Nasturtium Seeds

Nasturtium seeds – more info

Nasturtiums are fantastic starter flowers for seed sowing beginners. For something a little different, choose a variegated leaf nasturtium like Tropaeolum majus ‘Firebird’ where the dappled white and green pattern will liven any border or trail attractively from hanging basket. If you’re short on space, go for Tropaeolum minus ‘Banana Split’. This cheerful yellow variety keeps a tidy compact habit, making it ideal for a small patio pot.

When to sow nasturtium seeds

Sow nasturtium seeds directly outdoors after the last frost date in your area. Choose a free draining site in full sun for the best flowering results and keep the seedlings moist but not waterlogged while they develop. Remove weeds from the soil around your seedlings to give them a fighting chance.

If you want to start your seeds earlier, use a seed tray under cover in a greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill to sow your seeds. Gently push the seeds into damp, fertile compost up to the first finger joint, and cover with plastic.

Are all nasturtiums edible?

Nasturtiums are completely edible, and they’re a welcome addition to the veg patch for their companion plant qualities and excellent flavour. Easy to grow nasturtiums like ‘Princess of India’ and ‘Chameleon’ are at their best bringing bright, edible pops of colour here and there through the plot. The seed heads make delicious pickled ‘capers’ and the flowers and leaves are wonderfully peppery additions to salads. Be warned - they pack a flavour-filled kick!

Are nasturtiums perennial?

Nasturtiums are in fact short lived perennial plants. If you want to keep your plants for next year, simply protect them from frost during the winter months by moving their pots undercover or protecting outdoor plants using horticultural fleece. Trim away the longest stems to make a compact top growth that’s easier to lightly cover with the fleece.

Nasturtiums are usually treated like annuals by sowing fresh seeds in spring. To enjoy easy repeats of your favourite nasturtium varieties, leave your flowers to produce seed in summer and they’ll self-sow themselves cheerfully around the garden.