Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is a flowering plant that originated in the Andes region of South America, particularly in Peru and Bolivia. It was brought to Europe in the late 16th century by Spanish conquistadors and quickly gained popularity across the continent. The name “nasturtium” is derived from the Latin words for “nose twist,” a nod to the plant’s peppery, pungent scent and flavor. Despite being a tropical native, nasturtiums have proven remarkably adaptable and are now cultivated across the globe in gardens ranging from the tropics to temperate zones.
One of nasturtium’s most celebrated qualities is its extraordinary versatility in the garden. It comes in two main growth habits — bushy, compact varieties that reach about a foot in height, and trailing or climbing varieties that can spread several feet and scramble up trellises and fences. The plant produces round, lily-pad-like leaves on long stalks, and its vivid flowers bloom in warm shades of red, orange, yellow, and cream. Nasturtiums are also famously easy to grow — they thrive in poor, well-drained soils, require very little fertilizer, and are highly drought-tolerant, making them a favorite of beginner and experienced gardeners alike.
Beyond their ornamental appeal, nasturtiums hold a cherished place in the culinary world. Both the leaves and the flowers are completely edible, offering a distinctive peppery bite reminiscent of watercress. The flowers are commonly used to brighten salads, garnish soups and pastas, or decorate desserts and charcuterie boards. The unripe seed pods can be pickled and used as a budget-friendly substitute for capers — a practice with a long history in European cooking. The leaves can be used in sandwiches, pestos, or as wraps, making nasturtium one of the most culinarily useful flowering plants in the garden.
Nasturtiums also serve a valuable ecological role, particularly as companion plants. They are well known for their ability to attract aphids, effectively luring these pests away from vegetables like tomatoes, beans, and cucumbers — a technique known as trap cropping. At the same time, their flowers are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting biodiversity in the garden. Some gardeners also believe that nasturtiums repel certain pests like whiteflies and squash bugs, though the scientific evidence for this is mixed.
Medicinally and nutritionally, nasturtiums have a surprisingly rich profile. The plant contains high levels of vitamin C, and its leaves and flowers are also rich in lutein, an antioxidant beneficial to eye health. Historically, nasturtium was used in herbal medicine as a natural antibiotic and antiseptic, owing to compounds called glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, which have demonstrated antimicrobial properties in scientific studies. Some traditional healers also used the plant to support respiratory health and wound healing, though modern medicine has yet to fully validate all of these historical applications.
Despite its many positive qualities, nasturtium can be considered invasive in some mild-climate regions where it self-seeds prolifically and spreads aggressively — particularly in parts of Australia and the coastal western United States. Gardeners should be mindful of this tendency and deadhead spent blooms if they wish to control the plant’s spread. In most garden settings, however, nasturtium’s tendency to self-seed is seen as a virtue, providing a reliable, low-effort return of color and flavor year after year. Whether grown for beauty, food, or ecological benefit, nasturtium remains one of the most rewarding and multifaceted plants a gardener can choose.
How to Grow Nasturtium from Seed
1. Choose Healthy Nasturtium Seeds
Begin by selecting fresh, healthy nasturtium seeds from a trusted supplier or collected from mature plants. Nasturtium seeds are large and easy to handle, making them ideal for beginner gardeners. Choose varieties based on the flower colors and growth habits you prefer.
2. Plant During Warm Weather
Nasturtiums grow best when planted after the last frost date. These plants enjoy mild to warm temperatures and do not tolerate freezing conditions well. Sowing seeds at the proper time helps ensure strong and healthy growth.
3. Select a Sunny Growing Location
Choose a location that receives full sunlight for most of the day. Nasturtiums flower best in bright conditions, although they can tolerate light partial shade. Too much shade may reduce flowering and encourage excessive leafy growth.
4. Prepare Well-Draining Soil
Nasturtiums prefer loose, well-draining soil with moderate fertility. Extremely rich soil often causes the plants to produce more leaves than flowers. Loosen the soil before planting and remove weeds or debris from the area.
5. Soak Seeds Before Sowing
Because nasturtium seeds have a hard outer coating, soaking them in warm water overnight can help speed up germination. This softens the seed coat and allows moisture to enter more easily.
6. Sow Seeds at the Correct Depth
Plant the seeds about half an inch deep directly into the garden or containers. Space them according to the mature size of the variety. Proper spacing improves airflow and allows the plants to spread naturally.
7. Water Gently After Planting
After sowing the seeds, water the soil lightly to keep it evenly moist. Avoid heavy watering that may disturb the seeds or create waterlogged conditions. Consistent moisture supports successful germination.
8. Expect Quick Germination
Nasturtium seeds usually sprout within 7 to 14 days in warm conditions. Once seedlings appear, continue providing sunlight and moderate watering to encourage steady growth.
9. Thin Seedlings if Necessary
If too many seedlings emerge close together, thin them to reduce overcrowding. Proper spacing helps prevent disease, improves air circulation, and gives each plant enough room to develop fully.
10. Water Moderately as Plants Mature
Nasturtiums do not require excessive watering once established. Water deeply when the soil becomes dry, but avoid constant wetness. Slightly drier conditions often encourage more flowers.
11. Avoid Over-Fertilizing
Too much fertilizer can result in lush foliage with fewer blooms. Nasturtiums generally perform well without heavy feeding. In average garden soil, they usually thrive with minimal added nutrients.
12. Provide Support for Climbing Varieties
Trailing or climbing nasturtium varieties may benefit from a trellis, fence, or other support structure. Guiding the vines upward helps improve airflow and creates an attractive vertical display.
13. Watch for Pests and Diseases
Nasturtiums are relatively hardy but may occasionally attract aphids or caterpillars. Regularly inspect the plants and remove pests if necessary. Healthy growing conditions usually keep problems to a minimum.
14. Harvest Flowers and Seeds
The colorful flowers and leaves of nasturtiums are edible and often used in salads or as garnishes. At the end of the season, collect mature seeds once they dry on the plant for future planting.
15. Enjoy Continuous Blooms
With proper care, nasturtiums produce bright flowers throughout much of the growing season. Their cheerful blooms attract pollinators and add vibrant color to garden beds, hanging baskets, and containers.