Climbing Nasturtium: How to Grow and Care for Trailing Nasturtiums

Climbing nasturtiums are fast-growing, colourful annual plants that add height, coverage, and edible interest to gardens. Although they are not true climbers, they produce long, flexible stems that happily scramble, trail, and climb through supports, making them ideal for trellis, fences, arches, pergolas, and raised beds.

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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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Easy to grow and perfect for beginners, climbing nasturtiums thrive in UK gardens and reward growers with months of flowers and foliage.

What Is a Climbing Nasturtium?

A climbing nasturtium is a trailing or scrambling variety rather than a self-clinging climber. It does not have tendrils or aerial roots, but its long stems can be gently tied in or allowed to weave through other plants and structures.

Key characteristics include:

  • Long, trailing stems
  • Rounded, shield-shaped leaves
  • Bright flowers in reds, oranges, yellows, and creams
  • Vigorous, spreading growth

All parts of the plant are edible.

How Tall Do Climbing Nasturtiums Grow?

Most climbing nasturtiums grow:

  • 1.5–3 metres long, depending on the variety and growing conditions

They are excellent for covering vertical spaces quickly.

When to Sow Climbing Nasturtiums (UK)

Climbing nasturtiums are frost tender.

  • Sow indoors: March to April
  • Sow outdoors: Late April to May
  • Flowering period: June to October

Outdoor sowing should only take place once the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.

How to Sow Climbing Nasturtium Seeds

Seeds are large and easy to handle.

Indoor sowing

  • Sow one seed per pot
  • Plant around 2cm deep
  • Keep in a bright, frost-free place

Outdoor sowing

  • Sow directly where plants will grow
  • Space seeds 25–30cm apart
  • Protect young seedlings from slugs

Soaking seeds overnight can help speed up germination.

Best Position for Climbing Nasturtiums

Climbing nasturtiums grow best in:

  • Full sun
  • Free-draining soil
  • Poor to moderately fertile ground

Avoid rich soil and fertiliser, as this encourages lots of leaf growth but fewer flowers.

Ideal planting locations include:

  • Trellis and fences
  • Arches and pergolas
  • Raised beds
  • Large containers

Do Climbing Nasturtiums Need Support?

Yes. While they will sprawl naturally, they perform best when guided.

Suitable supports include:

  • Trellis panels
  • Garden canes
  • Netting
  • Wire fencing

Tie stems loosely with soft ties to avoid damage.

Growing Climbing Nasturtiums in Pots

Climbing nasturtiums grow well in containers if given space and support.

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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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Tips for success:

  • Use large pots with good drainage
  • Avoid nutrient-rich compost
  • Add support early to guide growth

Trailing stems can also be allowed to spill over the edges.

Watering and Feeding

Climbing nasturtiums are low maintenance.

  • Water regularly while young
  • Once established, water sparingly
  • Do not feed with fertiliser

Too much water or feeding reduces flowering and weakens growth.

Flowering and Ongoing Care

Climbing nasturtiums usually flower:

  • From early summer until the first frost

To keep plants flowering:

  • Deadhead spent blooms
  • Pick flowers regularly
  • Avoid letting seeds form too early

Are Climbing Nasturtiums Edible?

Yes. All parts of the plant are edible.

  • Leaves: Peppery, similar to watercress
  • Flowers: Mild, decorative, slightly sweet
  • Seeds: Can be pickled and used like capers

Harvesting regularly encourages fresh growth.

Are Climbing Nasturtiums Good for Wildlife?

Yes. They are excellent for wildlife-friendly gardens.

They:

  • Attract bees and pollinators
  • Provide shelter with dense foliage
  • Act as trap plants for aphids

They are often grown near vegetables to protect crops.

Common Problems With Climbing Nasturtiums

Lots of leaves, few flowers

  • Soil too rich
  • Excess feeding

Weak or floppy growth

  • Too much shade
  • Overwatering

Aphids
Often attracted, but useful as a trap plant.

Do Climbing Nasturtiums Self-Seed?

Yes. If seeds are left to mature:

  • They drop naturally
  • New plants may appear the following year

Self-seeded plants often grow vigorously.

Are Climbing Nasturtiums Suitable for Beginners?

Absolutely. They are:

  • Easy to grow from seed
  • Fast growing
  • Low maintenance
  • Highly rewarding

Ideal for UK gardens, allotments, and vertical growing spaces.

Final Thoughts on Climbing Nasturtiums

Climbing nasturtiums are one of the easiest ways to add height, colour, and edible value to a garden. Whether trained up supports or allowed to scramble freely, they deliver months of interest with very little effort.

For a cheerful, productive, and versatile climber-style plant, climbing nasturtiums are hard to beat.

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