Nasturtium In Pots: Your Complete Guide to Growing These Edible Beauties
Thinking about adding a splash of vibrant color and a peppery kick to your garden? Look no further than nasturtiums! These delightful plants are not only beautiful but also incredibly versatile, and growing nasturtium in pots is a fantastic way to enjoy them, even if you have limited space. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, nasturtiums offer a rewarding experience with minimal fuss.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about successfully cultivating nasturtium in pots. Get ready to transform your balcony, patio, or windowsill into a charming, edible oasis!
Why Grow Nasturtiums in Pots?
Growing nasturtium in pots offers a myriad of benefits that make them an ideal choice for many gardeners. They're incredibly adaptable, thriving in conditions that might challenge other plants. Plus, their cheerful blooms and distinctive leaves bring a unique charm to any setting.
Pots provide flexibility, allowing you to move your plants to catch the best sun or protect them from harsh weather. This makes them perfect for urban dwellers or anyone with small outdoor spaces. Let's dive into some specific advantages.
Edible Beauty at Your Fingertips
One of the most exciting aspects of nasturtiums is that they are entirely edible! Both the vibrant flowers and the lily-pad-like leaves have a delightful peppery flavor, similar to watercress or radishes. You can snip them fresh from your pot and add them to salads, sandwiches, or use them as a beautiful garnish.
Even the unripe seed pods can be pickled to create a caper-like delicacy. Having such a versatile edible plant right on your patio or windowsill is incredibly convenient and adds a gourmet touch to your home cooking.
Pest Control and Companion Planting
Nasturtiums are well-known as excellent companion plants. They can act as "trap crops," drawing common garden pests like aphids away from your more prized vegetables. Instead of attacking your tomatoes or beans, aphids will often flock to the nasturtiums, leaving your other plants alone.
While this is more commonly done in garden beds, having a pot of nasturtiums near your other potted edibles can offer some protection. Plus, their strong scent is believed to deter other pests like squash bugs and cucumber beetles.
Getting Started: Choosing Your Pot and Soil
Before you sow your nasturtium seeds, it's crucial to set them up for success with the right container and growing medium. These foundational choices will significantly impact how well your nasturtiums thrive in pots. Don't worry, it's simpler than it sounds!
Picking the Perfect Pot
When selecting a pot for your nasturtium, there are a few key factors to consider. The size, material, and drainage will all play a role in your plant's health. Remember, nasturtiums come in both vining and bush varieties, so choose accordingly.
- Size: For bush varieties, a pot at least 6-8 inches in diameter will suffice. Vining nasturtiums will appreciate a larger pot, around 10-12 inches, to allow their roots to spread and foliage to trail. Deeper pots are always better for good root development.
- Drainage: This is non-negotiable! Ensure your chosen pot has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. If it doesn't, you'll need to drill some yourself.
- Material: Terra cotta pots look beautiful and allow soil to breathe, but they dry out quickly. Plastic pots retain moisture longer and are lighter. Fabric grow bags offer excellent aeration and drainage. Choose what best suits your watering habits and aesthetic preferences.
Crafting the Ideal Soil Mix
Nasturtiums are not particularly fussy, but they do prefer well-draining soil that isn't overly rich in nutrients. In fact, too much nitrogen can lead to lush foliage but fewer flowers. The goal is a balanced mix that drains well but still holds some moisture.
- Good Quality Potting Mix: Start with a high-quality, general-purpose potting mix. Avoid heavy garden soil, which can compact and retain too much water in a pot.
- Improve Drainage: To ensure excellent drainage, you can amend your potting mix with about 10-20% perlite or coarse sand. This prevents the soil from becoming waterlogged.
- Light Nutrients: A small amount of compost can be added for a gentle nutrient boost. Remember, nasturtiums thrive on neglect rather than excessive pampering when it comes to fertility.
Sowing Seeds and Early Care
Nasturtiums are incredibly easy to grow from seed, and you'll be amazed at how quickly they sprout. You can sow them directly into their final pots after the last frost date in your area. If you live in a region with a long growing season, you might even get multiple sowings!
The Sowing Process
Getting your nasturtium seeds started is straightforward. They are relatively large seeds, making them easy to handle, even for beginners. Here's a simple step-by-step guide:
- Soak Seeds (Optional but Recommended): To speed up germination, soak nasturtium seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting. This helps soften their hard outer shell.
- Planting Depth: Plant seeds about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) deep in your prepared potting mix.
- Spacing: For a full pot, space seeds a few inches apart. You can always thin them out later if they become too crowded. For a 6-8 inch pot, 3-4 seeds are usually sufficient.
- Initial Watering: Water gently but thoroughly after planting, ensuring the soil is evenly moist.
- Provide Warmth: Nasturtiums love warmth. Place your pots in a location where they receive plenty of sunlight and consistent temperatures (ideally above 60°F or 15°C).
Initial Watering and Light Requirements
After sowing, keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which usually takes 7-14 days. Once seedlings emerge, reduce watering slightly but never let the soil completely dry out. Nasturtiums are sun-lovers, so ensure your potted plants receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Full sun encourages the most abundant blooms.
Caring for Your Potted Nasturtiums
Once your nasturtiums are established, they are remarkably low-maintenance. However, a little consistent care will ensure they flourish and provide you with a continuous supply of beautiful, edible flowers and leaves. Here's how to keep them happy in their pots.
Watering Wisely
Potted plants generally dry out faster than those in the ground, so consistent watering is key. Check the soil moisture daily by sticking your finger about an inch deep. If it feels dry, it's time to water.
Water thoroughly until you see water draining from the bottom of the pot. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot, and also avoid letting the soil become bone dry for extended periods, as this can stress the plant and reduce flowering.
Feeding Your Plants
Nasturtiums actually prefer less fertile soil and don't require heavy feeding. Too much fertilizer, especially one high in nitrogen, will result in lots of leaves but fewer flowers. If your potting mix already contains slow-release fertilizer, you might not need to feed them at all.
If your plants seem to be struggling or you notice a lack of blooms, a light feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer (diluted to half strength) once a month can be beneficial. Focus on fertilizers with a slightly higher phosphorus content to encourage flowering.
Pruning and Deadheading for Bushier Growth
To encourage your nasturtium in pots to produce more flowers and maintain a tidy, bushy appearance, regular deadheading is recommended. Simply pinch off spent flowers at the base of their stem. This signals the plant to produce more blooms instead of putting energy into seed production.
You can also lightly prune back any leggy or unruly stems to promote bushier growth and a more compact shape. Don't be afraid to snip; the more you harvest or prune, the more the plant will produce!
Common Issues and Solutions
While nasturtiums are generally hardy, like any plant, they can occasionally encounter issues. Knowing how to identify and address these problems will help keep your potted nasturtiums healthy and vibrant. Most issues are minor and easily resolved.
Pests: Aphids and Caterpillars
Aphids are the most common pest you might encounter on nasturtiums. They tend to cluster on new growth and undersides of leaves. Caterpillars can also chew holes in leaves and flowers.
For aphids, a strong spray of water from a hose can dislodge them. For heavier infestations, an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray works well. For caterpillars, simply pick them off by hand. Remember, a few holes in the leaves are a small price to pay for the beauty and edibility of nasturtiums!
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves can be a sign of a few different issues. The most common cause is overwatering, which leads to root suffocation. Ensure your pot has good drainage and allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Other causes could include insufficient light, a nitrogen deficiency (though rare in nasturtiums), or simply the natural aging of lower leaves. Adjust your watering schedule and ensure your plant is getting adequate sunlight to resolve this.
Harvesting and Enjoying Your Nasturtiums
This is arguably the most rewarding part of growing nasturtium in pots! With their beautiful flowers and distinctive leaves, nasturtiums offer both visual appeal and culinary delight. Don't be shy about harvesting; it actually encourages the plant to produce even more.
When and How to Harvest
You can start harvesting nasturtium leaves and flowers as soon as the plant is well-established and producing a good amount of foliage. Pick leaves that are firm and vibrant green, and flowers that are fully open and brightly colored. Use clean scissors or simply pinch them off at the stem.
For seed pods, wait until they are firm and green but not yet dried. These are perfect for making "nasturtium capers." The more you harvest, the more your plant will be stimulated to produce, giving you a continuous supply throughout the season.
Culinary Delights with Nasturtiums
The culinary uses for nasturtiums are surprisingly diverse. Their peppery flavor adds a zesty kick to many dishes. Get creative and experiment in your kitchen!
- Fresh Salads: Toss fresh leaves and flowers into your favorite green salads for a vibrant color and spicy flavor.
- Sandwich Additions: Use the leaves in sandwiches or wraps instead of lettuce for an extra zing.
- Edible Garnishes: The colorful flowers make stunning and delicious garnishes for almost any dish, from soups to desserts.
- Making "Nasturtium Capers": Pickle the firm, green seed pods in vinegar and salt to create a unique and flavorful alternative to traditional capers.
Conclusion: Your Thriving Nasturtium Oasis
Growing nasturtium in pots is a wonderfully rewarding experience, perfect for adding beauty, flavor, and a touch of natural pest control to any space. From choosing the right pot and soil to providing consistent care and harvesting your bounty, nasturtiums prove to be resilient and generous plants.
Embrace their cheerful colors and zesty flavor, and you'll find these edible beauties quickly become a favorite in your potted garden. Happy growing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Are nasturtiums easy to grow in pots?
- Yes, absolutely! Nasturtiums are known for being very easy to grow, making them perfect for beginners and container gardening. They are quite forgiving of neglect.
- How big do nasturtiums get in pots?
- The size depends on the variety and pot size. Bush varieties will stay compact, usually around 1 foot tall and wide. Vining varieties can trail several feet, so ensure they have room to spread or provide a small trellis for support if desired.
- Can I grow nasturtiums indoors?
- While possible, it can be challenging. Nasturtiums need a lot of direct sunlight (at least 6 hours) to thrive and bloom. If you have a very bright, south-facing window, it might work, but they generally prefer outdoor conditions.
- Do nasturtiums need full sun?
- Yes, nasturtiums prefer full sun for best flowering. They can tolerate some partial shade, especially in very hot climates, but too much shade will result in fewer blooms and leggy growth.
- Are all parts of nasturtiums edible?
- Yes, the flowers, leaves, and unripe seed pods of nasturtiums are all edible and have a peppery, slightly spicy flavor. The roots are not typically consumed.
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