What are nasturtium seeds used for?
The nasturtium is an annual flowering plant whose edible leaves and orange, red and yellow petals have a flavour that is similar to watercress. The flower buds and seeds, picked when soft and pickled in vinegar, can be used as a substitute for capers. Nasturtium tea is a favourite for treating mild infections and is made by steeping a few leaves, flowers, and buds in boiling water for around 15 minutes, and then drinking.The nasturtium is an annual flowering plant whose edible leaves and orange, red and yellow petals have a flavour that is similar to watercress. The flower buds and seeds, picked when soft and pickled in vinegar, can be used as a substitute for capers.Nasturtium varieties are either climbing, bushy, or trailing. Climbing varieties will quickly spread out over a fence, a stump, or even a hill. They produce less but larger flowers than the bush types. Bush and trailing nasturtium varieties are great for adding quick, colorful bulk to a bed or as a ground cover.One way to enjoy this is as a pot herb or spinach. Fry a small onion and some garlic in a pan until soft, then throw in a good quantity of washed nasturtium leaves and a little extra water. Put the lid on and cook for a few minutes. You’ll smell the oil being driven off – once that is over the leaves are ready.
What is the best month to plant nasturtiums?
Sow nasturtiums from March to May, where they are to flower, or in 9cm pots in a greenhouse. Some gardeners like to soak nasturtium seeds before planting to speed germination. If you do, remember to soak them no longer than eight hours to avoid losing your seed to rot. Nasturtiums like sandy, well-draining soil without too many nutrients, but they do like ample water.The first leaves of nasturtium can be harvested about 4 to 6 weeks after sowing and then throughout the entire cultivation period. From the beginning of the flowering period in June until the first frosts in autumn, the plants produce masses of colourful flowers that can be harvested both unopened and opened.Nasturtiums may survive very light frosts, but they are easily damaged by freezing temperatures.In most parts of the United States, nasturtiums are planted as annuals, so they die after a freeze. However, they self-seed freely, so the plants might return when the soil warms in the spring. In warm Zones 9-11, nasturtiums are perennial and return from year to year.Plant nasturtiums in well-drained soil in full sun. They will grow in partial shade but will not bloom well under those conditions. Sow seed directly in the garden in late spring to early summer once all danger of frost has passed or start indoors in peat pots 4-6 weeks before the average date of last frost.
Do nasturtium seeds need soaking before planting?
Soaking nasturtium seeds isn’t absolutely necessary since they germinate easily, but soaking can help to soften the seed coat and potentially speed up germination. If you choose to soak them, keep them for no more than 12-24 hours in lukewarm water. After soaking, plant the seeds immediately in moist soil. Saving Nasturtium Seeds They are initially green, but then after the frost hits the flowers and vines, the seeds will turn light tan and fall off the vine to the ground. At this point they can be collected and air dried in a cool, dry spot, then stored until the following spring in an envelope or small paper bag.Nasturtiums are easy to grow. Plant seeds from spring through fall throughout Florida and year-round in South Florida. You will eventually have to stake or trellis the tall types. There are few pests that bother these plants.
Where is the best place to plant nasturtium seeds?
Nasturtiums perform best in full sun, in average, slightly acidic, well-drained soils. Light shade is tolerated in hot summer areas. Nasturtiums do better in soil of moderate to low fertility. Nasturtiums do equally well in containers and in garden beds. If you let one or two flowers wither, you may discover seed pods a short time later, which can also be harvested when unripe. If you want to collect nasturtium seeds for sowing, then they must first ripen completely on the plant. Tip: even if you do not have a garden, you can grow nasturtiums in pots on your balcony.Nasturtiums are easier to grow outside in a garden, but when you can provide the right indoor conditions, it is certainly possible for you to grow these useful edible and attractive flowering plants as houseplants inside your home.
What is the lifespan of a nasturtium?
Remember that nasturtium is an annual, which means it completes its life cycle in one year. Therefore, if you planted your flowers in the spring, they will likely produce seeds in late summer or early fall, and die off with the first frost. Deadheading will promote more blooms. If the flowers are not deadheaded, the plants may self-sow. Nasturtium may need to be trimmed back occasionally over the growing season. This stimulates new growth and flower production.
What happens to nasturtiums in winter?
Nasturtiums have a long flowering period through summer until the first severe frosts of autumn. Nasturtiums are either annuals or perennials and can be low-growing bushy plants, trailing or even climbing. The perennial varieties are mostly winter/cold hardy, whereas the annuals have to be grown each year from seed. And the nasturtium has more in store. Amazingly, it is a natural antibiotic that fights bacteria, viruses and fungi. For this purpose, its main weapons are glucosinolates, sulphur-containing compounds that are responsible for the plant’s pungent taste.If your mature nasturtiums are leggy, they could stand to be pruned a little. For the bush species, pinch off spent flowers and older stems back to where they meet other stems. This will keep the plant bushy and shapely. Vining nasturtiums are particularly vulnerable to getting leggy and messy looking.Nasturtiums are easy to grow. Plant seeds from spring through fall throughout Florida and year-round in South Florida. You will eventually have to stake or trellis the tall types. There are few pests that bother these plants.Health Benefits of Nasturtium The leaves and flowers of this lovely plant are power-packed with vitamin C and the stems and leaves have vitamins, and antioxidants; one of which is Lutein.A good companion plant for Nasturtiums is Marigold. Marigolds are known for their ability to repel certain pests, such as aphids and nematodes, which can be harmful to nasturtiums.