Nasturtium

Tropaeolum majus · Flower

Quick answer: Water: Regularly in summer. Light: Full sun; part shade means fewer flowers. Soil: Poor to average, well-drained. Pets: ASPCA lists garden nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Large amounts of any plant can still upset a pet's stomach; if in doubt, ask your vet.

An easy, fast annual with round leaves and bright orange, yellow and red flowers. It flowers best in poor soil, and both leaves and flowers are edible with a peppery taste. Bush types suit pots and edges; trailing types climb or spill over walls.

Care at a glance

Light

Full sun; part shade means fewer flowers

Water

Regularly in the growing season; tolerates dry spells

Soil

Poor to average, well-drained

Temperature

Frost-tender; sow outdoors after the last frost

Spacing

10–12 in apart

Container

At least 8 in pot for bush types (estimated)

Bloom

Summer until frost; flowers 2–2.5 in wide

Lifespan

Annual in cold climates (tender perennial)

When?

Sow outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost, or start indoors 4–6 weeks before it. Seedlings appear in 7–10 days. Flowers run from summer until the first autumn frost.

Step by step

1. Soak seeds for a few hours or overnight to speed germination.
2. Sow 1/2 in deep; seeds need darkness to sprout.
3. Space plants 10–12 in apart in full sun.
4. Skip fertilizer unless the soil is very poor; rich soil gives leaves instead of flowers.
5. Water regularly in summer for the best bloom, letting the surface dry between waterings.
6. Give trailing types a fence or trellis, or let them spill from a pot.
7. Pick or deadhead flowers to keep new ones coming; young leaves taste milder.

Common problems

Pets

ASPCA lists garden nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Large amounts of any plant can still upset a pet's stomach; if in doubt, ask your vet.

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