Nasturtiums
The Ultimate Easy-to-Grow Annual
Nasturtiums are vibrant, fast-growing annuals that are perfect for beginners and a joyful project to grow with children. Not only do they reward you with an abundance of beautiful blooms, but the entire plant is edible, both the leaves and flowers add a delicious, peppery kick to summer salads! Their sweet fragrance also makes them a lovely, unexpected choice for small cut-flower arrangements.
Nasturtiums as a filler annual
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Choosing the Right Variety for Your Space
For Containers & Baskets: Choose compact, dwarf varieties that won't take over your patio. Excellent choices include 'Alaska Variegated', 'Empress of India', 'Cherry Rose Jewel', or the 'Fiesta Blend'.
For Vertical Gardens & Living Mulch: If you want a trailing ground cover, a natural weed barrier, or a climbing vine, look for trailing varieties with long runners like 'White Moonlight', 'Red Canary Creeper', 'Yellow Canarybird', or a robust Trailing Mix.
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PLANTING & PLACEMENT
Sowing Seeds: You can start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost, or sow them directly into the garden in early spring. Plant seeds 1/2” deep and space them 10 to 12 inches apart. You will see sprouts emerge in just 7 to 10 days!
Sunlight: Select a spot in full sun. They can tolerate partial shade, but they won't bloom nearly as vibrantly.
Soil Secret: Nasturtiums actually prefer poor, lean soil and do not need fertilizer. Rich, fertile soil will trigger a massive flush of green leaves but very few flowers. Plant them in those tricky garden spots where other annuals struggle!
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SUMMER CARE
Water regularly throughout the season, but let the soil dry out slightly between waterings to avoid over-saturating them.
Deadhead faded flowers consistently to prolong the blooming season into autumn.
If you’re growing nasturtiums in containers, they may need to be trimmed back occasionally over the growing season to encourage fresh, bushy growth.