If you’re looking to boost your garden’s health, beauty, and productivity, nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are a must-have. These vibrant, easy-to-grow plants are more than just a pretty face—they’re powerhouse companion plants that support your garden’s ecosystem while adding a splash of color and even edible flair. In this blog post, we’ll explore why nasturtiums are stellar companion plants and share practical tips on how to grow them successfully.
Why Nasturtiums Are Great Companion Plants
Nasturtiums are like the Swiss Army knife of the garden: versatile, hardworking, and low-maintenance. Here’s why they’re a top choice for companion planting:
1. Natural Pest Repellent: Nasturtiums act as a “trap crop,” luring pests like aphids, whiteflies, and cucumber beetles away from your main crops, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, or brassicas (cabbage, broccoli). Their strong scent and appeal to pests make them a sacrificial shield, protecting your veggies.
2. Pollinator Magnet: With their bright orange, yellow, and red blooms, nasturtiums attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, boosting pollination for fruiting plants like squash, beans, and peppers.
3. Soil Improvement: Nasturtiums’ sprawling growth shades the soil, reducing weed growth and retaining moisture. Their roots also help break up compacted soil, improving structure over time.
4. Disease Suppression: Some studies suggest nasturtiums may deter fungal diseases when planted near susceptible crops, thanks to their natural compounds.
5. Edible and Ornamental: Both the leaves and flowers are edible, with a peppery flavor perfect for salads or garnishes. Plus, their vibrant blooms add a cheerful aesthetic to any garden bed or border.
Best Companion Pairings: Plant nasturtiums near tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, brassicas, or beans to maximize their pest-repelling and pollinator-attracting benefits. Avoid planting them too close to crops that need heavy feeding (like corn), as they can compete for nutrients in poor soil.
How to Grow Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are beginner-friendly and thrive in a variety of conditions. Whether you’re growing them in a garden bed, container, or hanging basket, here’s everything you need to know to get started.
1. First, order nasturtium seeds from our catalog! ⬇️ https://kidseedco.com/products/nasturtium?_pos=1&_sid=ad05d1f71&_ss=r
2. Planting Nasturtiums
• When to Plant: Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost, when soil temperatures reach 55–65°F (13–18°C). In mild climates, you can plant in early spring or fall.
• Where to Plant: Nasturtiums prefer full sun (6+ hours daily) but tolerate partial shade, though they may produce fewer flowers. They’re not picky about soil and actually thrive in poor to moderately fertile, well-draining soil. Rich soil leads to more foliage but fewer blooms.
• How to Plant:
• Soak seeds overnight to speed germination (which takes 7–14 days).
• Sow seeds ½–1 inch deep and 10–12 inches apart for bushy varieties, or 12–18 inches for trailing ones.
• If starting indoors, use biodegradable pots to avoid disturbing roots during transplanting, and move them outside 4–6 weeks after sowing.
3. Caring for Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are low-maintenance, but a little attention goes a long way:
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once established, nasturtiums are drought-tolerant and need watering only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Fertilizing: Skip heavy fertilizers, as they promote leafy growth over flowers. If your soil is very poor, use a low-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10) sparingly.
• Pruning: Pinch back young plants to encourage bushiness. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming, unless you want seeds for next season.
• Pest and Disease Control: Nasturtiums are generally pest-resistant, but watch for aphids or caterpillars. Hand-pick pests or use insecticidal soap. Avoid overhead watering to prevent powdery mildew.
4. Harvesting and Using Nasturtiums
• Flowers and Leaves: Harvest young leaves and flowers for culinary use. They add a peppery kick to salads, sandwiches, or pesto. Pick in the morning for the best flavor.
• Seeds: Collect mature seeds for replanting or pickle them as a caper substitute.
• Companion Benefits: Let nasturtiums sprawl near crops to maximize their pest-repelling and soil-shading effects.
5. Troubleshooting Common Issues
• Leggy Growth: Too much shade or rich soil can cause sparse blooms and leggy stems. Move to a sunnier spot or reduce fertilization.
• Aphid Overload: If nasturtiums attract too many pests, prune heavily infested areas and rinse with water to keep them manageable.
• Poor Flowering: Overwatering or overly fertile soil may be the culprit. Let soil dry out between waterings and avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.
Tips for Success
• Containers: Nasturtiums shine in pots or window boxes. Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure containers have drainage holes.
• Succession Planting: Sow seeds every 2–3 weeks for continuous blooms throughout the season.
• Winter Care: In frost-free climates, nasturtiums may act as perennials. In colder regions, treat them as annuals or bring potted plants indoors.
Fun Fact: Nasturtiums in History
Nasturtiums, native to South America, were brought to Europe in the 16th century and quickly became a garden favorite. Their name comes from the Latin nasus tortus (“twisted nose”), a nod to their pungent, nose-tingling scent.
Final Thoughts
Nasturtiums are a gardener’s best friend, combining beauty, utility, and flavor in one easy-to-grow package. Whether you’re protecting your veggies, attracting pollinators, or spicing up your salads, these plants deliver. Start with a packet of seeds, give them a sunny spot, and watch your garden thrive with their cheerful presence.
Our Kids Seed Co. nasturtiums have been a customer-favorite for years and we are happy that you all enjoy growing them!
Origin: We collected the parent seed of our nasturtiums from plants at a rest stop off the A8 highway in France near Monaco where they grow wild on the hillsides.
