The beautiful flowers of Nasturtiums add a splash of color to any room. If given enough space to spread and grow, they can thrive in the garden or in pots. You can use these flowers to attract attention or to fill in infertile soil.
You can use potted plants to help repel insects around areas where you entertain. Poor soil quality can make Nasturtiums an excellent ground cover in places where grass grows poorly.
I love to grow these bright and colorful flowers in hanging baskets where they overflow and give the area a big pop of color. These make a great addition to our front porch where they help make the home look more cheer and welcome.
What are the benefits of growing nasturtium?
There are many benefits to growing nasturtium, which is a beautiful and easy-to-grow flowering plant that is native to South America. Here are some of the key benefits of growing nasturtium:
Edible flowers and leaves: Nasturtium flowers and leaves are edible and have a peppery, slightly bitter flavor. They can be used in salads, soups, and other culinary dishes to add a unique and flavorful twist.
Pest control: Nasturtium is known to repel certain garden pests, such as aphids and whiteflies, which can help to protect other plants in your garden from damage.
Companion planting: Nasturtium is a great companion plant for many vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash. It can help to improve soil quality and attract beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies.
Attractive and low maintenance: Nasturtium is a beautiful flowering plant that comes in a variety of colors, including orange, yellow, and red. It is also very easy to grow and requires little maintenance.
Medicinal properties: Nasturtium has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, such as respiratory infections and urinary tract infections. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it a valuable medicinal plant.
How to grow nasturtium from seed
Ideally, Nasturtium should be grown from seeds. To grow larger plants and get earlier blooms, you can start the seeds indoors four to six weeks before the last frost or direct sow in the garden after the last frost has passed.
Despite poor soil conditions, Nasturtiums grow well and do not require regular fertilizers or amendments. Fertilizers can even stunt the growth and flowering of your nasturtiums.
As nasturtiums grow, it is recommended that you plant a pair of seeds at least one inch deep and space them at least 10 inches apart so that they have space to spread. Keeping your seeds well-watered will allow them to germinate within 10 to 12 days. Your plants will each have one set of true leaves after they have grown.
The nasturtium can thrive in full sun even in colder climates. Choosing an area where your plants can experience afternoon shade in a hot climate can protect them from the worst effects of summer heat. Make sure you mulch your plants well to help trap moisture.
How to grow nasturtium indoors
It is important to give nasturtiums neglected soil when growing in pots rather than nutrient-rich potting soil. You should use dirt, sand, and perhaps some peat moss instead of the best potting soil available.
It’s fine to use the dirt from your yard, so simply use the cheapest soil you have. It is one of those plants that are perfect for those who are forgetful gardeners.
For the best results, use a large pot at least 10 inches to ensure that your plant has plenty of room to spread. Plant two seeds in your pot and keep well watered.
Your nasturtium needs plenty of sun to thrive. Place in a south-facing window or use a grow light to ensure your plant gets enough sun to flourish.
How to help your nasturtium thrive in a hanging basket
Nasturtiums are commonly grown in hanging baskets. Hanging baskets can be filled with these beautiful flowering plants, which will make your home or office really stand out. Nasturtiums thrive best in hanging pots without fertilizers and other amendments, which can cause your plants not to flower.
Make sure the soil in your hanging pots is kept moist by providing enough water. Potted plants are often not watered as much as they should be. Mulching your hanging pots will help prevent the water from evaporating out of the soil, thereby helping your hanging plants thrive.
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