How to Grow Nasturtium

Nasturtium

Tropaeolum majus

flower

Nasturtium is a vibrant annual or short-lived perennial flower known for its bright orange, yellow, and red blooms and distinctive round leaves. Both flowers and leaves are edible with a peppery taste, making it popular in ornamental gardens and culinary applications. The plant is easy to grow, attracts pollinators, and thrives in poor soil, making it an excellent choice for beginner gardeners.

Looking for a specific variety?

Empress of India Alaska Mixed Peach Melba Sunburst Series Jewel Series Trailing Mahogany

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade, 6+ hours of sunlight daily; blooms best in full sun

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Water: Moderate water; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Water at base of plant to avoid foliage diseases. Overwatering reduces flowering and encourages leaf growth over blooms.

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Spacing: 8-12 inches apart for dwarf varieties; 12-18 inches for trailing varieties inches

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Days to maturity: 30-50 days to first flowers

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Planting depth: 0.5-1 inch; plant seeds directly or start transplants indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost

Soil

Type: Well-draining, moderately fertile soil; tolerates poor soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer Add compost if soil is very depleted Ensure drainage to prevent root rot

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 2-11; grown as annual in cold climates, perennial in warm zones

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Small plants with emerging cotyledons and initial true leaves; may appear leggy indoors

Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light to prevent stretching. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once established.

Vegetative

3-4 weeks

Rapid growth with round, lily-pad-like foliage; stems elongate for climbing or trailing varieties

Reduce watering frequency; soil should approach dryness between waterings. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer to prevent excessive leaf growth. Support climbing varieties with trellises if desired.

Budding & Flowering

4-6 weeks into season

Flower buds form in leaf axils; blooms open into distinctive trumpet-shaped flowers with spurred sepals

Maintain moderate watering. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Do not fertilize heavily as this reduces flowering. Flowers attract bees and beneficial insects.

Peak Bloom

6-8 weeks (longer in cool climates)

Abundant flowers covering foliage; plant may reach full mature size for its variety

Continue deadheading for prolific flowering. Water during dry spells. Watch for spider mites and aphids in warm, dry conditions. Enjoy cutting flowers for arrangements.

Seed Development & Decline

End of season until frost

If not deadheaded, flowers fade and form round seed pods; plant growth slows in late season

Allow select flowers to set seed if you want self-seeding next year. Collect mature green or brown seed pods for drying. In frost-free zones, plant may persist or regrow from fallen seeds.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Cabbage Broccoli Kale Radish Cucumber Zucchini Beans Marigold Borage

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas in excess (though some benefit from nasturtium) Plants requiring dry conditions

Common Pests

Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Nasturtiums act as trap crops and attract aphids away from other plants.
Increase humidity and mist foliage; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Remove heavily infested leaves.
Use yellow sticky traps; spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Pick off by hand; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) if populations are high. Nasturtiums attract these pests away from crops.
Ensure good air circulation; spray with fungicide or baking soda solution (1 tbsp per gallon water with soap). Avoid overhead watering.

Uses

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Edible Flowers & Peppery Leaves

Culinary

Both flowers and leaves have a peppery, slightly spicy flavor similar to watercress and add vibrant color and taste to salads, soups, and garnishes. Unopened flower buds can be pickled as a caper substitute. [source]

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Seed Pods as Capers

Culinary

Young green seed pods can be pickled whole to create a caper-like condiment with a tangy, sharp flavor used in sauces and as a garnish. [source]

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Herbal Remedy & Immune Support

Medicinal

Nasturtium leaves are rich in vitamin C and used in traditional herbal medicine to support immune function and respiratory health. Contains sulforaphane-like compounds with potential antimicrobial properties. [source]

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Natural Pest Control & Trap Crop

Household

Nasturtiums are excellent companion plants that attract aphids, whiteflies, and cabbage moths away from vegetables, protecting crops naturally without pesticides. [source]

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Cut Flower & Floral Arrangements

Household

Vibrant nasturtium blooms last several days in fresh arrangements and add cheerful color to bouquets and indoor displays with their unique trumpet-shaped flowers. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Pinch off flowers and young leaves throughout the growing season for best flavor; harvest in morning after dew dries. For seed pods, pick green ones (tender, pickle-like) or wait for mature brown pods to dry and save for next season. Nasturtium flowers are ready to eat immediately after harvest and add vibrant color to salads.

Fun Facts

🌱 Nasturtium flowers have a unique two-chambered spur filled with nectar that only long-tongued insects like hummingbirds and large bees can access, making them excellent for attracting pollinators.
🌱 The plant is so attractive to aphids that gardeners often plant it as a sacrificial crop to protect more valuable vegetables—pests prefer nasturtiums over almost any other plant.
🌱 Nasturtium seeds were traditionally used as a substitute for capers in European cuisine, particularly during times when true capers were unavailable or expensive.

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