Nasturtiums in the UK: How to Grow, Care for, and Use Nasturtiums Successfully

Nasturtiums are one of the most popular and reliable flowers to grow in the UK. Loved for their bright, cheerful blooms, fast growth, and edible leaves and flowers, nasturtiums are ideal for beginners, allotments, wildlife gardens, and low-maintenance planting schemes. They thrive in the British climate and perform well in borders, pots, hanging baskets, and raised beds.

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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 in the UK, from sowing and care to flowering, common problems, and uses.

Why Grow Nasturtiums in the UK?

Nasturtiums are perfectly suited to UK growing conditions. They cope well with variable weather, grow quickly in summer warmth, and require very little attention once established.

Benefits of growing nasturtiums include:

  • Easy to grow from seed
  • Long flowering season
  • Suitable for poor soils
  • Excellent for pollinators
  • Fully edible plant
  • Ideal for pots and small gardens

They are a great choice for gardeners who want reliable colour without complicated care.

When to Sow Nasturtiums in the UK

Nasturtiums are frost tender, so timing is important.

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

Outdoor sowing should only be done once the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Nasturtiums grow quickly, so there is little advantage in sowing too early.

How to Grow Nasturtiums in the UK

Nasturtiums are usually grown from seed and can be started indoors or sown directly outside.

Seeds should be sown about 2cm deep and spaced well to allow airflow. They dislike root disturbance, so sowing directly where they will grow often gives the best results.

Soaking seeds overnight can help speed up germination, especially in cooler springs.

Best Position for Nasturtiums

In the UK, nasturtiums grow best in:

  • Full sun
  • Light or moderately fertile soil
  • Free-draining ground

Avoid rich soil or heavy feeding, as this leads to lots of leaves and fewer flowers. Nasturtiums actually flower better in poorer soil.

They are suitable for:

  • Borders
  • Raised beds
  • Containers and pots
  • Hanging baskets
  • Allotments

Types of Nasturtiums Grown in the UK

There are several types commonly grown by UK gardeners:

  • Dwarf (bush) nasturtiums – compact and tidy, ideal for pots and borders
  • Trailing nasturtiums – spill over containers and baskets
  • Climbing nasturtiums – scramble through trellis, fences, and arches

All types grow well in the UK when planted after frost risk has passed.

Watering and Feeding Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are low-maintenance plants.

  • Water regularly while young
  • Once established, they are drought tolerant
  • Avoid feeding with fertiliser

Overwatering and feeding reduce flowering and weaken growth.

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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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Flowering Season in the UK

Nasturtiums typically flower from early summer through to autumn, often until the first frost.

Deadheading spent flowers encourages continuous blooming, but even without deadheading, nasturtiums usually flower freely for months.

Are Nasturtiums Good for Wildlife?

Yes. Nasturtiums are excellent for wildlife-friendly UK gardens.

They:

  • Attract bees and pollinators
  • Provide shelter with dense foliage
  • Act as trap plants for aphids

This makes them useful companions in vegetable gardens and allotments.

Are Nasturtiums Edible?

Yes. All parts of the nasturtium plant 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, summer dishes, and edible garden displays.

Common Problems With Nasturtiums in the UK

Nasturtiums are generally trouble-free, but a few issues can occur.

Lots of leaves, few flowers

  • Soil too rich
  • Too much shade

Poor germination

  • Cold or wet soil
  • Sown too early

Aphids
Nasturtiums attract aphids but are often used intentionally to draw pests away from other plants.

Do Nasturtiums Self-Seed in the UK?

Yes. Nasturtiums often self-seed if seed pods are left on the plant.

  • Seeds fall to the ground
  • New plants may appear the following spring
  • Self-seeded plants usually germinate once soil warms

This is common in borders and gravel gardens.

Are Nasturtiums Suitable for UK Beginners?

Absolutely. Nasturtiums are one of the best flowers for beginner gardeners in the UK.

They:

  • Grow quickly
  • Tolerate poor soil
  • Need minimal care
  • Flower for months

They are ideal for children, first-time gardeners, and low-maintenance plots.

Final Thoughts on Nasturtiums in the UK

Nasturtiums are a perfect match for UK gardens. Easy to grow, colourful, edible, and wildlife-friendly, they offer huge rewards for very little effort. Whether grown in pots, borders, or allotments, nasturtiums provide long-lasting summer colour and practical benefits.

For a reliable, cheerful plant that thrives in British conditions, nasturtiums are hard to beat.

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