How to Grow Nasturtiums: The Complete Guide

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is a easy-to-grow warm-season flower that thrives in USDA zones 2-11. With the right soil, sunlight, and care, you can harvest fresh nasturtium in as little as 50-65 days. This guide covers everything you need to know about growing nasturtium at home—from planting to harvest.

Overview

Nasturtiums are the ultimate edible flower—peppery blooms, buds, leaves, and even seed pods (poor man's capers) are all delicious. They double as companion plants, attracting aphids away from your vegetables and drawing in pollinators.

When and How to Plant Nasturtiums

Start indoors: 4 weeks before last frost or direct sow. Nasturtium needs full to partial sun and poor to average, ph 6.0-8.0 to thrive. Plant seeds at ½ in depth with 10-12 in between plants.

• Sowing depth: ½ in
• Plant spacing: 10-12 in
• Germination time: 7-12 days
• Days to harvest: 50-65 days
• Best soil: Poor to average, pH 6.0-8.0
• Season: Warm season — zones 2-11

Care and Maintenance

Nasturtium requires moderate watering and full to partial sun. Consistent moisture is especially important during hot summer months when evaporation is high.

• Watering: Moderate — water deeply at the base, not overhead, to prevent leaf disease
• Mulching: Apply 2-3 inches of straw or shredded leaves to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
• Feeding: Apply balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea every 3-4 weeks during active growth
• Watch for deficiencies: Yellow leaves = nitrogen, purple stems = phosphorus, brown leaf edges = potassium

Pro Tips

Poor soil produces more flowers; rich soil produces more leaves. Use as a trap crop—aphids prefer nasturtiums over your vegetables. All parts are edible.

Companion Planting for Nasturtiums

Companion planting improves nasturtium health and yield by attracting beneficial insects, repelling pests, and improving soil. Plant nasturtium alongside these proven companions:

Avoid planting near: These plants compete for nutrients, attract the same pests, or inhibit nasturtium growth:

Common Pests and Diseases

Watch for these common problems when growing nasturtium. Early identification and organic prevention methods are key to keeping your plants healthy:

Learn more in our Organic Pest Control Guide.

Harvesting and Storage

Knowing when to harvest nasturtium is crucial for the best flavor and texture. Nasturtium is typically ready to harvest in 50-65 days from planting.

• Harvest timing: Most home gardeners find that harvesting slightly early produces better flavor than letting crops over-mature
• Best time of day: Harvest in the morning when plants are cool and turgid for longest shelf life
• Storage: See our Harvesting and Preserving Guide for freezing, canning, and drying methods

Recommended Varieties

These are the best nasturtium varieties for home gardeners, selected for flavor, disease resistance, and ease of growing:

Frequently Asked Questions About Nasturtiums

How long does it take to grow nasturtium?

Nasturtium takes 50-65 days from planting to harvest. Germination takes 7-12 days. Start indoors 4 weeks before last frost or direct sow for earlier harvests.

What zones can you grow nasturtium in?

Nasturtium grows well in USDA hardiness zones 2-11. It is a warm-season crop that needs full to partial sun.

What should I plant next to nasturtium?

Good companions for nasturtium include Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Squash, Beans. Avoid planting near None.

How much sun does nasturtium need?

Nasturtium requires full to partial sun. Plant in poor to average, ph 6.0-8.0 with 10-12 in spacing between plants.

Related Flowers to Grow