Sowing and Growing Nasturtium

Nasturtiums, also known as Indian cress, are an annual, herbaceous plant. There are climbing and bush varieties. The climbing plant makes long vines that can grow over the soil as well as against a climbing aid, the non-climbing ones remain smaller. Nasturtiums bloom with beautiful flowers, after which it produces seeds. It is a beautiful and easy to grow plant that is also used as a decoy plant. Nasturtiums attract aphids, whiteflies and the caterpillars of cabbage white butterfly. By sowing the plant between other crops, these are less affected.

Growing your own nasturtium from seeds

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum Majus) or Indian cress do not originate, as the name suggests, from the East Indies, but from South America. It is an easy-to-grow plant, belongs to the Tropaeolaceae family, and requires little care. Both the leaves, flowers and seeds are edible. Nasturtiums have a sharp, horseradish-like taste. The plant blooms with beautiful, edible flowers.

Sowing and planting nasturtium

The seeds of the nasturtium are relatively large and can be sown outdoors in April and May. Keep a distance of 30 x 40 cm. You can sow indoors in March, after which the plants can be planted in the garden in May. Nasturtium can also be grown in pots.

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Position and soil

Nasturtiums prefer a sunny or semi-shaded spot in the garden and make few demands on the soil. The plant grows in almost all soil types, provided it is permeable to water.

How to care for your nasturtium plants

Immediately after sowing, it is important to keep the soil slightly moist so that the seeds germinate properly. After that, nasturtiums need little care. The most important thing is regular watering, especially if the plant is grown in pots. Additional fertilization is not necessary.

When and how to harvest nasturtium

Harvesting can be done from June to December. This of course depends on when sowing took place and weather conditions. The leaves can be harvested as soon as the plant is large enough. Do leave enough leaves on the plant. Flowers can be picked throughout its growth. But if you grow the plant for seeds, leave the flowers on. Seeds can be harvested as soon as they are large enough. The seeds grow very fast, so check regularly. Want to grow seeds to sow again the following year? Then leave the seeds on the plant until they fall off.

How to preserve nasturtium?

The harvested leaves and flowers can be kept in the refrigerator for about a day. So they are best used immediately after picking. They can also be dried, for example in the air or in a dehydrator, and then, in a tightly sealed jar, can be kept for about a year. The seeds can also be dried if you don't use them directly. The seeds can also be pickled sweet and sour.

Is nasturtium healthy?

Nasturtiums contain a lot of vitamin C and the minerals potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron. In addition, the plant is said to have medicinal properties. For example, it is said to increase resistance, fight infections due to its antibiotic effect, support the immune system and promote digestion.

Nasturtium seeds in our collection

We have several varieties of nasturtium seeds in our range, including organic varieties and different colours.

Tips for sowing nasturtium seeds

• Sow nasturtiums between crops that are sensitive to aphids and/or caterpillars. The plant attracts the pests, protecting crops.
• Nasturtiums are a cheerful bloomer for the vegetable garden, but can also be sown in pots for the terrace or in a flower garden.

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