Nasturtium Leaf: Uses, Taste, Benefits, and How to Grow Them
The nasturtium leaf is one of the most distinctive and useful parts of the nasturtium plant. Instantly recognisable by its round, shield-like shape and bright green colour, the leaf is not only attractive in the garden but also completely edible. Nasturtium leaves are valued for their bold flavour, ease of growth, and versatility in both ornamental and edible gardens.
Keter Manor Outdoor Apex Double Door Garden Storage Shed (6 x 8ft)
A durable and stylish beige and brown garden storage shed perfect for storing garden tools, equipment, bikes, and outdoor essentials. Weather-resistant, low maintenance, and ideal for any garden or allotment setup.
Vegetable Plants & Seedlings
Browse Plants
All-Purpose Compost & Soil Improvers
View Compost
Plant Feed & Fertiliser for Strong Growth
Shop Fertiliser
⭐ Recommended Products — 🌿 Nasturtiums & Growing Essentials
Nasturtiums are cheerful, edible flowers with bright colours and peppery taste — easy to grow in beds, containers, and hanging baskets.
• Nasturtium Seed Collection (Mixed Colours)
A mix of vibrant nasturtium seeds — perfect for sowing directly outdoors or under cover early in the season.
👉 Click here to see top options
• Nasturtium Plug Plants / Young Seedlings
Healthy young nasturtium plants ready to transplant into borders or containers for instant summer colour.
👉 Click here to see top options
• Well-Draining Flower & Annual Compost
Light, nutrient-balanced compost ideal for nurturing nasturtium roots and encouraging healthy growth.
👉 Click here to see top options
• Grow Lights for Early Sowing
Bright LED grow lights that help keep indoors-sown nasturtiums strong and stocky before planting outside.
👉 Click here to see top options
• Decorative Pots & Planters for Nasturtiums
Attractive containers that show off nasturtium blooms on patios, balconies, or windowsills.
👉 Click here to see top options
This guide explains what nasturtium leaves are, what they taste like, how to use them, and how to grow and harvest them successfully.
What Is a Nasturtium Leaf?
A nasturtium leaf is a soft, rounded leaf with veins radiating from the centre, giving it a lily-pad or shield-like appearance. Leaves grow on long, fleshy stems and vary in size depending on the variety and growing conditions.
They are produced in abundance throughout the growing season and can be harvested repeatedly without harming the plant.
What Does a Nasturtium Leaf Taste Like?
Nasturtium leaves have a peppery, spicy flavour, often compared to watercress, rocket, or mustard greens.
- Young leaves are milder and fresher
- Mature leaves have a stronger, hotter taste
- Flavour intensifies in sunny, dry conditions
The distinctive taste comes from natural plant compounds also found in brassica vegetables.
Is the Nasturtium Leaf Edible?
Yes. Nasturtium leaves are completely edible and safe to eat when grown without chemical treatments.
They can be eaten:
- Raw
- Lightly cooked
- Chopped or blended
Both garden-grown and container-grown plants produce edible leaves.
How to Use Nasturtium Leaves
Nasturtium leaves are extremely versatile in the kitchen.
Raw uses include:
- Mixed into salads
- Added to sandwiches and wraps
- Used as edible garnishes
- Layered under cheese or cold meats
Cooked uses include:
- Stirred into pasta dishes
- Added to omelettes or frittatas
- Blended into pesto or sauces
- Chopped into herb butter
Cooking softens the peppery heat, making the flavour more subtle.
Health Benefits of Nasturtium Leaves
Nasturtium leaves contain several beneficial nutrients, including:
- Vitamin C
- Antioxidants
- Natural antimicrobial compounds
Historically, they were used in herbal traditions to support immune and respiratory health, though they should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet rather than as medicine.
How to Grow Nasturtiums for Leaves
Nasturtiums are very easy to grow and thrive in UK conditions.
They grow best in:
- Full sun
- Free-draining soil
- Poor to moderately fertile ground
Avoid rich soil and fertilisers, as these can reduce flavour and encourage excessive growth.
When to Harvest Nasturtium Leaves
Leaves can be harvested:
- From early summer onwards
- As soon as plants are well established
For best results:
- Pick young, tender leaves
- Harvest regularly
- Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time
Regular harvesting encourages fresh growth.
Do Nasturtium Leaves Regrow After Picking?
Yes. Nasturtiums respond very well to frequent picking.
- New leaves grow quickly
- Plants stay bushy and productive
- Harvesting helps prevent plants becoming leggy
This makes them ideal for cut-and-come-again harvesting.
Common Problems With Nasturtium Leaves
Lots of leaves, few flowers
- Soil too rich
- Excess feeding
Small or bitter leaves
- Drought stress
- Overcrowding
Aphids
Nasturtiums attract aphids but are often used as trap plants to protect nearby crops.
Are Nasturtium Leaves Good for Wildlife?
Yes. Nasturtium leaves help support garden wildlife by:
- Providing shelter for insects
- Supporting pollinators indirectly
- Acting as sacrificial plants for pests
They are commonly grown in wildlife-friendly and vegetable gardens.
Are Nasturtium Leaves Suitable for Beginners?
Absolutely. Nasturtiums are ideal for beginners because they:
- Grow quickly from seed
- Require minimal care
- Produce edible leaves for months
- Thrive in poor soil
They are also excellent for children and first-time edible gardeners.
Final Thoughts on Nasturtium Leaves
The nasturtium leaf is a perfect example of a plant that combines beauty, flavour, and ease of growing. Easy to harvest, packed with character, and incredibly versatile, nasturtium leaves are a valuable addition to any garden or allotment.
Whether used fresh in salads or grown simply for their attractive foliage, nasturtium leaves offer rewards far beyond their simple appearance.