Nasturtium Leaves: Uses, Taste, Benefits, and How to Grow Them
Nasturtium leaves are one of the most underrated edible leaves you can grow in the garden. While the bright, colourful flowers often steal the attention, the leaves are just as useful, offering a distinctive peppery flavour, attractive appearance, and impressive ease of growth. Whether you’re interested in edible gardening, companion planting, or simply growing low-maintenance plants, nasturtium leaves deserve a place in your plot or pots.
⭐ Recommended Products — 🌿 Nasturtiums & Growing Essentials
⭐ Recommended Products — Garden & Allotment Essentials for March
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.
Seed Trays, Modules & Propagation Kits — perfect for tomatoes, brassicas, lettuce, onions and flowers. 👉
Click here to see top options
Heated Propagators, Heat Mats & Grow Lights — improves germination and prevents leggy seedlings during cold nights. 👉
Click here to see top options
Seed & Cutting Compost — essential for healthy seedlings and strong root growth. 👉
Click here to see top options
Garden Fleece & Plant Protection Covers — protects seedlings, potatoes and early plantings from late frost. 👉
Click here to see top options
Spring Vegetable Seeds — carrots, beetroot, peas, spinach and salads can all be started now. 👉
Click here to see top options
Garden Kneeler & Seat — makes long sowing and planting sessions far more comfortable. 👉
Click here to see top options
Pressure Washer (Greenhouse & Patio Cleaning) — clean patios, paths and greenhouses before planting. 👉
Click here to see top options
Solar Garden Lights — perfect for enjoying the garden during brighter spring evenings. 👉
Click here to see top options
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 explores everything you need to know about nasturtium leaves, including how they taste, how to use them in the kitchen, their nutritional benefits, and how to grow and harvest them successfully.
What Are Nasturtium Leaves?
Nasturtium leaves come from the nasturtium plant, an annual that is widely grown in gardens for its fast growth, trailing habit, and vibrant flowers. The leaves are round, soft, and often described as lily-pad shaped, with veins radiating from the centre of the leaf.
They grow on long, juicy stems and can vary slightly in size and thickness depending on growing conditions. Both the leaves and flowers are edible, making nasturtiums a popular choice for ornamental kitchen gardens and allotments.
What Do Nasturtium Leaves Taste Like?
Nasturtium leaves have a fresh, peppery flavour that is often compared to watercress, rocket, or mustard greens. The taste comes from natural compounds called glucosinolates, which are also found in other brassica-style vegetables.
- Young leaves are mild and slightly spicy
- Mature leaves have a stronger, more pronounced peppery bite
- The flavour intensifies in hot, sunny weather
This bold taste makes nasturtium leaves ideal for adding interest to salads and savoury dishes without the need for additional seasoning.
Are Nasturtium Leaves Edible?
Yes, nasturtium leaves are completely edible and safe to eat when grown organically and free from chemical treatments. They have been eaten for centuries and were historically valued for both culinary and medicinal uses.
All parts of the plant are edible:
- Leaves
- Flowers
- Seeds
However, the leaves are the most commonly used part due to their abundance and versatility.
Health Benefits of Nasturtium Leaves
Nasturtium leaves are not just tasty — they also offer several nutritional benefits.
They are:
- High in vitamin C
- Rich in antioxidants
- Naturally antimicrobial
- Supportive of immune health
Traditionally, nasturtium leaves were used in herbal remedies for respiratory infections and general wellness. While they shouldn’t replace medical treatment, they can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet.
How to Use Nasturtium Leaves in Cooking
Nasturtium leaves are incredibly versatile in the kitchen and can be used in many ways.
Raw Uses
- Torn into green salads
- Added to sandwiches and wraps
- Used as a garnish for soups and savoury dishes
- Layered under cheese or cold meats
Cooked Uses
- Stirred into pasta dishes at the last minute
- Chopped into omelettes or frittatas
- Blended into pesto or sauces
- Used in herb butter or soft cheese
Cooking mellows the peppery flavour slightly, making the leaves more subtle and rounded in taste.
Nasturtium Leaves in Salads
One of the most popular uses for nasturtium leaves is in salads. Their round shape makes them visually striking, while their flavour adds depth.
They pair particularly well with:
- Lettuce and spinach
- Tomatoes and cucumbers
- Soft cheeses
- Citrus dressings
Using a mix of young and medium-sized leaves creates a balance of flavour without overpowering the dish.
Can You Eat Nasturtium Leaves Every Day?
Nasturtium leaves are safe to eat regularly in moderate amounts. As with all strong-flavoured greens, variety is key. Their peppery nature means a little goes a long way, and mixing them with milder leaves creates a better overall balance.
People with sensitive stomachs may prefer younger leaves, which are gentler and easier to digest.
How to Grow Nasturtiums for Their Leaves
Growing nasturtiums for their leaves is extremely easy, even for beginner gardeners.
They prefer:
- Full sun or light shade
- Poor to moderately fertile soil
- Free-draining conditions
Rich soil encourages excess leaf growth at the expense of flowers, but this can actually be beneficial if your main aim is harvesting leaves.
When to Sow Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are frost-tender and should only be sown once the risk of frost has passed.
- Sow indoors: March to April
- Sow outdoors: April to May
Seeds germinate quickly, usually within 7–14 days, and plants grow fast once established.
Growing Nasturtium Leaves in Pots
Nasturtiums are ideal for container growing.
To grow them successfully in pots:
- Use containers with good drainage
- Avoid high-nutrient compost
- Water during dry spells
Trailing varieties work well in hanging baskets, producing cascades of leaves that are easy to harvest.
Watering and Feeding Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are drought tolerant once established.
- Water regularly when young
- Reduce watering once plants are established
- Avoid feeding with fertiliser
Overfeeding leads to lush growth but weaker flavour and fewer flowers.
Harvesting Nasturtium Leaves
Harvesting nasturtium leaves is simple and encourages new growth.
- Pick leaves regularly
- Choose young, healthy leaves
- Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time
Frequent harvesting keeps plants productive and prevents them becoming leggy.
Do Nasturtium Leaves Regrow After Picking?
Yes. Nasturtiums respond very well to regular picking. Removing leaves encourages the plant to produce fresh shoots and new foliage throughout the growing season.
This makes them ideal for cut-and-come-again harvesting.
Common Problems With Nasturtium Leaves
Nasturtiums are generally trouble-free, but a few issues can occur.
Lots of Leaves, Few Flowers
- Soil too rich
- Too much shade
Small or Bitter Leaves
- Drought stress
- Overcrowding
Pests
Aphids are attracted to nasturtiums, but this can be useful as they act as a trap plant, drawing pests away from other crops.
Are Nasturtium Leaves Good for Wildlife?
Yes. Nasturtiums support wildlife in several ways.
- Flowers attract pollinators
- Dense foliage provides cover
- Trap aphids away from vegetables
They are often used as companion plants in vegetable gardens.
Can You Freeze or Preserve Nasturtium Leaves?
Nasturtium leaves are best used fresh, but they can be preserved in a few ways.
- Blended into pesto and frozen
- Chopped and mixed with butter
- Infused into oils or vinegar
Freezing whole leaves is not recommended, as they lose texture.
Nasturtium Leaves vs Flowers
While both are edible, the leaves and flowers serve slightly different purposes.
- Leaves: peppery, savoury, versatile
- Flowers: mild, decorative, slightly sweet
Using both together creates attractive and flavourful dishes.
Are Nasturtium Leaves Suitable for Beginners?
Absolutely. Nasturtiums are one of the easiest edible plants to grow.
They:
- Grow quickly
- Need very little care
- Thrive in poor soil
- Produce edible leaves for months
This makes them perfect for beginners, children, and low-maintenance gardens.
Final Thoughts on Nasturtium Leaves
Nasturtium leaves are a brilliant example of a plant that is both beautiful and useful. Easy to grow, packed with flavour, and highly productive, they offer months of harvest from a single sowing.
Whether you’re adding them to salads, growing them as companion plants, or simply enjoying their lush foliage, nasturtium leaves prove that edible gardening doesn’t need to be complicated to be rewarding.