How to Grow Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are my new favorite craze! I only wish I had found them sooner! They are simply gorgeous and not only are they edible, they make a great filler to any garden and have so many incredibly helpful benefits that you’ll want to have them around every year!

Easy to Grow

This beauty of a flower is easy to grow and is carefree. The seed looks like a little mini brain and is easy to sow directly into the ground after any risk of frost.

Plus since the seeds are larger, this is a great plant to get the little ones involved, and get the next generation of gardeners trained, since it’s easier for them to hold.

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something at no extra cost to you. Please check out our Disclosure Policy for more details.

Starting Nasturtium Seeds

I was always told that the nasturtium plant doesn’t like to be moved. So sowing the seeds directly into the ground is best for them. However, If you use a biodegradable pot, the shock of transplanting the flower should be less stressful for it.

This past growing season we planted a whole bunch of the nasturtium seeds just anywhere we could, in the ground, in raised beds, and also in pots and planters. They did great anywhere we placed them.

For Other ways to start your seeds, Check out our posts Seed Starting for Beginners or DIY Gallon Jug Greenhouses!.

Get your copy of our 82 page Garden Planner here! And set yourself up for success through this growing season!

Watch them Grow

Don’t underestimate how large one nasturtium plant can get! I was surprised how well they filled in areas within our garden! Next year I will be putting them anywhere I can!

They require sunny areas, with well drained moist soil, with little watering, they are pretty hardy and can take care of themselves. But if you plant them in pots or planters, be sure to give them that extra water since these containers tend to dry out faster.

Keep in mind that the more fertilizer you give them, the less flowers you will get.

The Benefits of the Nasturtium Plant

Nasturtiums are completely edible of course! The leaves, flowers and stems can all be used in lots of ways, mainly salads. They have antibacterial properties and are full of Vitamin C.

They also make a great companion to many other plants.

• Tomatoes
• Radish
• Squash
• cucumbers
• broad beans
• runner beans
• cabbages
• melons
• fruit trees

Nasturtiums are great with pest control, they help against aphids, whiteflies, cabbage moths, and slugs. They act as a trap crop where the pests will lay their eggs and feed on, instead of your other plants. But simultaneously attract all your wonderful pollinators!

Also, nasturtiums are GREAT for your Chickie Coop! Try planting them in and around the coop to help beautify a sore sight! It acts as a natural dewormer, helps improve egg laying, builds immunity and repels nasty insects.