will germinate and plants will be visible in 7-10 days. Keep soil moist, but not soggy, at all times during the germination process.

Plant Size

The mature size of nasturtiums depends on the variety planted, Dwarf varieties will make a compact mound of about 15 inches tall and climbing varieties can reach over 10 feet in vine length. Dwarf varieties can be grown as outdoor potted plants, mounding varieties make perfect edging/border plants and climbing varieties will need a trellis or other structure on which to climb on for best results.

Bloom Time

Nasturtiums begin to bloom in late spring and will continue producing until the first killing frost of fall. Blooms are funnel-shaped and have single, semi-double and double flower petals. Blooms colors are bright yellow, red, salmon, apricot, peach and cream.

The abundant and colorful nasturtium blooms are irresistible to hummingbirds and butterflies. You will have constant flying visitors to the plants all summer. The blooms also makes nice cut flowers for you to enjoy in a fresh floral arrangement.

After Care

Only water during times of drought and never feed the plants.

Deadhead spent blooms to keep the plants producing new bloom throughout the summer. When grown as a potted plant, nasturtiums may need to be cut back by mid-summer to keep them looking neat. The plants will bounce back after a severe pruning, so you don’t have to go easy on them.

Edible Annuals

The flowers and leaves of nasturtiums are edible and rich in vitamin C. Both the leaves and blooms have a peppery flavor. Most often the leaves are used as part of a green salad and the blooms are used as plate garnish, and they also make a great ingredient to use to create flavored vinegar.

Natural Pest Repellent

Nasturtiums are a natural pest repellent and will protect garden vegetables from harmful pests when planted as a companion plant. These colorful flowers will repel aphids, squash bugs and cucumber beetles so they won’t start home steading in your home garden and devour your plants.

Improve Soil Structure

The roots of nasturtiums also increase the nitrogen level in garden soil and help to improve plant growth by strengthening plant roots. This hard working annual is a must-have in an organic vegetable garden for both pest control and soil amending.

Seed Saving

The plants will develop their own flower seed pods, after the flowers are spent, but they are not a self-seeding plant. Harvest the pea-sized nasturtium seed pods and spread them out in a single layer in a warm, dry place for the winter. Come spring, and if you want to grow nasturtiums again, you will have your own nasturtium seeds to plant and save yourself a little money.

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