by Christine Zibas

Created on: June 22, 2010

Nasturtiums are some of the easiest flowers a gardener can grow. They begin well from seed as long as they have sufficient space to grow (seeds should be placed 10 to 12 inches apart and no more than an inch deep). Nasturtiums are a gardener’s delight in that they flourish in ground that normally unsuitable for many flowers, including sandy soil.

They do need sufficient light and water, and it is important to enable the soil to dry completely between the times it receives water. Too much fertilizer is unhelpful, and can result in a profusion of leaves instead of flowers (the opposite of what most gardeners seek). Uniquely self-sufficient, nasturtiums succeed best when mostly ignored by the gardener, a treat for someone with little time.

These vividly colored flowers play an important role in the garden. Their bright colors of yellows, oranges, and pinks not only dress up the greens of a vegetable garden, they mix easily with other vines, including those vegetables that can grow on trellises. Nasturtiums make excellent plants to pair with vegetables like squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, and tomatoes, as well as other vined veggies.

Another benefit of nasturtiums is that the entire plant is edible, including the heads or flowers, which are often used to spice up salads. Related to the cress, nasturtiums’ leaves taste slightly peppery, which makes them an interesting add-on to sandwiches, as well as salads. Nasturtiums work best in the kitchen when new leaves appear, and  they are tender. .

The seeds of the nasturtium make a good substitute for expensive capers, if harvested as soon as the seed pods appear, and are then promptly pickled. A tasty nasturtium vinegar can also be made by adding nasturtium leaves, some flower heads, and garlic, then infusing it in vinegar for about five weeks. After steeping, you will have a delicious, pepper-laden herbal vinegar, which you can then combine with oil for a fantastic vinaigrette.

Another important benefit of growing nasturtiums is to prevent pests from destroying other garden plants, like vegetables. Their role in protecting against unwanted insects like aphids, whiteflies, and beetles make these flowers very valuable when mixed in with growing fruits and vegetables. In most cases, growing nasturtiums alongside veggies means that you will end up with more produce and less spoilage.

For mixing with other garden plants, try varieties like “Jewel of Africa” and “Spitfire” when growing upward on trellises. These flowers also do well in window boxes and container gardens for sheer beauty, or when mixed with herbs. Remember, as with any plant to be used as food, however, to avoid the use of harmful chemicals located in pesticides and fungicides, and grow them organically.

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