Step-by-Step Planting Guide
1️⃣ Direct Sow Seeds: Plant seeds ½ inch deep, spaced 8-12 inches apart.
2️⃣ Soak Seeds Before Planting: Nasturtium seeds have a hard shell. Soak them in warm water overnight for better germination.
3️⃣ Thin Seedlings: Once they sprout, thin them to allow proper airflow.
4️⃣ Provide Support (for trailing types): Trellises, fences, or hanging baskets work well.
4. The Functional Benefits of Nasturtiums 🌿🐝
🐞 Natural Pest Control
- Repels Aphids, Squash Bugs, and Whiteflies – A natural insect repellent, nasturtiums keep these pests away from crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash.
- Attracts Beneficial Insects – Ladybugs, hoverflies, and lacewings feed on harmful pests.
- Trap Crop for Cabbage Worms – Plant near cabbages, kale, and broccoli to lure caterpillars away.
🌼 Companion Planting with Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums make excellent companion plants for:
✅ Tomatoes – Protects against aphids and whiteflies.
✅ Cucumbers & Squash – Repels cucumber beetles.
✅ Beans & Peas – Deters leafhoppers.
✅ Cabbages & Broccoli – Acts as a sacrificial plant for cabbage worms.
5. Culinary Uses: Eat Your Nasturtiums! 🍴
Nasturtiums are not just pretty; they’re edible and packed with flavor!
What Can You Eat?
🥗 Leaves – Peppery like arugula; great in salads.
🌸 Flowers – Mildly spicy; perfect for garnishing dishes.
🌿 Seeds – Used as a substitute for capers when pickled.
Recipe Ideas
🍽️ Nasturtium Salad: Mix nasturtium leaves, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and balsamic dressing.
🍽️ Stuffed Nasturtium Flowers: Fill flowers with cream cheese and herbs.
🍽️ Nasturtium Pesto: Blend nasturtium leaves with garlic, olive oil, and nuts for a spicy pesto.
6. Medicinal Benefits of Nasturtiums 🌿💊
Nasturtiums have been used in herbal medicine for centuries.
✔ Antibacterial & Antifungal – Used for treating wounds and skin infections.
✔ Rich in Vitamin C – Helps boost the immune system.
✔ Respiratory Health – Used in teas for colds, coughs, and congestion.
✔ Supports Digestion – Aids in gut health and digestion.
👉 How to Use:
- Nasturtium Tea: Steep fresh flowers and leaves in hot water.
- Herbal Infusion: Use nasturtiums in homemade herbal remedies.
7. Common Problems & How to Fix Them 🛠️
🐛 Problem: Aphids still attacking plants.
✔ Solution: Spray with diluted neem oil or use a strong stream of water to knock them off.
🌱 Problem: Too many leaves, not enough flowers.
✔ Solution: Reduce fertilizer; nasturtiums bloom better in poor soil.
🚰 Problem: Yellow leaves.
✔ Solution: Too much water; let the soil dry out between waterings.
8. Harvesting & Saving Nasturtium Seeds 🌾
✔ Flowers & Leaves: Harvest anytime for fresh use.
✔ Seeds: Let seed pods dry on the plant, then collect and store in a dry place.
✔ Replanting: Nasturtium seeds self-sow, meaning they often regrow the next season on their own!
Final Thoughts: Why Every Garden Needs Nasturtiums 🌿🌼
✅ Easy to grow – Perfect for beginners.
✅ Pest control & companion planting – A natural way to protect crops.
✅ Edible & medicinal – Adds flavor to dishes and supports health.
✅ Beautiful & attracts pollinators – A garden full of life and color.
🌱 Plant nasturtiums in your garden today and enjoy their many benefits! 🌸
