Growing Nasturtiums: A Complete Guide for Easy, Colourful Flowers

Growing nasturtiums is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to add colour, edible flowers, and wildlife value to your garden. Nasturtiums are fast-growing annuals that thrive in UK conditions, need very little care, and suit pots, borders, hanging baskets, and allotments. They are ideal for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

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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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This guide explains everything you need to know about growing nasturtiums successfully, from sowing and planting to care, flowering, and common mistakes.

Why Grow Nasturtiums?

Nasturtiums are popular because they are:

Easy to grow from seed
Fast growing
Long flowering
Suitable for poor soil
Fully edible (leaves, flowers, seeds)
Excellent for pollinators
Ideal for companion planting

They bring colour and usefulness to the garden with minimal effort.

When to Grow Nasturtiums (UK)

Nasturtiums are frost tender, so timing is important.

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

Outdoor sowing should only be done once the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.

How to Grow Nasturtiums from Seed

Nasturtiums are almost always grown from seed.

Indoor sowing

Sow one seed per pot
Plant seeds about 2cm deep
Keep in a bright, frost-free place
Harden off before planting outside

Outdoor sowing

Sow directly where plants will grow
Space seeds 20–30cm apart
Protect seedlings from slugs

Seeds usually germinate in 7–14 days.

Where to Grow Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums grow best in:

Full sun
Free-draining soil
Poor to moderately fertile ground

Avoid rich soil and fertiliser, as this encourages leafy growth with fewer flowers.

They are perfect for:

Pots and containers
Hanging baskets
Raised beds
Borders
Allotments

Types of Nasturtiums

There are several main types:

Dwarf (bush) nasturtiums – compact, ideal for pots
Trailing nasturtiums – spill over containers and walls
Climbing nasturtiums – scramble through trellis and fences

Choose the type based on available space.

Watering Nasturtiums

Water regularly while young
Once established, water sparingly
Avoid waterlogged soil

Nasturtiums are drought tolerant once settled.

Do Nasturtiums Need Feeding?

No. Nasturtiums do not need feeding.

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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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Fertiliser reduces flowering
Poor soil produces better blooms

In pots, a very light feed may be used sparingly, but it is usually unnecessary.

How Tall Do Nasturtiums Grow?

Dwarf varieties: 25–30cm
Trailing varieties: 1.5–3 metres
Climbing varieties: Up to 3 metres with support

Always check seed packets for size details.

Flowering and Ongoing Care

Nasturtiums flower for a long season.

To keep them flowering:

Deadhead spent blooms
Pick flowers regularly
Avoid letting plants set seed too early

This encourages continuous flowering until the first frost.

Are Nasturtiums Edible?

Yes. All parts are edible.

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

They are popular in salads, garnishes, and summer dishes.

Are Nasturtiums Good for Wildlife?

Yes. Nasturtiums 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 used in companion planting with vegetables.

Common Problems When Growing Nasturtiums

Lots of leaves, few flowers

Soil too rich
Overfeeding

Poor germination

Cold or wet soil
Sown too early

Weak growth

Too much shade
Overwatering

Do Nasturtiums Self-Seed?

Yes. If flowers are left to set seed:

Seeds drop naturally
New plants may appear the following year

This can make them seem perennial, even though most are annuals.

Are Nasturtiums Suitable for Beginners?

Absolutely. Nasturtiums are one of the best plants for beginners because they:

Grow quickly
Tolerate poor soil
Need very little care
Flower for months

They are also great for children and first-time gardeners.

Final Thoughts on Growing Nasturtiums

Growing nasturtiums is simple, reliable, and incredibly rewarding. With minimal care, they provide months of colour, edible flowers, and wildlife benefits. Whether grown in pots, borders, or allotments, nasturtiums prove that easy plants can still deliver outstanding results.

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