Nasturtium
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Scientific NameTropaeolum majus
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General Information
Nasturtiums are cool season annual that bloom spring through fall. Their peppery flower, leaf and seed are edible and a trailing branch makes a lovely addition to a flower arrangement. They can also be trained to climb up an arbor or fence.
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When to Plant
Seeds: Sow seed in early spring about 8 to 12 inches apart.
Transplants: Seedlings growing in the ground do not transplant well but nursery starts do well. Plant in spring.
Cuttings: You can grow nasturtiums from cuttings. Cut 4-inch piece of stem just below a leaf node. Roots well in water.
Layering: Where trailing nasturtiums find the ground, they root well. Learn more about layering.
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Planting
Plant in full sun in cooler settings.
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Soil Requirements
Nasturtiums do well in average, well-drained soils.
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Water Requirements
Prefers moderate, consistent water. However, blooms will actually increase if the plant gets less water.
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Fertilizing
Avoid fertilizer, is it can result in more leaves and fewer flowers.
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Pollination
Bees, hummingbirds, butterflies
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Harvesting
Harvest leaves like lettuce. Green seeds can be harvested and pickled to be used like capers.
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Storage
Store leaves in refrigerator like lettuce leaves. Put flower stems in water until just before using.
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Good Varieties for Marin
'Alaska’ has variegated leaves and bright orange flowers, ‘Amazon Jewel’ is a great climber with firecracker blooms. ‘Peach Melba” has creamy yellow and orange blooms and ‘Empress of India’ has brilliant orange-red blossoms and blue green foliage. To add to herb borders, there are dwarf varieties which grow to around one foot tall.
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Helpful Tips
Nasturtiums reseed easily but are not difficult to pull out if unwanted.
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Common Problems
Nasturtiums do not tolerate heat well.
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Pests- Diseases & More
Nasturtiums are host plants for certain butterflies. When the eggs hatch, caterpillars will eat the nasturtium leaves. Nasturtiums also attract aphids.