Nasturtium: Flowers and the Tapestry Flower Fairy

Photo: Nasturtium Tip Top Mahogany

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum spp) is an annual (perennial in mild climates) with many virtues. They are fast and easy to grow. They are not too particular about their growing conditions and do great with a little neglect. There are varieties for almost every gardening purpose: bushy plants for borders and edges, trailing plants for walls and containers, and climbers to add dramatic height in a garden. The leaves and flowers are edible, with a peppery tang, and even the seed pods are used as a substitute for capers.

Nasturtiums plants grow very full, with brightly colored blossoms poking out of masses of rounded leaves that are like a small water lily. The flowers are an open funnel shape with a little claw or spur on the underside. They are most commonly in rich shades of yellow, orange, pink, red and mahogany. Some have variegated leaves.

Planting: Nasturtiums are fast growing. The large seeds are easy to handle, making sowing a nice project to do with kids. They can be directly sown into your garden after the last frost date for your area, or started indoors in plastic or peat pots. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 10 to 12 inches apart. Soak the seeds overnight to enhance germination. Depending upon soil temperature when planted, they will usually come up in a week to ten days, sometimes less.

Nasturtium plants grow very well in poor soils, and like dry soils. So you can plant these versatile flowers in areas where other flowers and vegetables would fare poorly.