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.
- 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.