Nasturtiums: Edible Flowers and Leaves for Easy Garden Color

Nasturtium is an easy-to-grow annual with edible leaves and flowers. Their bright greenery and vibrant blooms suit containers or groundcovers. Their pretty fragrance makes them lovely cut flowers. Perfect for gardening with kids—they grow easily and rapidly.

Planting Nasturtiums

• Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before last spring frost, or direct-sow in early spring.
• Plant in moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Partial shade reduces blooming.
• Prefer poor soil. No fertilizer needed (unless soil is extremely poor). Fertile soil = fewer flowers.
• Sow seeds ½ inch deep, 10–12 inches apart. Seedlings appear in 7–10 days.

Simple Care

• Water regularly but avoid overwatering.
• Deadhead faded flowers to prolong blooming.
• Container plants may need occasional trimming.

Pests and Diseases

• Flea beetles
• Caterpillars
• Aphids
• Slugs
• Whiteflies
• Viruses

Harvest and Storage

Save chickpea-sized seeds! Let them dry on the vine; they'll fall off. Collect, brush off soil, dry, and store in a paper envelope in a cool, dark place for spring replanting.

Recommended Varieties

• Salmon Baby – Pretty salmon-pink color.
• Variegatus – Trailing type with red or orange flowers.
• Peach Melba – Creamy yellow flowers with orange-red centers.

Wit & Wisdom

Nasturtium flowers symbolize patriotism. Discover more flower meanings.

Recipes

• Nasturtium and Shrimp Salad Appetizer
• Veal Loin with Nasturtiums

Cooking Notes

The entire nasturtium plant is edible and makes a beautiful garnish for any summer meal.