How to Grow Nasturtiums in January: A Complete Guide for Vibrant, Edible Blooms

Nasturtiums are a favorite among gardeners for their cheerful, trumpet-shaped flowers, colorful foliage, and edible leaves, flowers, and seeds. These versatile plants can thrive in borders, containers, hanging baskets, and even vegetable gardens as companion plants. Starting nasturtiums in January allows you to get a head start on their fast-growing nature, ensuring a profusion of blooms and foliage as the season progresses. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about growing nasturtiums, from seed to flower.

Why Grow Nasturtiums in January?

Nasturtiums grow quickly, but starting them indoors in January ensures they’re ready for early planting outdoors in spring. By sowing early, you can enjoy a longer blooming season, and the plants will establish themselves before pest pressures intensify. Their dual role as ornamental plants and edible companions makes them a versatile addition to any garden.

How to Grow Nasturtiums in January: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choosing the Right Location

Nasturtiums thrive in a variety of settings but perform best in sunny, well-drained areas.

• Sunlight: They require full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates.
• Soil: Nasturtiums prefer well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage with fewer blooms.

2. Starting Nasturtiums from Seeds Indoors

Nasturtium seeds are large, easy to handle, and germinate quickly, making them ideal for beginner gardeners.

• Materials Needed: Seed trays or small pots, seed compost, and nasturtium seeds.
• Steps:
  1. Soak seeds in warm water overnight to soften their hard seed coat and improve germination.
  2. Fill seed trays or pots with moist compost and plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep.
  3. Cover the pots with plastic wrap or a propagator lid to retain moisture.
  4. Place the pots in a bright, cool location with temperatures around 65-70°F (18-21°C).
  5. Germination typically occurs within 7-10 days.

3. Transplanting Seedlings

Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into their final containers.

• Hardening Off: Before planting outdoors, gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days.
• Spacing: Space nasturtium plants 8-12 inches apart for bush varieties and 12-18 inches apart for trailing types.

4. Caring for Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are low-maintenance plants but benefit from regular care to maximize blooms.

• Watering: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
• Feeding: Avoid fertilizing nasturtiums heavily, as this promotes foliage growth over flowers.
• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.

Best Nasturtium Varieties for January Sowing

Here are some of the best nasturtium varieties to grow:

1. ‘Jewel Mix’ – A compact, bushy variety with a mix of bright red, orange, and yellow blooms.
2. ‘Alaska’ – Unique variegated leaves and vibrant flowers, perfect for ornamental displays.
3. ‘Empress of India’ – Deep crimson flowers with dark green foliage, ideal for bold accents.
4. ‘Tom Thumb’ – A dwarf variety with compact growth and vibrant flowers.
5. ‘Peach Melba’ – Cream-colored flowers with a soft peach blush.
6. ‘Trailing Mix’ – A perfect choice for hanging baskets and cascading over edges.
7. ‘Canary Creeper’ – A climbing nasturtium with yellow flowers resembling canaries in flight.
8. ‘Cherry Rose’ – Bright pink-red flowers on bushy plants.
9. ‘Milkmaid’ – Soft cream blooms that add an elegant touch to gardens.
10. ‘Black Velvet’ – Dark maroon blooms with a velvety texture, creating a dramatic effect.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

1. Poor Germination

• Cause: Hard seed coats or inconsistent moisture.
• Solution: Soak seeds overnight before planting and keep the soil evenly moist.

2. Excess Foliage with Few Flowers

• Cause: Over-fertilization.
• Solution: Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers and allow nasturtiums to thrive in moderately fertile soil.

3. Pests

• Aphids: Nasturtiums are prone to aphid infestations. Use insecticidal soap or a strong spray of water to control them.
• Slugs and Snails: Protect young plants with barriers like crushed eggshells or organic slug pellets.

4. Powdery Mildew

• Cause: High humidity or poor air circulation.
• Solution: Space plants adequately and water at the base to keep leaves dry.

Caring for Nasturtiums Through Winter and Beyond

• Companion Planting: Nasturtiums are excellent companions for vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans, as they repel pests such as aphids and whiteflies.
• Self-Seeding: Nasturtiums readily self-seed, ensuring new plants in subsequent seasons if the soil is undisturbed.
• Seed Saving: Collect seeds from mature plants in late summer or fall for planting the following year.

Benefits of Growing Nasturtiums

1. Vibrant Blooms: Nasturtiums come in a wide range of colors, from bright yellows and oranges to deep reds and creamy whites.
2. Edible Flowers: Both the flowers and leaves are edible, adding a peppery flavor to salads, garnishes, and more.
3. Pest Control: Nasturtiums attract aphids and other pests away from nearby plants, acting as a natural trap crop.
4. Pollinator-Friendly: Their colorful blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
5. Low Maintenance: Nasturtiums are drought-tolerant and thrive in poor soils, requiring minimal care.

Top 10 Questions About Growing Nasturtiums in January

1. Can I grow nasturtiums from seed in January?

Yes, starting nasturtium seeds indoors in January ensures healthy plants ready for transplanting in spring.

2. How long do nasturtium seeds take to germinate?

Nasturtium seeds typically germinate within 7-10 days under optimal conditions.

3. Do nasturtiums need full sun?

Yes, nasturtiums thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade in hotter climates.

4. Can nasturtiums grow in pots?

Yes, nasturtiums are excellent for pots and hanging baskets, especially trailing and dwarf varieties.

5. How often should I water nasturtiums?

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as nasturtiums prefer well-drained soil.

6. Are nasturtiums annuals or perennials?

Nasturtiums are typically grown as annuals but can act as perennials in frost-free climates.

7. How do I keep nasturtiums blooming?

Deadhead spent flowers regularly and avoid over-fertilizing to encourage continuous blooms.

8. Are nasturtiums edible?

Yes, the flowers, leaves, and seeds of nasturtiums are edible and have a peppery flavor.

9. How tall do nasturtiums grow?

Depending on the variety, nasturtiums can grow from 6 inches (dwarf types) to 10 feet (trailing types).

10. When can I transplant nasturtiums outdoors?

Transplant nasturtiums outdoors after the last frost, typically in early to mid-spring.

Conclusion

Growing nasturtiums in January is a rewarding way to prepare for a garden filled with vibrant colors, edible blooms, and natural pest control. These versatile plants thrive in various settings and are easy to care for, making them ideal for gardeners of all experience levels. By starting seeds early, choosing the right varieties, and following the tips in this guide, you can enjoy a long season of stunning flowers that enhance your garden’s beauty and functionality.

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Learn how to grow nasturtiums in January with expert advice. Discover the best varieties, planting tips, and answers to common questions for vibrant, edible blooms and natural pest control.