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Nasturtium

Nasturtium

Nasturtium belongs to the Tropaeolaceae family and is native to South America, specifically in Peru.
It is a perennial and climbing plant, which can reach a height of up to 11 inches. Its flowering season is from July to September while the seeds will become ripe from August to October. The flowers are large and trumpet-shaped, with some of the most common colors being red, orange, yellow, and creamy white. The leaves and flowers are both edible. Its leaves taste peppery, which will have a stronger flavor as it grows older. Its flowers also have a distinct spiciness, making it a colorful addition to a salad of greens. The unripe seeds are good for pickling.

While there are over 50 varieties, they fall into one of three categories: dwarf or bush (shorter), semi-trailing (2 to 3 feet tall and wide), full trailing (6 to 8 feet tall and wide).

Nasturtium grows in USDA zones 3 to 10. It is an annual but will sow its own seeds and can sometimes take over an area in your garden if left unchecked.

They are also said to be very beneficial for chickens, especially laying hens.
Introduction
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Description

Optimal Time/Temperature for Germination:
Because they do not like cold weather for germination, most people start them indoors in compostable pots 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date in their area. While it is said they do not like to be moved from pot to soil, depending on the variety, it will be ok to do so. Plant in full sun or partial shade, though you’ll get fewer flowers in the shade. Nasturtiums don’t like extreme heat. However, 4-6 hours of direct sun a day will work well.
Optimal Soil Conditions:
They grow in any type of soil. Light soil with good drainage is ideal. Plants prefer a pH between 6.8 and 7.1.
Seed Planting Depth, Spacing and Procedure:
Plant seeds direct in the garden about 3/4 inch deep. Sow three or four seeds in a small circle. Water well and keep the soil moist until the seedlings appear. The seeds can be soaked for 24 hours before planting or a small nick can be added to the seed coat with a nail file or nail clipper to speed germination.
Best Companion Plants and Plants that Hinder:
Some people claim that they attract beneficial insects and they do attract pollinators. The best companion plants for growing nasturtiums are: Cabbage, Kale, Cauliflower, Cucumber, Gourd Beans, Tomato, Radish, Broccoli, Apple. They are often grown as an insect attractor plant between potatoes and tomatoes.

Growing Instructions

Crop Maintenance

Moisture Requirements & Solutions:
They do not like overly wet soil. Depending on your environment, they may not need any watering at all. If they start drooping then it is time to water. Do not let the ground completely dry out between watering, but do not over water. If you live in a high rainfall area, make sure the soil will drain well (lots of organic matter).
Weeding Needs & Solutions:
Keep weeds at bay to allow growing nasturtiums the room to ramble unimpeded. Often nasturtiums are quite bushy, and by the time you see the weed pop through, it has become established.
Feeding Needs/Optimal Natural Fertilizers:
Nasturtiums do well without fertilizing. If they get too much fertilizer, you’ll end up with lots of foliage, but few blooms.
Pests, Diseases & Solutions:
Whitefly, cabbage butterly, and slugs/snails.
When to Harvest/Number of days to maturity:
Leaves, flowers, seed pods and dried seeds can be picked any time during the growing season. The flowers normally start appearing after 50 to 70 days.
How to Harvest:
Leaves and flowers: any time, just no more than 40% of the plant. Large leaves will be tougher than younger small ones. It is best to pick the leaves in the early morning (before sunrise) to ensure they are plump. Try to taste the flowers throughout the growing season because at different times of the year they can have a sweetness in addition to a pepperiness. Seed pods: when the seed pods are green and fresh (like a pea) they can be picked. Seeds: when the seed pods have dried out, they can be picked and then fully dried. If the seeds are quite green, they can also be picked to make a recipe called ‘poor mans capers’.
Optimal Storage temperature and conditions:
Leaves and flowers: If they are dried properly, they will store in the pantry in a sealed container. Seeds: As long as the seeds are properly dried they will store in a cool dark room, in air tight containers for many years.
Optimal Preserving Procedures:
Leaves and flowers: Should be dried for storage. They are typically eaten raw or cooked though. Seed pods: These are often made into a pickle. Seeds: Need to be dried and packed in an air tight container.
Seed Saving:
If you are interested in saving seeds, just cut off the dried seed pods and store them appropriately in a cool dark place. The seeds will be tan colored and look like a wrinkled pea. Nasturtium will cross pollinate with other nasturtium plants. If you want a pure seed line without cross pollination, you will need to only grow one variety or separate them by 800 yards or meters.

Harvest and Storage

Notes

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