Indian Cress - this is a vigorous trailing grower, good for a large garden; it’s also known as the common garden nasturtium. The flowers come in shades of orange, yellow and red and it should flower all summer. This is an ideal plant to train up a trellis or fence. Dwarf nasturtium - a small bush variety, better for a smaller garden space. It has a wide range of flower shades and is easy to control in the garden. Peach Melba - has yellow flowers with orange-red centers, a popular addition to salads. Salmon Baby - has a unique orange-pink hue that looks great in the garden.
Plant each seed in a peat pot, which can be transplanted directly to the ground to avoid disturbing the roots. Use seed substrate, rather than potting soil. Keep the seeds in a bright window, and keep the peat moist. Plant the seedlings after the last frost of the spring has passed.
Nasturtiums don’t mind growing in a container; they’ll flower just as profusely in a container as in the ground. Hanging baskets are also an ideal choice.
You can nick the seeds or soak them in warm water overnight to help them germinate more quickly. [1] X Research source Direct sown seeds should sprout in seven to ten days.
Press your finger into the soil to see if it’s time to water. If the soil feels dusty and dry, it’s time. If it feels moist just below the surface, wait a day or two. Water around the roots, rather than from above. Water in the morning so the plants dry out completely before nightfall. Too much moisture around nightfall could cause the plants to grow mold.
Many gardeners plant nasturtium on the borders of their gardens to keep pests away from crops like cabbage, squash, and eggplant. Gardeners who employ this method should be sure to check the plant for pests once a week and remove them as necessary.
Eat the leaves and petals as part of a mixed green salad. Pair them with sweeter greens, like spinach, to offset the peppery taste. Mix chopped leaves or petals into potato or egg salad. Add leaves or petals to vegetarian sandwiches. Use whole flowers as a garnish for salads, pastas and even sweet desserts, like cupcakes.
