Nasturtiums

The Benefits of Growing

By Anne Draper

Plant easy-to-grow nasturtium seeds in pots, pails, baskets, window boxes or garden beds and you will enjoy hovering hummingbirds and humming bees drinking flower nectar for many months.  Direct sow seeds in the location of choice (nasturtiums do not transplant well) and wait for sprouts to appear in 7-14days.  Fertilize when first flower buds open and water every 10-14 days if rainfall is inadequate.  Do not over fertilize.  Plants will grow well but may not bloom.  Old fashioned nasturtiums come in three distinct types.

• 1. Dwarf will grow 12-15 inches in height.
• 2. Semi-trailing will reach a length of 2-3 feet and are ideal for hanging baskets.
• 3. Climbing type will send out runners 6-8 feet long and can be trained up a trellis or allowed to cascade through a garden bed.

Flowers are fragrant on all types.  The entire plant is edible.  Pungent tasting leaves are similar to watercress.  Trumpet shaped flowers with red, yellow and orange petals can be added to salads and are a good source of Vitamin C and iron.  Sharp tasting seeds can be picked green and pickled.                                        

Recipe for Mock Capers: 

Nasturtium seeds (green), 

1 pint vinegar to 2 cups sugar  

Boil 3 minutes  

Wash seeds thoroughly  

Pack loosely in hot sterilized jars and seal at once   Let stand for 1 month before using.  Nasturiums are valuable to organic gardeners as a companion plant to keep vegetables and fruits free of aphids.  Hummingbirds with their iridescent plumage and powerful wings and large humming bees can become popular guests in your old fashioned nasturtium garden.