Nasturtiums are vibrant, fast-growing plants that add splashes of color to your garden while being easy to care for. However, to truly make the most of these lovely flowers, proper care and attention are essential. By following the right tips, you can ensure your nasturtiums not only bloom beautifully but also remain healthy and strong throughout the season.
1. Choose the Right Location
Nasturtiums thrive best in full sunlight, so selecting a bright spot is essential for their growth. While they can tolerate partial shade, too much shade will lead to fewer flowers and lanky, weak stems.
Additionally, ensure the location provides good air circulation. This helps prevent fungal issues that can affect nasturtium leaves, particularly in humid climates. Avoid crowded areas where airflow is restricted.
2. Select Well-Draining Soil
Though nasturtiums are not overly fussy, they do prefer poor to average, well-draining soil. Excessively rich soil can cause abundant foliage at the expense of flowers, making your nasturtiums look overly bushy.
Amend your soil with sand or organic material to improve drainage if needed. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain water, as this can lead to root rot, which is detrimental to the plant’s health.
3. Water Moderately
Nasturtiums require moderate watering, as too much water can lead to yellowing leaves and root problems. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Be cautious during rainy periods. Overwatering due to frequent rain can stress nasturtiums, leading to fungal diseases or poor flower production. Adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
4. Avoid Fertilizers
Nasturtiums perform best with minimal nutrients. Fertilizing, especially with nitrogen-rich formulas, will promote lush foliage but at the expense of vibrant blooms. Skip fertilization unless your soil is extremely depleted.
If you must feed, use a low-nitrogen, phosphorus-rich fertilizer to encourage more flowering. Remember, less is more when it comes to nasturtium feeding.
5. Control Pests Naturally
Nasturtiums attract aphids and caterpillars, but they are also effective companion plants for repelling harmful insects. To control pests, you can introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or use neem oil sprays.
Check your plants regularly for infestations. If you notice damage, act quickly to manage pests, as nasturtiums can be prone to rapid infestations, especially in warm, dry conditions.
6. Prune Regularly
Regular pruning of nasturtiums helps keep the plants looking tidy and promotes more blooms. Deadheading faded flowers encourages new growth and prevents the plant from going to seed too early.
Also, trim back any yellow or dying leaves to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease. Pruning is especially important for trailing varieties, which can become leggy if left unpruned.
7. Support Trailing Varieties
If you’re growing trailing nasturtium varieties, providing support is essential. Use trellises, fences, or garden netting to guide their growth upward, ensuring the vines don’t smother other plants.
Staking or training them early on will keep your nasturtiums manageable and prevent them from sprawling uncontrollably across the garden, which can cause overcrowding.
8. Grow in Containers for Control
For gardeners with limited space, nasturtiums grow wonderfully in containers. Choose a well-draining pot and use a light potting mix to prevent waterlogging. Container growing gives you more control over their spread and makes it easier to manage watering.
However, ensure the pots are large enough to allow for root development. In smaller containers, nasturtiums may become root-bound quickly, leading to stunted growth.
9. Protect from Frost
Nasturtiums are sensitive to frost, so it’s crucial to plant them after the last frost date in your area. If frost is forecast, cover your plants with a lightweight fabric or move containers to a sheltered spot to protect them.
Even light frost can kill nasturtium foliage, so it’s better to err on the side of caution and wait until warmer weather before planting outside.
10. Harvest Edible Flowers and Leaves
One of the unique features of nasturtiums is their edible flowers and leaves, which offer a peppery flavor. Harvest the flowers early in the morning when they are fresh and full of flavor, and use them in salads or as garnishes.
For best results, pick flowers and leaves frequently, as this encourages more blooms. If left too long, the plants will shift energy into seed production, reducing flowering overall.