The name of nasturtium comes from the Latin word ‘trophae’ - a trophy, according to the helmet-shaped form of some parts of the flower and thyroid leaves.

Or a Capuchin Tropaeolum) is a genus of herbaceous plants of the Nasturtium family ( Tropaeolaceae), which includes about 90 species native to Central and South America.

Nasturtiums are annual and perennial herbaceous or semi-shrub plants. Stems are fleshy, juicy, highly branched, erect, creeping or curly, up to 200 cm long. The leaves are arranged in the next order, rounded, shield-shaped, with an entire margin, on long petioles and with a waxy coating.

Kristine Paulus

Nasturtium flowers with a delicate, pleasant aroma, irregular, on long peduncles, solitary, located in the axils of the leaves. Calyx with a spur at the base, brightly colored. Corolla free-petaled, with five yellow, orange or red petals. The fruit of nasturtium is collapsible, breaking up into three identical, round-reniform, wrinkled fruitlets. In 1 g 10-40 rounded kidney-shaped seeds, the germination of which lasts 4-5 years. When sowing, shoots appear on the 12-14th day.

In ornamental gardening, the following species are most often grown: Nasturtium big (Tropaeolum majus), Nasturtium foreign (Tropaeolum peregrinum) And Nasturtium is beautiful (Tropaeolum speciosum).

In pre-Columbian America, perennial nasturtiums that form tubers underground were widely used as food. This tuberous nasturtium (Tropaeolum tuberosum), which was cultivated by the ancient Indians in the mountainous regions of Peru, Chile, Bolivia, and fine-leaved nasturtium (Tropaeolum leptophyllum) - it was grown in Ecuador and Peru.

Growing nasturtium

There are five secrets to growing nasturtium that beginner growers should definitely consider.

1. Nasturtium is very thermophilic, so there is no need to rush to sow nasturtium seeds in the garden. Frozen nasturtium seedlings will inevitably die. For landscaping the balcony and for early flowering in the garden, sow nasturtium seedlings in April.
2. Nasturtium does not tolerate transplanting well (this plant has a superficial and delicate root system). Therefore, it is better to grow seedlings in peat cups or in cups with a retractable bottom.
3. Nasturtium loves a bright location - plant it in the sun or in light partial shade under the trees. With a lack of light, nasturtium has a miserable appearance: it forms stunted shoots, grows and almost does not bloom.
4. Nasturtium prefers moderately fertile and well drained soil. On fertile and manured soil, nasturtium develops a lot of greenery, but blooms very weakly; does not tolerate fresh manure. The plant responds well to feeding with potassium and phosphorus, continuously forming an abundance of flowers.
5. Nasturtium prefers moderately moist soil. Young plants need to be watered regularly, then they grow well. After the nasturtium begins to bloom, it should be watered only when the soil is very dry (otherwise the plant will have few flowers and a lot of foliage). On heavy soil, with excess moisture, the roots of nasturtium rot.

M a n u e l

Sowing nasturtium

Under favorable conditions, nasturtium sets many seeds, which, crumbling, are able to overwinter in the soil.

Nasturtium seeds are large, enclosed in a thick protective shell. The seeds on the plant do not ripen at the same time, as the flowers fade (40-50 days after the petals have fallen). Seed germination lasts 3-4 years.

Ripe seeds - "peas" of nasturtium spontaneously fall off, so be careful if you want to collect seeds. Remove the seeds as they ripen (from green they become whitish, easily separated from the peduncle). If seeds are not needed in large quantities, then faded flowers should be regularly removed to prolong abundant flowering.

• Nasturtium seeds are sown directly into the ground in May, after soaking them for a day in water.
• Swollen seeds are planted in the garden in nests: 3-4 seeds in each hole, maintaining a distance between holes of 25-30 cm
• Nasturtium seeds germinate in two weeks.
• Flowering begins about a month and a half after germination.
• Up to the beginning of flowering, nasturtium seedlings are fed with a full complex fertilizer (3-4 times a month).

For earlier flowering of nasturtium, seedlings can be grown. Sow in the first days of May in 9 cm pots of 3 pieces. Seedlings appear in two weeks. Landing in the ground is carried out only with an earthen clod in early June.

Forest & Kim Starr

Reproduction of nasturtium cuttings

Reproduction of nasturtiums is possible by cuttings, which take root perfectly in water and in wet sand. This technique is used when propagating new, and especially terry varieties. Since nasturtium is a perennial plant, you can leave the most outstanding specimens to winter in a pot on a bright, cool window with limited watering, and cut them in spring.

Use of nasturtium in design

Undersized species and varieties of nasturtiums are suitable for vases, borders, flower beds in the form of wide ribbons. Species and varieties with long shoots are used as ampelous plants, for vertical gardening, and as ground cover.

Elizabeth Gomm

The use of nasturtium in cooking

In ordinary garden nasturtiums, all parts of the plant are edible, except for the roots. Rich in vitamin C, fresh young leaves and stems add some piquancy to salads and sandwiches, flower extracts are added to cheeses and butter, nasturtium flowers are infused with vinegar, stuffed with various fillings, and also used as an edible decoration in salads, soups and drinks. Finally, the dried, peeled, and ground seeds have a spicy, peppery flavor and are used as a seasoning for a wide variety of dishes (it is said that ground nasturtium seeds were used rather actively in place of black pepper in many countries during World War II).

Useful properties of nasturtium

Nasturtium is used not only as an ornamental and edible plant, but also as a medicinal plant. It treats beriberi, anemia, skin rashes, kidney stone disease, bronchitis and other diseases, it promotes hair growth. Nasturtium has proven itself especially well as an antiscorbutic agent. The amount of vitamin C in it is ten times higher than in ordinary lettuce leaves!

It is even richer in strong antimicrobial substances: phytoncides and provitamin A. Clinical trials of tropolein, a substance isolated from essential oil nasturtium showed that when it was used in patients with chronic coronary insufficiency caused by atherosclerosis, angina attacks stopped, pain disappeared, and well-being improved. Nasturtium became very popular when it was found that dishes from it have dietary and medicinal properties in a number of diseases, and especially in atherosclerosis and metabolic disorders associated with age-related changes. It has been established that tubers in tuberous species contain substances that reduce the level of testosterone in the body and thus act as anti-Viagra.

Pato Novoa

Popular varieties of nasturtium

• Nasturtium Vesuvius- Upright bush up to 30 cm tall, as it grows, it becomes semi-creeping. The leaves are large, rounded, dark green. The flowers are simple, up to 5 cm in diameter, salmon-pink with an orange tint, on the two upper petals there is a dark red spot with strokes around. The cup is yellow.
• Nasturtium Garnet Jam(Garnet Gem) - Erect, compact shrub, up to 30 cm tall. The leaves are large, rounded, light green. The flowers are double, rather large, up to 6 cm in diameter, garnet red with an orange tint. Brown strokes on the top two petals. The calyx is bright yellow.
• Nasturtium Golden Globe(Golden Globe) - Bush compact, spherical, erect, 25 cm tall, up to 40 cm across. The leaves are rounded, light green. The flowers are double, large, up to 6.5 cm in diameter, golden yellow, without spots. The cup is yellow.
• Nasturtium Globe of Fire(Globe of Fire) - Upright bush up to 45 cm tall. The leaves are light green. The flowers are double, large, up to 7 cm in diameter, bright orange. The top two petals have dark brown streaks. The calyx is dark yellow.
• Nasturtium Kaiserin von India(Kaiserin von Indien) - Erect bush, 20-25 cm tall, compact, spherical. The leaves are small, dark green with a purple bloom, gray on the underside. The flowers are simple, up to 4.5 cm in diameter, dark red with brown-red strokes at the base of the two upper petals. The calyx is orange-red on the outside.
• Nasturtium Foyeoglantz(Feuerglanz) - Creeping shrub up to 25 cm tall. The leaves are large, light green. The flowers are large, up to 6 cm in diameter, double, fiery orange with dark red strokes on the two upper petals. The calyx is orange-red.

We wish you success in growing this beautiful plant! Looking forward to your advice!

Nasturtium is very popular with amateur flower growers. It grows and blooms on rather poor soils; on soils rich in organic matter, a huge green mass develops to the detriment of flowering. This is an annual plant, its thick succulent stems reach a length of 2-3 m. There are also bush varieties of 25-30 cm.

The leaves of the flowers are round and shield-like, shiny, covered with a wax coating, bright green. The flowers are large, up to 5 cm in diameter. Coloring can be cream, salmon, yellow, red, pink, cherry.

When choosing species and varieties for planting in a summer cottage, you should carefully study their differences.

plant species

Bush nasturtium

The plant is an annual and is a pretty flowering shrub that is ideal for landscaping. It is used for vases and balconies, participates in decorating the territory in borders and mixborders.

Curly nasturtium

An annual plant, with the help of which hedges are formed or standard vertical gardening, for example, a flower is planted along balconies, arbors, fences and walls.

Nasturtium apmelnaya

A pretty plant that is also involved in vertical gardening. Suitable for decorating residential buildings - terraces, balconies, walls.

Nasturtium terry

Annual, which is often used to decorate the summer cottage. In this case, the flower can serve as a landscaper of a veranda, house, balcony, and so on.

Nasturtium climbing

A beautiful perennial plant that is grown in pots (at home) and in flower beds (country floriculture).

Growing conditions

If you want to grow beautiful greenery and bright flowers, and not a mixture of plants that just got mixed up and began to wither, strict adherence to agricultural practices is necessary.

Properly caring for the plant and taking the necessary steps, you will achieve excellent results, both in the country and at home.

Location selection

The plant is photophilous and thermophilic, and therefore it is worth forgetting about the penumbra and silence of a shady garden, because the place of nasturtium is in a flower bed, near the fence of the territory, in landscape decoration or even single plantings.

Try to plant a flower in places well protected from drafts, because almost all plants do not react well to cold winds.

The most suitable soil

The flower prefers moderate soil, both in terms of moisture and useful substances. As we mentioned above, the plant is gaining green mass on well-drained soil, but shows poor flowering, so it's up to you to decide on this fact.

You should not fertilize nasturtium with fresh organic matter, as the plant can burn out, but it is simply necessary to apply mineral fertilizers to the soil, since it reacts to such substances with abundant flowering.

Using nasturtium (video)

Watering the plant

Watering should be systematic, but very moderate, which is most important for young plantings. During flowering, nasturtium is watered only on the driest days, but during the standard warm season, watering can be stopped altogether.

How to prolong flowering?

It must be understood that constant abundant watering can lead to rotting of the plant, especially on heavy soils. Therefore, it is worth observing the timeliness of irrigation, but do not forget to do pruning. Removing weak branches and faded buds will help prolong flowering significantly.

Transplant and reproduction

How to transplant nasturtium?

Our plant is considered quite tender, and therefore its transplantation requires special attention. The superficial root system is very sensitive to all sorts of disturbances, and therefore the transplantation takes place along with an earthen clod that must not be disturbed.

After transplantation, the plant must adapt, but this takes time. Don't be discouraged if the nasturtium looks sluggish at first, just keep watering regularly and wait.

Seedling propagation

Reproduction of nasturtium can be carried out by seeds or by growing seedlings. If you want to plant flowers on the site already in the form of seedlings, then the initial stage of cultivation will be the distribution of seeds in peat cups, 2-3 for each. After 10-14 days you will notice seedlings that can be transplanted into open ground in early June. It is required to plant a flower with an earthy clod or together with a glass.

We propagate the flower by seeds

You can also try growing nasturtium seeds, which is not difficult. Seeds are prepared in water or a special nutrient solution, and planted in a warm area after the night frosts in the spring have ended. A few seeds per hole a couple of centimeters deep will be enough to get the seedlings of the plant in 2 weeks.

Reproduction by cuttings

Propagation of nasturtium by cuttings is used extremely rarely and mainly for new varieties. The rooting of young cuttings of the plant occurs in water or wet sand, then the cuttings can be planted directly in open ground, avoiding shkolku.

Growing Features

• Landing occurs only in warm ground and only with an earthen clod.
• Early flowering can be achieved if you use the seedling method of growing.
• Excessive fertilization with organics contributes to abundant green mass, the correct fertilizer with minerals ensures long-term flowering.
• If favorable conditions are created for nasturtium, she herself will shed seeds that are able to overwinter in the soil and give young plants the next spring.
• Seed germination persists for 4 years.

Nasturtium can be safely called an unpretentious flower, but if the plant is properly cared for, it will look much more beautiful than an abandoned wild specimen in a summer cottage.

Growing nasturtium in the country (video)

Reviews and comments

Anastasia 25.09.2010

Very beautiful plants, but freeze during frosts (

irina 23.04.2014

My nasturtium leaves turn yellow and dry up, help, how can I help her?

Nikolay 24.07.2014

And I was attracted by nasturtium with its red flowers and of course leaves!

Olga 14.02.2015

Nasturtium pleases me with splendor and brightness. I collect flowers. And pour 6-9:% vinegar. Vinegar becomes fragrant, beautiful in color and is used to dress salads and dumplings. Store in the dark.

Natalia 23.08.2015

I wanted to ask: what animals can damage nasturtium seedlings and how to deal with it?

Olga 24.09.2015

The nasturtium let me down this year - the seeds didn’t sprout (((I was so hoping that she would please me with her flowering .... I really like the foliage of this plant, also decorative. Next season I will buy it again, maybe more lucky.

Lyudmila 28.09.2015

This year, Zebra nasturtium was planted for the first time. She “sat” for a long time, and now in September there is a wonderful lush flowering - we rejoice! thanks for helpful tips, next year we will try to plant different varieties and seedlings, we hope to see this beauty as soon as possible.

From my experience of growing Nasturtium, I can say that it prefers moderately fertile and moist soils, but it does not tolerate both excess fertilizer (especially nitrogen and fresh organic, such as manure) and excessive watering (especially during flowering). From this it blooms very poorly, although the leaves grow remarkably. In addition, nasturtium does not tolerate lime, but on the contrary, it really needs phosphate fertilizers.

Lydia 12/30/2017

I planted bush and ampelous nasturtium, I did not see the difference. Only at the end of autumn the ampelous one began to produce long whips. And another question - I collected seeds from white ampelous nasturtium The flowers turned yellow the next year. Why? It doesn't look like a hybrid.

Marie28 01/06/2018

Nasturtium changes the color of the leaves with improper agricultural practices. High soil moisture, poor lighting, lack of certain minerals, or mosaic disease. You can restore the health of a flower only by adjusting the care of the plant. Cut off all yellowed leaves, burn. Apply azophos to the soil. Watering is done only in the morning or after sunset, regularly, but moderately. On especially hot days, protect the flower from direct sunlight, arrange a shelter for them.

Marie28 01/06/2018

From animals such as cows, sheep, goats, flowers can be protected only with the help of a fence. If we are talking about pests: aphids, cabbage moths, whitefish or spider mites, which most often attack nasturtium, then only spraying with insecticidal preparations (Spark, Aktellik, Fufanon, Fitoverm) will help here. If there are few pests, then they are effective folk remedies. Sprinkling with wood ash, spraying with soapy water. And remember, plants with healthy immunity do not harm. Therefore, carry out the correct agricultural cultivation techniques.

Marie28 01/06/2018

The reason why the flower changed its color can be several. Over-pollination, an excess or deficiency of a mineral, as well as a reaction to a certain top dressing. Most likely, during the budding period, you fed a fertilizer containing ammonia, which changes the color of the pigmentation. By the way, white petals turn yellow if watered or sprayed with a solution of ammonia.

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A plant such as nasturtium is considered related to the Nasturtsev family, of which there are 80 species. They are mainly distributed in the South and Central America. The most popular type is considered to be "Big Nasturtium or May".

These two types of plants have bright red, yellow or orange flowers. Many people call Nasturtium "Capuchin" and most likely due to the fact that in its shape the flower resembles the hood of the "Monk - Capuchin".

General information

If we touch specifically on our climate, then such a plant as Nasturtium is grown as an annual crop, but the fact is that with a little effort this plant can be preserved in winter period time, only the plant must be indoors.

The leaves of Nasturtium are surprisingly beautiful, they are rounded with uneven sides and have a light wax coating, which is located on long cuttings. Basically, the leaves of this type of plant have a rich green color, but sometimes you can also see red with a brown tint or variegated.

As for the flowers, they are very large, have a yellow, orange and red color with a spur on long peduncles. The plant begins to bloom from the second hot summer month of July and ends after the first autumn frosts have passed.

Nasturtium comes in different varieties and there are a large number of. Some have a difference in their form of a bush, shoots also differ in length, and there are also Nasturtiums with flowers covered with terry and variegated leaves. Each part of this plant has a very pleasant spicy aroma! Even in many countries, very often a plant such as Nasturtium is used as a seasoning for various salads.

Nasturtium on the balcony planting and care

Nasturtium has a shallow and slightly branched root system. Due to this, this plant is very often used as a decoration on balconies. The flower is placed in hanging baskets or in a vase and it fits perfectly into the interior and refreshes the view of the balcony.

Nasturtium, which is grown on the balcony, begins to bloom much earlier than the plant that grows in garden conditions. The fact is that the seeds are sown only in a room with warm air, and then they are taken out to the balcony, and then only after the frosts have passed. Nasturtium can be planted one at a time, and sometimes this plant fills the space between large indoor flowers to fill everything with greenery, and in the summer the plant is put out in the garden for fresh air.

As for balcony boxes and flower containers, those Nasturtium varieties that curl are most suitable for this. For example, in a hanging basket it is good to grow the “Ampel semi-climbing variety”. As for undersized lush bushes, they feel great in pots, and you can also decorate any vase with this look. Foreign Nasturtium is best grown on a balcony with taut cords.

If the balconies are open or shaded, then Nasturtium will also grow well and delight its owners. Also, this type of plant can perfectly get along even in the most adverse conditions. Only there will not be many flowers, but the leaves will be very bright and green, thanks to the leaves your balcony will also look very lively and beautiful. Rainy weather and windy Nasturtium also tolerates well, like many other garden plants.

Nasturtium planting and care

As for lighting, this plant loves light very much and blooms beautifully in those places where it is sunny. Just do not put the plant in those places where there are a lot of hot sunlight - it will reflect very badly on it.

Nasturtium is a moisture-loving plant, the roots are located very close to the surface, so if you put it on a window that is located on the south side, it will simply die. The best place for Nasturtium there will be windows located on the east and west sides, even in the place where the balcony shaded plant will look very beautiful!

The flower loves heat very much, but does not tolerate hot days very well. Moderate temperatures are perfect for this plant. If it is very hot, the leaves and flowers will become small. Also, the plant does not tolerate frost well, and in the spring, seedlings should be protected from cold nights.

Nasturtium is not only a heat-loving plant, but also a moisture-loving one, so you need to water the flower well. The fact is that the plant has a lot of leaves that evaporate water, but as for the root system, it is so small. Most importantly, try to water abundantly, but do not make a swamp in the pot, otherwise the roots will simply rot and die along with the plant.

Fertilizer for nasturtiums for abundant flowering

With excessive fertilizer, the leaves begin to grow rapidly, which causes great harm to the flowering of nasturtium. But as for the small pot in which this plant grows and is located on the balcony, in this case, on the contrary, there may be too few nutrients.

When you transplant Nasturtium, be sure to add fertilizer or feed the plant with a “Complex Fertilizer” intended for flowering plant species.

soil for nasturtium

A plant like Nasturtium likes the soil to be loose and fertile. You can use a ready-made substrate designed for indoor plant species or prepare a mixture.

For cooking you will need:

• humus - 1 part;
• leaf ground - 1 part;
• sand - 1 part.

Is it possible to transplant nasturtium

Like all annual plants, nasturtium does not need to be transplanted. But if you plant seedlings on the balcony in boxes, then take extra care, as the roots of this plant are very fragile.

The transplant must be carried out carefully and be sure to leave a clod of earth on the roots, otherwise the plant may die immediately after transplantation, especially if the Nasturtium is large.

Nasturtium growing from seeds at home

Nasturtium is very easy to propagate using seeds. The seeds of this plant are very large and germinate very well. When transplanting a plant into balcony pots, only one seed needs to be used.

It is prepared in a special nutrient solution or in ordinary water, after which it is planted in a hole, deepened by a couple of centimeters. And after a couple of weeks shoots appear. The plant will begin to bloom only 1.5 months after the shoots appear.

Reproduction of nasturtium cuttings

As for the "Terry Hybrid Nasturtiums", this plant will not transmit any varietal characteristics through the seed. This plant needs to be propagated by cuttings, while the plant is kept in a pot until the beginning of the spring season.

Then the cuttings need to be cut and rooted in a mixture prepared from peat and sand. But it's best to purchase seeds of any variety of "Nasturtium" that you like best and grow the plant as a simple and annual!

Nasturtium is a flower that can be seen in most city flowerbeds, gardens and even on balconies in summer. Such popularity is explained simply - the plant is unpretentious in care, grows well and is able to decorate any place of its growth. To achieve abundant flowering of nasturtium, you need to know some of the features of growing this crop.

When to plant nasturtium

Nasturtium is a welcome guest in a variety of flower beds and balconies. Few can remain indifferent to the beauty of the capuchin - this is the second name of nasturtium, given in ancient times for the similarity of its flowers with the hoods of the monks of the order of the same name.

These flowers are perennials by nature, but due to the peculiarities of our climate, they are cultivated as annual crops. Most types of nasturtium are propagated by seeds.

Which seeds and seedlings to choose

Nasturtium seeds are eaten, but do so when they are still fresh, Green colour. Over time, the peas dry out, the skin becomes wrinkled and gradually turns into a crust, becomes light beige or Brown. These are suitable for planting on seedlings or immediately in open ground.

When buying seedlings, prefer those plants that have a large number of buds and leaves in a compact size. It does not make sense to acquire a flowering plant. The same can be said about seedlings with a small number of leaves.

Whether to collect seeds grown in your flower bed

This question is relevant for all lovers of growing nasturtium at home. And it's not about the desire to save on store seeds. An inquisitive gardener is always interested in the development cycle of a plant and the possibility of growing it next season.

The answer is simple: it is possible, but this applies only to varietal nasturtium, there is no question of hybrids. Another thing: when should the seeds be harvested? Here you should count forty days from the beginning of flowering and observe the final ripening of the fruit boxes. It is not difficult to find out the right moment - the boxes will acquire a slightly brownish (or they also say - milky-coffee) shade and will be easily removed from the stem. You can simplify the task and collect the seeds that have already fallen to the ground. Your next concern will be to dry and store the seeds until next year. Capuchin seeds can be stored for up to 4 years.

Reproduction by self-sowing

Nasturtium reproduces well by self-seeding. This is important for those who grow a flower at home, where it is always warm, since any frost, even the weakest, is detrimental to young shoots. Therefore, in your apartment you can arrange a year-round cycle of growing nasturtium. But remember that this is only possible if, in addition to heat, it is possible to provide the plant with enough light. Nasturtium is very fond of sunlight, which is so lacking in winter, and replacing it with artificial is not so easy.

Varieties for every taste: ampelous, long-branched, undersized

There are so many varieties of nasturtium that everyone will find what he likes. Usually, ampelous, terry, curly, bush and climbing varieties of this flower are distinguished. All of them can be successfully grown in the garden.

As for growing on the balcony, ampelous semi-climbing varieties are best suited here, which are planted in pots and boxes.

Description of some varieties:

• Vesuvius is good not only for its compact size, but also for its amazing flowers, where the pale pink shade smoothly turns into orange, there are red spots on the petals;
• Day and night has flowers of two shades - cream and red. Thanks to this combination, the variety got its name. The flowering of this nasturtium looks especially good against the background of light green leaves;
• Cherry rose - and the name is beautiful, and the appearance corresponds to it. Anyone who loves unusual shades will love this pink (closer to raspberry) color. The variety belongs to terry;
• Terry mix - another representative of the terry type, characterized by a wide range of colors. In addition, the plant has the ability to exude a pleasant aroma that attracts pollinating insects to the site;
• Alaska is the very case when even in a non-flowering form, nasturtium looks spectacular, thanks to the marbled color of the leaves;
• Yeti - for lovers of long climbing varieties. The whips grow up to two meters, and on the emerald foliage, creamy white flowers bloom with yellow spots closer to the center;
• The bird (Canarian) is a real exotic in your garden: its petals are somewhat reminiscent of wings or feathers of a bird, and the leaves are not at all like traditional ones, but nevertheless it is nasturtium;
• Birds of Paradise - a variety that forms neat, small bushes with fragrant and bright flowers. Good not only for the loggia, but also for giving when grown in flowerpots and pots;
• A diamond is first of all good for a cache-pot. Some may be confused that its lashes grow up to 3 m, so shorten them as necessary, at the same time causing more abundant branching and flowering. Flowers are dark red;
• Purple gloss has bright red double flowers up to 6 cm in diameter. It is quite compact - the lashes do not exceed 1.2 m in length.

Photo gallery: nasturtium varieties that decorate the home garden

The flowers of the Yeti variety have almost snow-white petals, taking on a yellow tint closer to the center.
A truly exotic variety Bird (or Canary) loves warmth very much, but is able to grow in mid-latitudes
Nasturtium Cherry Rose will appeal to lovers of extraordinary flowers
For the contrast of light and dark flowers, the variety was given the name Day and Night
Alaska - a familiar variety of traditional nasturtium
Nasturtium Terry Blend unique flower shape
Variety Vesuvius is good for its pale pink, turning into an orange shade of flowers.
Purple gloss - a variety with rather short lashes, appreciated by lovers of growing nasturtium at home
Variety Birds of Paradise will make any flowerpot or planter a colorful center of a garden composition
Variety Brilliant bushes well and takes up little space, but at the same time blooms luxuriantly

Planting nasturtium

You can plant nasturtium both by seeds and seedlings. Both methods have their strengths and weaknesses.

seedling method

Planting nasturtium seedlings is a good option when you want to see flowering as soon as possible. Moreover, it can be saved from low temperatures, which can take the plant by surprise when directly sown in the ground. You can start landing in mid-April. This period continues until the beginning of May - it all depends on how quickly the warm period begins in your region.

Boarding order:

1. Be sure to soak the seeds for at least a day in warm water, then bury them 1 cm into the soil, having prepared small containers of peat in advance. Such a container will be optimal for planting in open ground, since nasturtium tolerates this process very painfully.
2. After laying the seeds at the bottom of the recesses, sprinkle them with soil and tamp a little. Pour over and cover with foil. The room temperature should not exceed 22 °C.
3. In a couple of weeks, the first shoots will appear. Now the nasturtium needs to provide a slightly cooler atmosphere - up to 18 ° C. It is also recommended to highlight the seedlings so that they do not stretch out from lack of light.
4. A month later, the seedlings will be ready for transplanting to the site. The main thing is that the threat of return frosts has already passed on the street at this time. When transplanting, be sure to keep the pot so as not to damage the earthen ball. If the forecast promises a drop in temperature in the coming days, cover the planting night with a film.

Thanks to this approach, you will be able to see blooming nasturtium as early as mid-June and admire it until the first frost.

Video: planting nasturtium seeds for seedlings

seedless way

This approach avoids problems associated with the survival of nasturtium in a new place. Plants sown directly in open ground will be stronger, will develop more actively, but will not begin to bloom until mid-July. Another hitch - sow seeds on summer cottages usually in mid-May and there is still a risk of frost when germination occurs. However, this is the easiest and most reliable way to grow nasturtium.

Necessary actions:

1. To begin with, we soak the cooked seeds in a damp cloth for up to 3 days (it is best to use a cotton cloth).
2. When the seeds swell, we prepare for them holes up to 2 cm deep with an interval of 25 to 50 cm (the distance depends on the type of nasturtium: for bushy varieties, the distance between holes is up to 30 cm, and for climbing varieties - up to 50 cm).

The same scheme applies when planting seeds in flowerpots, flowerpots and boxes located on the balcony. The only difference is that in this case it will be much easier to create the necessary conditions for spitting seeds.

Video: planting in open ground and subsequent care

Possible problems during germination

Gardeners often complain that the planted nasturtium does not want to give friendly shoots. Most often this happens with direct planting of seeds in open ground.

• First of all, this may be due to too much water for irrigation. And the owner of the site is not necessarily to blame for this, diligently trying to provide seeds and soil with water. Sometimes during the planting period there is too much rain, which, in combination with watering, only brings harm.
• Sometimes the seeds are buried too deep, and they do not have sufficient access to oxygen, and the sprout does not have enough strength to break through to the top.
• The previous problem can be exacerbated by clay soil, which is not as oxygenated as, for example, loam or sandy loam. Therefore, before planting, be sure to dilute it with peat and river sand, mixing them in equal proportions.
• Low temperatures have a negative effect on nasturtium even at the stage of hatching, therefore, if the soil has not warmed up enough before and after planting, then it is hardly worth counting on a good result.
• The simplest reason for the lack of seedlings, if all the previous conditions have been met, is the poor quality of the seeds. Is it worth mentioning once again that you do not need to buy them from the hands of private traders. It is better to trust registered and verified manufacturers. If you collect and harvest the seeds yourself, then remember that the planting material remains viable for 3-4 years.

Description of plant care

watering

Water the nasturtium as needed - when the soil around it becomes dry. Moreover, this recommendation is effective in the first stages of growth, then watering should be reduced. Do not overdo it with the volume of water - it is enough to wet only the top layer of soil, and not shed the area for a week in advance. This is especially true for clay soil, which retains water for a long time.

top dressing

Nasturtium is not one of those plants that like organic fertilizing, and nitrogen fertilizers will not serve her well. It is better to use potassium-phosphorus fertilizers like Nitrofoska (4 tablespoons per bucket of water, followed by spraying the leaves) or Agricola (1 tablespoon is enough for 10 liters of water). Top dressing is done once - before the start of flowering of nasturtium. Thanks to her, there will be many more flowers.

Favorable conditions during flowering

In order for the plant to bloom profusely, the following conditions must be met:

1. Faded inflorescences must be cut off at the first signs of wilting - thereby nasturtium is stimulated to further abundant flowering, because a new inflorescence will soon form in place of the cut inflorescence.
2. In a similar way, you need to deal with damaged parts of the plant in order to prevent the appearance of diseases or pests.
3. Loosen the soil as necessary so that water does not stagnate in it and there is always an influx of oxygen to the roots.

Nasturtium, planted in a greenhouse, will save you from the whitefly, placed next to the cabbage will become its protection from the cabbage. Capuchin is often a real target for aphids, and distract pests from other garden crops. Agree, it is much easier to destroy aphids that have accumulated on nasturtium plantings than dispersed throughout the site.

Diseases and pests of nasturtium

Nasturtium has a whole list of "ill-wishers" in the face of aphids, whiteflies, spider mites and other pests, and is also susceptible to various diseases.

Diseases and enemies of nasturtium, methods of dealing with them:

The so-called mosaic on the leaves of nasturtium is usually a sign of a lack of essential trace elements (if the plant is not fed), and does not pose a threat. Is it only appearance The flowers are no longer so attractive.

Perennial varieties in winter: a greenhouse or a warm balcony

Perennial varieties of nasturtium in our area are grown as annuals, since no shelter will help them survive the winter. However, you can try to keep such a capuchin in your greenhouse or on the balcony, but only if you can provide enough heat and light. Otherwise, consider any nasturtium only as an annual crop.

Photo gallery: flowers for food

Lettuce leaves, asparagus, nasturtium - the basis of salad a la Nice
Nasturtium leaves wrapped in lamb give dolma a piquant taste.
One of the famous Italian sauce pesto is made from nasturtium leaves
Nasturtium pizza also has a place
Pickled green nasturtium seeds will completely replace expensive capers
Spicy nasturtium complements the fresh taste of zucchini salad well.

Nasturtium (capuchin flower) belongs to the herbaceous genus and belongs to the nasturtium family. The genus includes up to 90 varieties originating from South America and Central Europe. Capuchins are annual and perennial vines, less often shrubs. The colors are usually red and yellow. Undemanding in content and endowed with medicinal properties. In places with a tropical climate, it grows as a perennial, and in places with frosty winters dug up and grown as an annual.

Everything is decorative in nasturtium flowers - unusual asymmetrical flowers and round leaves that rest on a stem, as if emerging from the center of the leaf. In addition, this plant has a peculiar mysterious aroma, and its seeds do not look like seeds of other flowers - they are large, light brown or greenish in color.

Not only does this plant have a beautiful flower, it also has medicinal and edible qualities. Flowers and leaves are used in cooking to decorate salads and various dishes. Pickled have a taste reminiscent of capers. Dried and ground seeds have long been used as a seasoning. Medicinal features of the plant help with rashes on the body, promote hair growth.

Planting nasturtium in open ground is carried out in late spring or early summer. For the landing site, a light area sheltered from the winds is suitable, because in the shade of the plant, abundant flowering stops. The soil is preferably low acid, with good moisture permeability (without stagnant water), otherwise the plant begins to rot. Planting seedlings is carried out together with the land in which it was grown, in the case of sowing seeds in pots with peat, the sprouts are planted with pots to avoid breaking the root system. Seedlings are planted with an indent of 20-40 cm. In the early days, seedlings must be covered at night. Flowering occurs four to five weeks after planting.

The capuchin (the so-called nasturtium for the similarity of a flower with a monk's hood) has a very delicate root system, so it does not tolerate transplantation well. Do not plant seedlings yet before the end of spring frosts, otherwise your "beauty" will wither and die. Nasturtium loves the sun, but easily tolerates partial shade. In the shade, flowering is weak, but "green" grows abundantly. During dry summers, the number of seeds decreases.

Why do nasturtium leaves turn yellow? There can be many reasons, here are some of them:

• As a result of excessive "sunburn" in the sun, in this case, you need to create a diffuse penumbra over the plants.
• Excessive soil moisture.
• During dry summer.
• Lack of minerals.
• Viral disease is a mosaic.

Nasturtium is warm and photophilous, not drought-resistant. At the beginning of development, regular watering is important for plants. When the first flowers appear, its profusion is reduced, and the soil is moistened only when it dries. This is important because waterlogged soil will promote foliage growth at the expense of flowering. Weeding is carried out as needed, and loosening of the earth after rains and irrigation. By mulching the soil, you can simplify the care of plants, since under a layer of mulch it will not be compacted, and the need for loosening will disappear. Top dressing is carried out once a week with a solution of potassium-phosphorus fertilizers under the root of the plant until the flowering period. It is not necessary to feed nasturtium during flowering. Nitrogen fertilizers are not required for the plant.

Growing from seeds in open ground

The easiest way to grow nasturtiums is to sow seeds outdoors. When the soil warms up and the danger of night frosts passes (the timing is different for each region), the soil dug up in the fall is leveled with a fan rake and the landing site is determined. Since the plant is not tall, or rather, its rather long lashes creep along the ground, it is better to place the culture in the foreground of the flower garden so that other flowers do not block it.

Holes 3 cm deep are made with a small chopper, and 2 seeds are placed in them. Since the bushes of the plant branch and grow well, the interval between the holes is at least 40 cm. If the soil is wet, the holes are covered with earth and lightly pressed by hand. Dry soil should be watered first, and then fill the hole.

Advice. If you are late with sowing seeds, you can place them in damp gauze and put in warm place. After 2 days, when the seeds swell and sprouts sprout, they can be planted in moist soil.

The video below shows the method of sowing germinated seeds in the ground:

Growing by seedling method

Nasturtium grown from seedlings begins to bloom earlier than sown in the ground. In mid-April, peat cups are filled with a substrate for growing seedlings, and 2 seeds are planted in each. The cups are placed in a tray, covered with plastic wrap and left in a warm place, not necessarily bright. After a week and a half, shoots appear, and then the pallets are transferred to a sunny window sill, glazed balcony or veranda.

Watering the seedlings is carried out regularly, but the soil should not be waterlogged so that the sprouts do not stretch. It is better to water in a pan and spray from a spray bottle. On warm days, seedlings are hardened: windows are opened, boxes are taken out into the open air. Over time, seedlings can be left on the open balcony for the night (provided that the temperature outside is positive).

Nasturtium seedlings are planted in open ground when there is a threat of frost. It is not necessary to remove the plants from the cups, just the walls are cut in several places, and the bottom is cut off so that the weak roots grow more freely.
And you can continue growing nasturtium at home, for example, on the same balcony, relocating it to a pot suspended from the wall.

Growing by cuttings

Petioles are placed in water or wet sand for rooting and subsequent planting in open ground. As a rule, terry groups of plants or hard-to-reach seeds are propagated by this method. This breeding method preserves all specifications and features of the species.

Diseases and pests

For nasturtium, pests are: aphids, cabbage moth and whitefish, spider mites, miners and a bear. True, insects and pests of capuchin are not as terrible as for other plants, but it sometimes suffers from bacterial diseases. The plant is not infrequently affected by bacterial wilt, gray mold, rust (brown and black spots on the leaves), and mosaic diseases. If the initial signs of the disease are noticed, the infected plants are removed from the flower garden, and the healthy ones are treated with preparations designed to combat the causative agent of the disease.

Nasturtium is an extraordinary ornamental plant, and its flowers are like bright sun glare in a flower bed. Her presence will make the flower garden brighter, more colorful, truly summery.