Nasturtiums are native to South and Central America, but when planted in the spring after the last frost, they require very little care. These plants don’t mind a little neglect and they make excellent companions for your vegetable plants. Nasturtiums provide ground cover when interplanted among vegetable plants and as a bonus, the leaves and flowers are edible. The plant has a peppery taste and makes an excellent addition to salads. Nasturtiums also can be used as a lure for cabbage butterflies to keep them away from your brassica family plants.
Planting/Harvesting Notes
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Plant nasturtiums in an area that receives 6-8 hours of full sun each day. If planted in an area with 3-6 hours of sunlight, the plant will grow but will not bloom as aggressively.
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Plants will flower more in nutrient poor soil with good drainage. Soil that is too rich in nutrients may cause the plant to focus on leaves instead of blooms.
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Water at least weekly.
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Nasturtiums will not overwinter in Ohio, so be sure to allow some blooms to flower to completion and save the seeds for next year.
Seed saving notes
Allow flowers to die back on the plant. Seed heads will form where the base of the flowers were. They are rather large and resemble a small nut. Wait until the seeds turn yellow/brown and then collect. Save in a labeled paper envelope.