Are Nasturtiums Perennial?
Most nasturtiums are not perennial.
In the UK, the vast majority of nasturtiums are grown as annual plants, meaning they complete their life cycle in one season and do not return the following year.
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Nasturtiums are cheerful, edible flowers with bright colours and peppery taste — easy to grow in beds, containers, and hanging baskets.
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A mix of vibrant nasturtium seeds — perfect for sowing directly outdoors or under cover early in the season.
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• Nasturtium Plug Plants / Young Seedlings
Healthy young nasturtium plants ready to transplant into borders or containers for instant summer colour.
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• Well-Draining Flower & Annual Compost
Light, nutrient-balanced compost ideal for nurturing nasturtium roots and encouraging healthy growth.
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• Grow Lights for Early Sowing
Bright LED grow lights that help keep indoors-sown nasturtiums strong and stocky before planting outside.
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• Decorative Pots & Planters for Nasturtiums
Attractive containers that show off nasturtium blooms on patios, balconies, or windowsills.
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However, there is one important exception, which can cause confusion.
Are Common Garden Nasturtiums Perennial?
No. Common garden nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus and Tropaeolum minus) are annuals.
- They grow from seed in spring
- Flower throughout summer
- Are killed by the first frost
- Do not survive winter in the UK
These are the nasturtiums most people grow in pots, borders, hanging baskets, and allotments.
Do Nasturtiums Come Back Every Year?
Not usually — but they often self-seed.
- Seeds fall to the soil in autumn
- New plants may appear the following spring
- This can make them seem perennial
Self-seeded plants usually germinate once the soil warms, often later than deliberately sown seeds.
Is There a Perennial Nasturtium?
Yes. Tropaeolum speciosum, commonly known as the flame flower or hardy nasturtium, is a true perennial.
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March is when the growing season truly begins. Seeds are being sown daily, beds are prepared and late frosts are still possible — these essentials help produce strong plants and a successful start.
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Spring Vegetable Seeds — carrots, beetroot, peas, spinach and salads can all be started now. 👉
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Garden Kneeler & Seat — makes long sowing and planting sessions far more comfortable. 👉
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- Hardy in most parts of the UK
- Dies back in winter and regrows in spring
- Climbs and scrambles through shrubs and trellis
- Has vivid red flowers in summer
This plant behaves very differently from common annual nasturtiums and prefers cool, moist, partially shaded conditions.
Why Nasturtiums Are Grown as Annuals in the UK
Most nasturtiums originate from warmer climates and are:
- Frost tender
- Fast growing
- Easy to replace each year
Because they grow quickly and flower for months, treating them as annuals is simple and reliable.
Can Nasturtiums Be Overwintered?
Annual nasturtiums cannot survive frost, but you can:
- Collect seeds in autumn
- Store them dry over winter
- Sow again in spring
This is the most practical way to grow nasturtiums year after year.
Final Thoughts: Are Nasturtiums Perennial?
In summary:
- Most nasturtiums are annuals, not perennials
- They often self-seed, giving the impression they return
- Tropaeolum speciosum is a true perennial and hardy in the UK
For most gardeners, nasturtiums are best treated as colourful, easy annuals that can be resown each spring.