Nasturtium Seeds

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are beloved annuals known for their vibrant funnel-shaped blooms, peppery edible leaves and flowers, and easy, vigorous growth. Available in trailing, climbing, and compact bush forms, nasturtiums thrive in poor soil, bloom continuously, and add cheerful color to borders, containers, hanging baskets, and edible gardens.

What are Nasturtiums?
A warm-season annual frequently highlighted in gardening guides for its dual ornamental and culinary value. Nasturtiums are prized for their edible flowers—used in salads, garnishes, and herbal preparations—and for their ability to attract pollinators while repelling certain garden pests. Their rounded leaves and bright blooms create a lush, tropical look with minimal care.

Why gardeners choose them:
• Edible flowers and leaves with a peppery flavor • Vibrant blooms in red, orange, yellow, cream, and bicolors • Excellent for borders, containers, and hanging baskets • Thrives in poor soil—too much fertility reduces blooms • Attracts bees and hummingbirds • Can deter aphids and serve as a trap crop

Growth Habit: Trailing, climbing, or compact bushy annual Bloom Colors: Mixed warm tones and bicolors Height: 10–24 inches (bushy) or 3–10 feet (trailing/climbing) Sun Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Shade Sowing Depth: 1/2 inch

Planting Instructions:

• Direct‑sow nasturtium seeds outdoors after frost; they dislike root disturbance. • Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep in well-drained soil. • Germination occurs in 7–14 days under warm conditions. • Space bush varieties 10–12 inches apart; trailing types need room to sprawl. • Provide full sun for maximum bloom; partial shade is tolerated. • Avoid rich soil—excess fertility produces leaves instead of flowers. • Water moderately; nasturtiums prefer slightly dry conditions once established.

Best uses and growing tips:
• Ideal for edible gardens, cottage borders, containers, and hanging baskets. • Trailing varieties excel in window boxes, retaining walls, and trellises. • Use as a trap crop for aphids—plant near vegetables to draw pests away. • Combine with calendula, borage, and herbs for edible flower displays. • Harvest flowers and young leaves for salads, pesto, and herbal vinegar.

Culinary and herbal value:
• Flowers and leaves have a peppery, watercress-like flavor. • Used in salads, sandwiches, garnishes, and infused oils. • Seed pods can be pickled as “poor man’s capers.”

Pollinator and ecological value:
• Attracts bees, hummingbirds, and beneficial insects. • Provides nectar during warm months. • Can serve as a companion plant to protect vegetables.