Nasturtium

Growing

Sow your seeds directly into the garden once the soil has warmed, as these plants prefer to grow where they are originally placed. Because they can either trail along the ground or climb, you should provide a trellis or support if you want to encourage a vertical growth habit. While they are excellent for attracting pollinators to your garden, be aware that certain moth larvae, such as the large white or cabbage white, may use the foliage as a food source.

To ensure the best results, maintain a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 and avoid waterlogged conditions. These plants thrive in low-water environments and do not require heavy or frequent irrigation. When you are ready to eat, harvest the flowers when they are fully open and ready to use, as they will not continue to ripen once picked.

If you have an abundance, you can store your harvest by blanching the edible parts before placing them in the freezer. For other uses, you may also preserve them through canning or drying. Always keep the flowers unwashed until you are ready to use them to help maintain their quality.