Nasturtium Growing

Nasturtiums are beautiful and vibrant flowers that can be found in rich jewel-toned colors. They are very easy to glow and germinate very quickly and are one of the rare flowers today that will grow with little or no care after planting. They range in varieties from trailing plants that are perfect for pots and walls to climbing plants for trellises and bushy plants, perfect for borders. The seeds, leaves and flowers are all edible and provide a spicy tang to a variety of dishes. Nasturtium growing has become very popular as more and more people are beginning to appreciate the peppery taste that the flower and leaves provide. The seeds have been used as a replacement for capers on many occasions as well.

Growing Nasturtium

Nasturtiums are annuals by nature although some varieties are perennial and will reseed themselves. The bushy plants can grow up to eighteen inches high while the climbers typically grow to about ten inches. Trailing plants normally get between three and four inches high. They prefer full sunlight and normally bloom from early summer until late in fall in cooler climates. Those in warmer climates can enjoy nasturtium growing from fall through the end of spring.

Different Types of Nasturtium

If you are planning on nasturtium growing then you will need to choose a specific type to grow. They come in many varieties and each variety offers its own benefits. The Alaska Series is a bushy plant that has heavy foliage and flowers that grow just above the foliage. The Jewel Series is also a dwarf, bushy plant that often provides double blooms. This specific variety offers an abundance of blooms and is perfect for those looking to get more flowers than leaves. The Peach Melba Series is another bushy, dwarf variety that offers beautiful yellow flowers with orange centers. This is an excellent choice for those wanting to grow nasturtium in containers. The Canary Creeper is a perennial vine that offers lovely yellow flowers resembling the wings of a bird and makes a beautiful accent for any garden trellis or short wall.

Maintaining Nasturtium

Nasturtium growing again is very easy. The plants require very little work but there are a few things that you should keep in mind to ensure that they grow properly and that you are awarded with an abundance of blooms. Be sure to water them weekly. They are very resilient and can survive most drought conditions but a weekly watering is essential to keep them looking their best. Don't feed them. They do much better in lean soil and do not require any food or fertilizer while growing. In fact, fertilizing them can actually cause them to grow poorly and to have fewer flowers than foliage. They are prone to aphids and can be prone to slugs, caterpillars and flea beetles. This is something that you will need to watch out for. It is important however that you not use pesticides when nasturtium growing, particularly if you are planning to use the foliage and flowers as spices for food.