Nasturtiums are fast-growing annuals with round leaves and bright orange, yellow and red flowers. The leaves, flowers and seed pods are edible, with a peppery flavor. They come in upright, trailing and climbing types, so they suit beds, baskets and trellises. This page covers sowing, spacing, care, the main pests and how to use the edible parts.
Nasturtium at a glance
| Type | Flower |
|---|---|
| Season | Warm-season |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Plant spacing | 10 in |
| Row spacing | 12 in |
| Per square foot | 1 |
| Seed depth | ¾ in |
| Days to maturity | Edible leaves within weeks of sowing |
| How to start | Plant nasturtium seeds directly in the ground after the last frost, once the soil is warm, according to University of Nebraska Extension. |
| Water | 1 in per week |
These are the same numbers our plant spacing, square foot and harvest date calculators use. See every crop in the plant database.
When to plant nasturtium
Plant nasturtium seeds directly in the ground after the last frost, once the soil is warm, according to University of Nebraska Extension. Use the frost dates by ZIP code tool and the planting calendar to find your date.
How to plant nasturtium
- Plant seeds ½ to 1 inch deep. The seeds need darkness to germinate, so keep the soil moist.
- Space them. Sow about one seed every 5 inches in rows, then thin to 8 to 12 inches between plants. In a 10-inch container, thin to 3 to 5 plants. Use the plant spacing calculator.
- Choose full sun. Give 6 to 8 or more hours of direct sun. Partial sun works but gives fewer flowers. Provide some wind protection.
- Use fertile, well-drained soil. Spade the bed 6 to 8 inches deep and mix in about 2 inches of organic matter. Garden soil is not recommended for containers.
Caring for nasturtium
Water about 1 inch per week, moistening the soil 6 to 8 inches deep, and let it dry slightly between waterings. Water in the morning. Nasturtiums tolerate dry, hot conditions well, so do not overwater. The garden watering calculator helps you plan.
Choose the type to match the space: upright plants for borders, trailing plants for baskets and slopes, and climbing plants for a trellis.
Companion plants
| Grow nearby | Cucumbers, squash, lettuce, radishes and other vegetables |
|---|---|
| Keep apart | Nothing in particular, though crowding invites aphids |
Nasturtiums are often grown among vegetables as a colorful edible companion; our <a href='https://gardenvoila.com/blog/nasturtium-companion-plants/'>nasturtium companion plants guide</a> covers pairings in detail. Check other pairings with the companion plant finder.
Common problems
| Problem | What you see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Mottled or puckered leaves and clusters of small insects | Aphids suck plant juices. Rinse them off with a strong spray of water or use insecticidal soap. See the pest identifier. |
| Cabbageworms | Holes chewed in the leaves | Caterpillars of cabbage white butterflies. Hand-pick them off the plants. |
| Poor germination | Seeds do not sprout | Seeds need darkness, so cover them with ½ to 1 inch of soil and keep it moist. |
| Few flowers | Lots of leaves but few blooms | Usually too little sun. Move to a spot with 6 or more hours of direct sun. |
Not sure what you are looking at? The plant problem identifier ranks likely causes from the symptoms you see.
When and how to harvest
The leaves, flowers and seed pods of nasturtium are edible. Pick young leaves and open flowers for salads and garnishes, and rinse them first. Only eat plants you are sure have not been sprayed with pesticides.
Picking flowers regularly encourages more blooms. Let a few mature if you want to collect seeds for next year.
Plan your nasturtium
- Plant spacing calculator: how many plants fit your bed
- Planting calendar: sowing and transplant dates for your frost dates
- Frost dates by ZIP code: your last spring and first fall frost
- Harvest date calculator: when your crop will be ready
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should I plant nasturtiums?
Space nasturtiums 10 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart. In a square foot garden, plant 1 per square foot.
How deep do I plant nasturtium seeds?
Plant nasturtium seeds ½ to 1 inch deep because they need darkness to germinate; keep the soil moist.
How long do nasturtiums take to grow?
Nasturtiums grow quickly from seed, and the edible leaves and flowers can be picked within weeks of sowing.
How much water do nasturtiums need?
About 1 inch of water a week, from rain and watering combined. Water about 1 inch per week in the morning; let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
Are nasturtiums edible?
Yes. The leaves, flowers and seed pods are edible. Only eat plants that have not been sprayed with pesticides.
How deep do I plant nasturtium seeds?
About ½ to 1 inch deep. Seeds need darkness to germinate, so cover them and keep the soil moist.
What pests attack nasturtiums?
Mainly aphids, which leave mottled or puckered leaves, and cabbageworm caterpillars.