How to Grow Nasturtium Plants
If there is a secret flower in the gardening world, it is Nasturtiums. These
easy to grow annuals offer a lot of benefits to you the gardener and to other
plants in your garden. Here are some of the benefits you enjoy with these
flowers, err vegetables, err.....
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An easy and quick growing annual.
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Edible leaves to spice up salads
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A companion plant that helps to ward off insect pests.
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A plant that prefers to be ignored. It thrives best in poor and dry soils.
Planting:
Nasturtiums are fast growing and can be directly seed into your garden. Sow
Nasturtium seeds after the last frost date for your area. Depending upon
soil temperature when planted, they will usually come up in a week to ten
days, sometimes less.
Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 10 to 12 inches apart.
Nasturtium plants grow very well in poor soils, and like dry soils. So you
can plant these versatile flowers in areas where other flowers and vegetables
would fare poorly.
Varieties:
There are two types of Nasturtium, a regular plant which grows 6 to 10 inches
and vining type which will grow to about 15 inches.
Growing Nasturtium Plants:
Nasturtiums are a flower and a vegetable that begs to be ignored. Grow them
in poor soils and if anything, keep the soil dry. Don't bother with mulch,
compost and fertilizers. They do like full sun, but will tolerate partial
shade. They make great plants for those areas in your garden that other plants
refuse to grow in.
Just remember, keep the soil dry and they will grow well.
Harvesting:
The flowers make for good color in the garden, but are not great for harvesting
and vases.
The edible leaves can be harvested as soon as several leaves are on the plant.
Like any leaf type of plant, they taste better when young and older leaves
can be bitter. Related to the cress family, Nasturtiums have a slightly pepper
taste. The flowers are also edible, but have less taste. Try using the seeds
in pickling for a somewhat different taste.
Hardiness:
Like any annual, Nasturtiums are susceptible to frost. If they are still
blooming as fall arrives, cover them on cold nights. If you plant them in
a flower garden along your house, they just might be the last vegetable you
harvest in the fall.
Companion Planting:
Nasturtium are believed to be excellent companion plants. Their peppery leaves
ward off insects. Among those common pests which nasturtium are believed
to deter are cucumber beetles and squash vine borers.
More Information:
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How
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