If you want to decorate an unsightly fence or walls, veranda or gazebo in your summer cottage, then nasturtium will definitely suit you. Plant with sea bright colors and a whole armful of leaves looks very beautiful and impressive.
The rapid growth of nasturtium and abundant flowering, its unpretentiousness and easy cultivation have made the flower popular not only among gardeners. Nasturtium can grow and bloom beautifully at home, decorating a loggia or balcony.
Description and varieties of nasturtium
Nasturtium in the form of a vine or subshrub is distinguished by a succulent stem, lobed thyroid, palmate or entire leaves and irregularly shaped flowers.
Yellow or red flowers may be terry, semi-double or simple. They consist of a funnel-shaped tube, five or more sepals and petals. The fruit formed after flowering of nasturtium consists of three kidney-shaped wrinkled lobes with rounded kidney-shaped seeds.
A distinctive feature of nasturtium is that its stems and flowers are of interest to culinary specialists and have healing properties .
The tropical beauty grows in its homeland as a perennial plant. But nasturtium does not tolerate sub-zero temperatures, so it is grown in our gardens as an annual. Five types of plants are the most popular among gardeners.
Small nasturtium
A branched plant 35 cm high with thin stems, very long petioles and rounded leaves strewn with small flowers, the diameter of which is about 3 cm.
Yellow flowers with dark spots are different curved cylindrical spurs and velvety petals pointed towards the edge. Small nasturtium blooms from June to October. The most common varieties:
- “Black corduroy” is a plant variety with simple flowers, the diameter of which is no more than 6 cm. Their dark burgundy color can appear almost black.
- “Cherry Rose” is distinguished by double flowers of bright red color.
Nasturtium cultivated
This type of plant combines hybrids of large and shield-bearing nasturtium. They vary in height and shape. These can be dwarf varieties that grow only 15-20 cm, or tall compact bushes up to 50 cm in height.
Some varieties of cultivated nasturtium are creeping plants, the length of the stems can be up to 4 meters. The most popular varieties:
- "Moonlight" - grows up to two meters in length and blooms with pale yellow flowers.
- “Golden Globe” is a ball-shaped bush, the height of which reaches only 25 cm. The plant is strewn with light green, large, round leaves, reaching 6.5 cm in diameter. The double flowers of this variety are golden-yellow in color.
- 'Gleming Mahogany' has double red flowers and grows up to 37 cm.
Large nasturtium
This is a very branched creeping plant that can grow up to 250 cm. Erect varieties of this type of nasturtium grow up to 70 cm. On fragile branched stems there are asymmetrical, light green, round, large leaves.
The underside of the sheets is bluish. It reproduces well by self-sowing and blooms from early summer until frost. Large nasturtium is represented by dozens of varieties, among which bush forms can be distinguished:
- "Ladybug" is distinguished by apricot flowers, the middle of which has burgundy spots.
- "Salmon Baby" is a plant with semi-double flowers.
- "Peach Melba" is a plant variety with cream flowers with red spots in the center.
- "King Theodore" has bright red flowers.
Nasturtium shieldbearing
The plant is a creeping subshrub, the fragile, succulent, dark green shoots of which grow up to four meters. They have dark green shield-shaped leaves and succulent dark red flowers.
Shield nasturtium blooms from June to October. The most popular type among gardeners: “Lucifer” - the plant is an upright bush and grows up to 25 cm.
Its dark green large leaves have a dark red tint. Simple red-orange flowers, 6 cm in diameter, bloom on light green shoots.
Nasturtium foreign or Canarian. Growing up to 350 cm, the vine can quickly entwine trellises and arbors. It is distinguished by five or seven-parted medium-sized leaves and bright yellow small flowers.
Canarian nasturtium flowers consist of green spurs and corrugated petals. Blooms from mid-summer until frost.
When to plant nasturtium in open ground
The seeds of the plant remain viable for 4-5 years, so they can be collected and stored for a long time.
IN open ground seeds can be sown at the end of May. To do this, they are pre-soaked in water at a temperature of 50-60 degrees. Thanks to this, the seed shell softens and they hatch faster.
The distance between the holes should be from 25 to 30 cm. A seed is sown in each hole. two or three seeds each, which are deepened by 2−3 cm.
The first seedlings should appear in two weeks. Nasturtium sown in open ground will bloom in 40-50 days.
Growing nasturtium from seeds at home
The plant is propagated by seeds in two ways: by sowing the seeds directly into open ground; growing seedlings at home.
Three seeds are buried in each pot filled with soil. Seedling containers are covered with glass or cellophane and placed in a warm place.
When the first seedlings appear, the glass is removed and the pots moved to a bright place. Caring for seedlings involves watering them in a timely manner. It is not recommended to pick nasturtium, since the delicate root system of the plant does not tolerate transplantation.
Seedlings are planted in open ground after the frosts have ended. This must be done carefully, with a large lump of earth. Two to three days before planting, young plants during the day in warm weather taken out into the street to harden.
Seedlings are planted in holes, the distance between which should be 20−25 cm for compact varieties, and at least 40 cm for climbing plants. Supports are installed next to tall varieties of nasturtium immediately upon planting.
Growing seedlings is a troublesome task, but as a result you can get an early flowering plant that will quickly grow and decorate the area.
Nasturtium: planting and care in open ground
It is recommended to plant the plant in well-lit areas protected from the wind, since nasturtium will not bloom well in the shade. The soil for planting must be fertile and light, well drained and slightly acidic.
It is not recommended to plant nasturtium on soils rich in organic matter. In this case, the plant will turn lushly green and bloom little.
Caring for nasturtium consists of regular watering of the plant, weeding and loosening land around the bush. When planting seedlings, the bed can be mulched and then you won’t have to fight weeds.
When caring for seedlings it is very important abundant, regular watering. Blooming nasturtiums should be watered as needed. The soil should dry out.
Dried and faded flowers must be removed promptly. This will help prolong the flowering of the plant. If you need seeds, you can leave several ovaries to ripen.
As they ripen, the seeds are separated from the peduncle and laid out at room temperature to dry and ripen. Ripe seeds should be whitish in color.
Disease and pest control
The plant has a specific smell that repels many pests. But sometimes it can be affected by cabbage white leaf miner, spider mites, aphids.
The fight against these pests is in treating bushes with insecticides systemic action. Sometimes the plant is affected by diseases. Most often this can be:
- gray rot, in which dry brown spots appear on the leaves;
- bacterial wilt, which in the first stage is manifested by weakening of the lower leaves, and then withering of the entire bush;
- rust and mottled mosaic are diseases in which black and brown spots appear on the leaves.
The fight against these diseases is in plant processing special chemical and bacteriological preparations. Damaged leaves are collected and burned.
To prevent the spread of pests on nasturtium bushes and to prevent disease, the leaves of the plant should be regularly inspected. Affected leaves are immediately removed, and the bush is removed for preventive purposes. sprayed with alcohol solution with liquid soap.
Nasturtium grown from seeds and planted in open ground at proper care It will delight you with its beautiful flowering and mass of leaves until the very frost.
Its low-growing varieties can be planted along paths, or used as a border plant. Tall bushes decorate fences, building walls, balconies, and terraces.
Nasturtium is a flower that can be seen in most city flower beds, gardens and even on balconies in summer. This popularity can be explained simply - the plant is unpretentious in care, grows well and can decorate any place where it grows. To achieve abundant flowering of nasturtium, you need to know some of the features of growing this crop.
When to plant nasturtium
Nasturtium is a welcome guest in a wide variety of flower beds and balconies. It is rare that anyone can remain indifferent to the beauty of the capuchin - this is the second name of nasturtium, given in ancient times for the resemblance of its flowers to the hoods of the monks of the order of the same name.
These flowers are perennials by nature, but due to the peculiarities of our climate, they are cultivated as annual crops. Most types of nasturtium are propagated by seeds.
Which seeds and seedlings to choose
Nasturtium seeds are eaten, but they do this when they are still fresh and green. Over time, the peas dry out, the skin becomes wrinkled and gradually turns into a crust, becomes light beige or brown. These are suitable for planting seedlings or directly into open ground.
When buying seedlings, prefer those plants that, despite their compact size, large number buds and leaves. flowering plant It doesn't make sense to buy. The same can be said for seedlings with a small number of leaves.
Should I collect seeds grown in my own flower bed?
This question is relevant for all lovers of growing nasturtium at home. And it’s not a matter of wanting to save money on store-bought seeds. An inquisitive gardener is always interested in the development cycle of a plant and the possibility of growing it next season.
The answer is simple: you can, but this applies only to varietal nasturtium, we are not talking about hybrids. Another thing: when should you collect the seeds? Here you should count forty days from the beginning of flowering and observe the final ripening of the fruit capsules. It’s not difficult to find out the right moment - the boxes will take on a slightly brownish (or they also say milky-coffee) tint and will be easily removed from the stalk. You can simplify the task and collect the seeds that have already fallen to the ground. Your further concern will be drying and storing the seeds until next year. Capuchin seeds can be stored for up to 4 years.
Reproduction by self-sowing
Nasturtium reproduces well by self-sowing. This is important for those who grow flowers at home, where it is always warm, since any frost, even the slightest, is destructive for young shoots. Therefore, in your apartment you can arrange a year-round growing cycle of nasturtium. But remember that this is only possible if, in addition to heat, it is possible to provide the plant with sufficient light. I love nasturtium very much sunlight, which is so lacking in winter, and replacing it with artificial ones is not so easy.
Varieties for every taste: ampelous, long-climbing, low-growing
There are so many varieties of nasturtium that everyone will find something they like. Usually there are ampelous, terry, climbing, bush and climbing varieties of this flower. All of them can be successfully grown in a garden plot.
As for growing on the balcony, ampelous semi-climbing varieties that are planted in pots and boxes are best suited here.
Description of some varieties:
- Vesuvius is good not only for its compact size, but also for its amazing colors, where the soft pink shade smoothly turns into orange, and there are red spots on the petals;
- Day and Night has flowers of two shades - cream and red. Thanks to this combination, the variety got its name. The flowering of this nasturtium looks especially good against the background of light green leaves;
- Cherry rose - both the name is beautiful and the appearance matches it. Anyone who loves unusual shades will love this pink (closer to crimson) color. The variety belongs to terry;
- Terry mixture is another representative of the terry type, distinguished by a wide range of colors. In addition, the plant has the property of emitting a pleasant aroma that attracts pollinating insects to the area;
- Alaska is the very case when, even in a non-flowering form, nasturtium looks impressive, thanks to the marbled color of the leaves;
- Yeti - for lovers of long-climbing varieties. The vines grow up to two meters, and creamy white flowers with yellow spots closer to the center bloom on the emerald carpet of foliage;
- Birdie (Canary) is a real exotic in your garden: its petals somehow resemble either the wings or feathers of a bird, and the leaves do not at all look like traditional ones, but nevertheless it is a nasturtium;
- Birds of paradise is a variety that forms neat, small bushes with fragrant and bright flowers. Good not only for a loggia, but also for a summer cottage when grown in cache-pots and pots;
- Diamond is primarily good for pots. Some may be confused by the fact that its vines grow up to 3 m, so shorten them as necessary, at the same time causing more abundant branching and flowering. The flowers are dark red;
- Purple gloss has bright red double flowers up to 6 cm in diameter. It is quite compact - the lashes do not exceed 1.2 m in length.
Photo gallery: varieties of nasturtium that decorate the home garden
The flowers of the Yeti variety have almost snow-white petals, taking on a yellow tint closer to the center 
The truly exotic variety Ptashechka (or Canary) loves warmth very much, but can also grow in mid-latitudes 
Nasturtium Cherry Rose will appeal to lovers of extraordinary flowers 
For the contrast of light and dark flowers, the variety is given the name Day and Night 
Alaska - a familiar variety of traditional nasturtium 
Nasturtium Terry mixture with unique flower shape 
The Vesuvius variety is good for its soft pink, orange-tinged flowers. 
Purple gloss - a variety with fairly short vines, valued by those who like to grow nasturtium at home 
The Birds of Paradise variety will make any flowerpot or flowerpot a colorful center of a garden composition. 
The Diamond variety bushes well and takes up little space, but still blooms luxuriantly.
Planting nasturtium
Nasturtium can be planted either from seeds or seedlings. Both methods have both their strengths and weaknesses.
Seedling method
Planting nasturtium seedlings - good option when you want to see flowering as soon as possible. In addition, this way you can protect her from low temperatures, which can take the plant by surprise when sowing directly into the ground. You can start planting in mid-April. This period lasts until the beginning of May - it all depends on how quickly the warm period begins in your region.
Boarding order:
- Be sure to soak the seeds for at least a day in warm water, then bury them 1 cm into the soil, having prepared small peat containers in advance. Such containers will be optimal for planting in open ground, since nasturtium tolerates this process very painfully.
- Having placed the seeds at the bottom of the depressions, sprinkle them with soil and compact them a little. Water and cover with film. The room temperature should not exceed 22 °C.
- In just a couple of weeks the first shoots will appear. Now the nasturtium needs to be provided with a slightly cooler atmosphere - up to 18 ° C. It is also recommended to highlight the seedlings so that they do not stretch out from lack of light.
- After a month, the seedlings will be ready to be transplanted to the site. The main thing is that the threat of return frosts has already passed outside at this time. When replanting, be sure to save the pot so as not to damage the earthen ball. If the forecast predicts a drop in temperature in the coming days, cover the plantings with film overnight.
Thanks to this approach, you will be able to see blooming nasturtium as early as mid-June and admire it until the first frost.
Video: planting nasturtium seeds for seedlings
Seedless method
This approach allows you to avoid problems associated with the survival of nasturtium in a new place. Plants sown directly into open ground will be stronger and develop more actively, but will not begin to bloom until mid-July. Another hitch - sowing seeds on summer cottages usually in mid-May, and the threat of frost when seedlings emerge still remains relevant. However, this is the easiest and most reliable way to grow nasturtium.
Required actions:
- To begin, soak the prepared seeds in a damp cloth for up to 3 days (it is best to use cotton cloth).
- When the seeds swell, we prepare holes for them in the area up to 2 cm deep with an interval of 25 to 50 cm (the distance depends on the type of nasturtium: for bushing varieties the distance between holes is up to 30 cm, and for climbing varieties - up to 50 cm).
The same scheme applies when planting seeds in pots, flowerpots and boxes located on the balcony. The only difference is that in this case it will be much easier to create the necessary conditions for seed hatching.
Video: planting in open ground and subsequent care
Possible problems during germination
Gardeners often complain that the planted nasturtium does not want to sprout vigorously. Most often this happens when seeds are planted directly in open ground.
- First of all, this may be due to too much water for irrigation. And this is not necessarily the fault of the owner of the site, who is diligently trying to provide the seeds and soil with water. Sometimes during the planting period there is too much rain, which, in combination with watering, only causes harm.
- Sometimes the seeds are buried too deeply, and they do not have sufficient access to oxygen, and the sprout does not have enough strength to break through to the top.
- The previous problem can be aggravated by clay soil, which is not as saturated with oxygen as, for example, loam or sandy loam. Therefore, before planting, be sure to dilute it with peat and river sand, mixing them in equal proportions.
- Low temperatures have a negative effect on nasturtium even at the pipping stage, therefore, if the soil has not warmed up enough before and after planting, then you can hardly count on a good result.
- The most simple reason lack of seedlings, if all previous conditions were met - low seed quality. Is it worth mentioning once again that you don’t need to buy them from private owners. It is better to trust registered and verified manufacturers. If you collect and prepare the seeds yourself, then remember that the planting material remains viable for 3–4 years.
Description of plant care
Watering
Nasturtium should be watered as needed - when the soil around it becomes dry. Moreover, this recommendation is effective in the first stages of growth, then watering should be reduced. Do not overdo it with the volume of water - it is enough to wet only the top layer of soil, and do not spill the area for a week in advance. This especially applies to clay soil, which retains water for a long time.
Feeding
Nasturtium is not one of those plants that likes organic feeding, and nitrogen fertilizers will not serve her well. It is better to use potassium-phosphorus fertilizers like Nitrophoska (4 tablespoons per bucket of water, followed by spraying the leaves) or Agricola (1 tablespoon is enough for 10 liters of water). Fertilizing is done once - before the nasturtium begins to bloom. Thanks to her, there will be many more flowers.
Favorable conditions during flowering
In order for the plant to bloom profusely, the following conditions must be met:
- Faded inflorescences should be cut off at the first signs of wilting - thereby the nasturtium is stimulated to further abundant flowering, because a new one will soon form in place of the cut inflorescence.
- Damaged parts of the plant must be dealt with in a similar way to prevent the appearance of diseases or pests.
- Loosen the soil as necessary so that water does not stagnate in it and there is always a flow of oxygen to the roots.
Nasturtium planted in a greenhouse will save you from whiteflies, placed next to cabbage will protect it from cabbage fly. Capuchin is often a real target for aphids, and distracts pests from other garden crops. Agree, it is much easier to destroy aphids that have accumulated on nasturtium plantings than those dispersed throughout the entire area.
Diseases and pests of nasturtium
Nasturtium has a whole list of “enemies” in the form of aphids, whiteflies, spider mites and other pests, and is also susceptible to various diseases.
Diseases and enemies of nasturtium, methods of combating them:
The so-called mosaic on nasturtium leaves is usually a sign of a lack of essential microelements (if the plant is not fed), and does not pose a threat. Is it just appearance the flowers are no longer so attractive.
Perennial varieties in winter: greenhouse or warm balcony
Perennial varieties of nasturtium in our area are grown as annuals, since no shelter will help them survive the winter. However, you can try to keep such a capuchin in your greenhouse or on the balcony, but only if it is possible to provide enough heat and light. Otherwise, consider any nasturtium as an annual crop only.
Photo gallery: flowers for food
Lettuce leaves, asparagus, nasturtium - the basis of a salad a la Nice 
The nasturtium leaves in which the lamb is wrapped give the dolma a piquant taste. 
One of the famous Italian pesto sauces is made from nasturtium leaves. 
There was also a place for nasturtium in pizza 
Pickled green nasturtium seeds can completely replace expensive capers 
Spicy nasturtium complements the bland taste of zucchini salad well
A plant such as nasturtium is considered related to the Nasturts family, of which there are 80 species. They are mainly distributed in South and Central America. The most popular type in our country is considered to be “Large nasturtium or May nasturtium”.
These two types of plants have bright red, yellow or orange flowers. Many people call Nasturtium “Capuchin” and most likely due to the fact that the shape of the flower resembles the hood of the “Capuchin Monk”.
General information
If we talk specifically about our climate, then a plant such as Nasturtium is grown as an annual crop, but the fact is that if you put in a little effort, this plant can be preserved in the winter, but the plant must be kept indoors.
The leaves of Nasturtium are surprisingly beautiful, they are round with uneven sides and have a light waxy coating, which is located on long cuttings. Basically, the leaves of this plant species have a rich green, but sometimes you can also see red ones with a brown tint or variegated ones.
As for the flowers, they are very large, yellow, orange and red in color with spurs on long peduncles. The plant begins to bloom from the second hot summer month of July and ends after the first autumn frosts have passed.
Nasturtium happens different varieties and there are a large number of them. Some have a difference in their bush shape, the shoots also differ in length, and there are also Nasturtiums with flowers covered with terry and variegated leaves. Each part of this plant has a very pleasant spicy aroma! Even in many countries, a plant such as Nasturtium is very often used as a seasoning for various salads.
Nasturtium on the balcony planting and care
Nasturtium has a shallow and slightly branched root system. Due to this, this plant is very often used as decoration on balconies. The flower is placed in hanging baskets or in a vase and it fits perfectly into the interior and refreshes the look of the balcony.
Nasturtium, which is grown on the balcony, begins to bloom much earlier than the plant that grows in garden conditions. The fact is that seeds are sown only indoors with warm air, and then they take it out onto the balcony, and then only after the frost has passed. Nasturtium can be planted one at a time, and sometimes this plant is used to fill the space that is between large indoor flowers in order to fill everything with greenery, and in summer period After some time, the plant is placed in the garden in fresh air.
As for balcony boxes and containers for flowers, the varieties of Nasturtium that climb are most suitable for this. For example, it is good to grow “Ampelous semi-climbing variety” in a hanging basket. As for low-growing lush bushes, they feel great in pots; you can also decorate any vase with this type. Foreign Nasturtium is best grown on a balcony with cords stretched.
If the balconies are open or shaded, then Nasturtium will also grow well and delight its owners. Also this type Plants can get along well even in the most unfavorable conditions. Only there will not be many flowers, but the leaves will be very bright and green, thanks to the leaves your balcony will also look very lively and beautiful. Nasturtium also tolerates rainy weather and windy weather, like many other garden plants.
Nasturtium planting and care
As for lighting, this plant loves light and blooms beautifully in places where it is sunny. Just don’t put the plant in places where there is a lot of hot sun rays - this will have a very bad effect on it.
Nasturtium is a moisture-loving plant; the roots are located very close to the surface, so if you place it on a window that is located on the south side, it will simply die. The best place for Nasturtium will be windows located on the east and west sides, even in a place where the balcony is shaded and the plant will look very beautiful!
The flower loves warmth very much, but does not tolerate hot days very well. Moderate temperatures are ideal for this plant. If it is very hot, the leaves and flowers will become small. The plant also does not tolerate frost well, and in the spring, seedlings must be protected from cold nights.
Nasturtium is not only a heat-loving plant, but also moisture-loving, so you need to water the flower well. The fact is that the plant has many leaves that evaporate water, but as for the root system, it is small. The most important thing is to try to water abundantly, but not to make a swamp in the pot, otherwise the roots will simply rot and die along with the plant.
Nasturtium fertilizer for abundant flowering
With excess fertilizer, the leaves begin to grow quickly, which causes great harm to the flowering of nasturtium. But as for small pot, in which this plant grows and is located on the balcony, then in this case, on the contrary, there may be too few nutrients.
When you replant Nasturtium, be sure to add fertilizer or feed the plant with “Complex fertilizer” intended for flowering plant species.
Soil for nasturtium
A plant like Nasturtium loves the soil to be loose and fertile. You can use a ready-made substrate intended for indoor view plants or prepare a mixture.
To prepare you will need:
- humus – 1 part;
- leaf soil - 1 part;
- sand - 1 part.
Is it possible to replant nasturtium?
Like all annual plants, nasturtium does not need to be replanted. But if you are planting seedlings on the balcony in boxes, then take special care, since the roots of this plant are very fragile.
The transplant must be carried out carefully and it is imperative that there is a lump of earth left on the roots, otherwise the plant may die immediately after transplantation, especially if the Nasturtium is large.
Growing nasturtium from seeds at home
Nasturtium can be propagated very easily using seeds. The seeds of this plant are very large and they germinate very well. When replanting the plant into balcony pots, only one seed should be used.
It is prepared in a special nutrient solution or in ordinary water, after which it is planted in a hole, deepened a couple of centimeters. And after a couple of weeks, shoots appear. The plant will begin to bloom only 1.5 months after the shoots appear.
Propagation of nasturtium by cuttings
As for “Terry hybrid Nasturtiums”, this plant will not transmit any varietal characteristics through the seed. This plant must be propagated using cuttings, with the plant kept in a pot until the spring season.
Then the cuttings need to be cut and rooted in a mixture prepared from peat and sand. But it’s best to buy seeds of any variety of “Nasturtium” that you like best and grow the plant as a simple and annual one!
Nasturtium is a plant as common in our gardens as marigolds or tulips. The peak of its popularity has long passed, but the habit of growing nasturtium was passed on to us from our grandmothers and mothers.
Why is nasturtium so good? She is beautiful, useful, completely unpretentious to the conditions and does not require special care.
Today, more than twenty species and many varieties of this cute, useful and edible plant are grown in garden culture. From our article you will learn:
- what types and varieties of nasturtium exist;
- how to sow and grow these flowers in the garden;
- what are medicinal properties nasturtiums and how you can use them.
Listen to the article
Planting and caring for nasturtium
- Landing: sowing seeds in open ground in mid-late May or sowing seeds for seedlings in April, followed by planting seedlings in the ground in the first ten days of June.
- Lighting: bright sunlight.
- Soil: light, not too fertile, well drained, slightly acidic.
- Watering: from the beginning of the growing season - regular and abundant, during flowering - as the soil dries out.
- Feeding: Once a week before flowering begins, use potassium-phosphorus fertilizers. No nitrogen needed. From the beginning of flowering, feeding is stopped.
- Reproduction: seeds and cuttings.
- Pests: aphids, cabbage moths, whites, spider mites.
- Diseases: gray mold, rust, viral mosaic, black ring spot and bacterial wilt.
Read more about growing nasturtium below.
Nasturtium (lat. Tropaeolum), or Capuchin, belongs to the Nasturtium family, and is a herbaceous plant, of which there are about 90 species. The nasturtium plant is native to South and Central America, but it has been established in our latitudes for a long time and reliably, since it is distinguished by its unpretentiousness, sought-after healing properties and taste characteristics. The main thing is that the nasturtium flower, with its long flowering, can decorate any, even the most sophisticated garden. The capuchin flower, brought from Holland to Russia, was called so because of the shape of the flower, reminiscent of a hood, but gradually the plant began to be called nasturtium. The official Latin name Tropaeolum was assigned to nasturtium by Carl Linnaeus.
Nasturtium flower - description
Nasturtiums, both annual and perennial, are often vines with succulent stems, and sometimes subshrubs. The leaves are most often lobed, alternate, entire, palmate or thyroid. Flowers - simple, double and semi-double - irregular in shape, fragrant, zygomorphic, bisexual, axillary, consisting of five (sometimes more) petals, the same number of sepals, funnel-shaped tubes with nectar.
The color of the flowers is most often red or yellow. The fruit consists of three wrinkled kidney-shaped lobes, in each of which round, kidney-shaped seeds ripen. Both flowers and stems have medicinal properties and are also of interest to culinary specialists.
Growing nasturtium from seeds
Sowing nasturtium seeds
Nasturtium propagates by seed, and even a beginner can cope with it. Large nasturtium seeds are sown directly into open ground in mid- or late May, after the last frost has passed. Nasturtium seeds are placed in holes up to two centimeters deep, located at a distance of 25-30 cm from each other, in a nesting manner - 3-4 pieces per hole. If there is a possibility of nighttime drops in temperature, cover the sown area with plastic wrap or other covering material and use only warm water for watering. In a week or two, shoots will appear.
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In the photo: Nasturtium seeds
Nasturtium seedlings
Nasturtium is also grown in seedlings, which allows for more early flowering than in the case of sowing seeds directly into the ground. To do this, use peat cups or cups with a retractable bottom, into which 2-3 seeds are sown at a depth of 2 cm in April-May. The temperature in the room with seedlings should be 20-22 ºC. Shoots will appear in a couple of weeks.
Make sure that the seedlings have enough light, because the lack of lighting makes them stretch out, and after planting on the site they get sick for a long time and do not bloom.
The root system of nasturtium is weak, and the leaf surface is quite large, therefore, in order not to injure the roots, the seedlings are not picked and transplanted into the soil along with a lump of earth, right in a cup.
Planting nasturtium
When to plant nasturtium
Nasturtium is planted in the first ten days of June. Find a place in your garden that is well-lit and sheltered from the wind, as nasturtiums do not bloom as profusely in the shade as they do in good light. The soil on the site should be slightly acidic, with good drainage, light and fertile. On soils rich in organic matter, the plants turn lushly green, but do not want to bloom; on soils that are too poor, the flowering of nasturtium is not so beautiful, the leaves are small, and the stems look bare. In stagnant, moist soils, nasturtium rots.
In the photo: Blooming yellow nasturtium
How to plant nasturtium
So, it’s the beginning of June, it’s time to plant the seedlings in open ground. Planting of seedlings is carried out together with a lump of earth, and if you sowed seeds in peat pots, then directly together with the pots to avoid breaking or breaking the fragile roots. Depending on the variety of nasturtium, the distance between specimens should be 20-40 cm. At first, it is advisable to cover the planting at night. Nasturtiums will bloom in a month and a half.
Nasturtium care
How to care for nasturtium
Caring for nasturtium involves weeding the area and watering the plants. If you mulch the bed after planting, you won’t have to fight weeds.
At the very beginning of growth, regular and plentiful watering, when the nasturtium blooms, you should water the area only when the soil dries out: if the soil is wet all the time, the plant will be lushly green, but there will be few flowers.
It is necessary to promptly remove dried flowers, unless you need seeds, but to collect seeds for next year, it is enough to leave just a few ovaries to ripen.
Feed nasturtium weekly with potassium-phosphorus fertilizer until it blooms. Nasturtium will not need nitrogen fertilizers.
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Propagation of nasturtium
In addition to the seed method, the vegetative method is also used to propagate nasturtium - cuttings. Cuttings are rooted in wet sand or water. Most often, terry varieties of nasturtiums or new ones, the seeds of which are difficult to find in flower shops, are propagated this way. The vegetative method allows you to preserve during reproduction species and varietal characteristics.
Pests and diseases of nasturtium
Nasturtium is not only beautiful, but also very useful. In addition, it somehow instills fear in Colorado beetles, whiteflies, aphids, cabbage beetles and other insect pests.
But diseases sometimes affect nasturtium, primarily such as bacterial wilt, expressed in weakening of the lower leaves, and then wilting of the entire plant.
Or gray rot, manifested by dry brown spots on the leaves. From time to time, brown or black rust spots or variegated mosaic stains appear on nasturtium leaves. If affected by these diseases, infected specimens must be removed and burned, and healthy plants must be treated with special preparations that destroy the causative agents of the disease.
In the photo: Growing red nasturtium
How to collect nasturtium seeds
If you want to do some breeding, you can collect nasturtium seeds yourself. As the flowers fade, the seeds ripen. It must be remembered that the seeds of all types of nasturtium have time to ripen before frost, the only exception being foreign nasturtium. When the seeds ripen, they turn from green to whitish and, easily separated from the peduncle, fall to the ground.
Therefore, be careful and try to collect them before they fall off.
Store ripe seeds in cardboard boxes. Foreign nasturtium seeds are collected unripe and ripened at home.
In the photo: Large orange nasturtium flowers
Nasturtium after flowering
After the nasturtium has faded, watering is gradually reduced until it stops completely. Since nasturtium is grown primarily as an annual plant, then with the onset of autumn it is necessary to treat it as with an annual plant, namely: dig up the area, burn the tops, having first collected the seeds, if there is such a need.
Types and varieties of nasturtium
In the wild, in its homeland, perennial nasturtium grows, but in our gardens the tropical beauty cannot remain in the ground for the winter, so it is grown as an annual. Of the cultivated species of nasturtium, the most commonly grown are:
In the photo: Several varieties of nasturtium nearby
Foreign nasturtium (Tropaeolum peregrinutn)
Or Nasturtium Canarian - a vine from South America, whose light green stems reach a length of 350 cm and very quickly weave arbors and trellises. It blooms from mid-summer until frost with bright yellow small flowers with corrugated petals and green spurs. The leaves are medium-sized, five- or seven-parted. Seeds in middle lane They do not have time to ripen naturally.
Large nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Very branched, bare, fragile stems reach a length of 250 cm. If the variety is erect and not creeping, then the stem grows up to 70 cm in height. Blooms profusely from June until autumn frosts. It reproduces well by self-sowing, the seeds do not lose their viability for up to 4 years. The leaves are asymmetrical, large, rounded, thyroid-shaped, the surface is light green, the underside is glaucous, the petioles are long, the diameter is about 8 cm. The species is represented by dozens of varieties, including compact bush forms:
- King Theodore– flowers are bright red;
- Peach Melba– cream flowers with red spots in the center;
- Salmon Baby– semi-double, salmon-colored flowers;
- Ladybug- apricot-colored flowers with burgundy spots in the middle.
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum cultorum)
It combines hybrids of shield-bearing nasturtium and large nasturtium, the stems are densely leafy, the leaves are green or purple, thyroid. Varieties of this species differ in shape and height: there are compact varieties of nasturtium (up to 50 cm in height), creeping ones, with shoots up to 4 m long, or dwarf varieties - 15-20 cm in height. Varieties:
- Gleming Mahagani– bush up to 37 cm tall with double red flowers;
- Golden Globe– a spherical bush up to 25 cm high and 40 cm wide with round light green leaves and large (up to 6.5 cm in diameter) double golden-yellow flowers;
- Moonlight- a climbing plant, the stems of which reach two meters in length, the flowers are pale yellow.
In the photo: Large nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Small nasturtium (Tropaeolum minus)
Branched, grooved thin stems up to 35 cm tall, the leaves of nasturtium minor are round, small, shield-shaped, the petioles are very long and thin. Small flowers up to 3 cm in diameter are yellow in color with dark spots, the three upper velvety petals are pointed along the edge, the spurs are cylindrical and curved. This type of nasturtium blooms from June to October. Varieties:
- Cherry rose– grows up to 30 cm in height, blooms with bright red double flowers;
- Black corduroy– the same 30 cm in height, simple flowers up to 6 cm in diameter, so dark burgundy color that are almost black. This variety is sometimes called Black Lady.
Shield nasturtium (Tropaeolum peltophorum)
This is a creeping subshrub, the dark green, succulent and fragile shoots of which reach 4 m in length. The leaves are thyroid-shaped, dark green. The flowers are a juicy dark red hue. It blooms from June to October, the seeds ripen well. The most common variety:
- Lucifer– erect bushes up to 25 cm tall, shoots light green, leaves large, dark green with a dark red tint. The flowers are simple, up to 6 cm in diameter, red-orange.
In the photo: Lilac nasturtium
Among other types of nasturtium, distinguished by their decorative properties, one can name nasturtium azure, ciliated, many-leaved, beautiful, tricolor and others, but, unfortunately, few can boast of experience in growing these species in our climate zone.
Medicinal properties of nasturtium
Nasturtiums are not only beautiful, but also edible and medicinal. The leaves and flowers of young plants are used as ingredients in salads, used to decorate dishes, and added to sandwiches and soups. Pickled nasturtium fruits taste like expensive capers. And dried and ground seeds can be used as a seasoning instead of black pepper, at least this was done during the Second World War. All parts of the plant are edible except the roots.
In the photo: beautiful flower nasturtiums
The healing properties of nasturtium have also been known for a long time. It treats skin rashes, stimulates hair growth, and helps with anemia, vitamin deficiency, and kidney stones. The plant has proven itself well as a means of combating scurvy, since the amount of vitamin C in it is ten times greater than in lettuce leaves. In addition, nasturtium contains substances that successfully fight microbes - provitamin A and phytoncides.
Dishes made from nasturtium include: therapeutic diet for metabolic disorders in the elderly, for atherosclerosis. The rhizomes of tuberous nasturtium species contain substances that lower testosterone levels in the blood, which may be necessary in certain cases. Modern science found that nasturtium has the following properties valuable for medicine: anti-inflammatory, laxative, diuretic, diuretic, antiseptic, antibiotic, antiscorbutic, uroseptic, expectorant.
Nasturtium is a wonderful garden decoration, a bright ornamental plant, a guest from southern countries. In our gardens, we mainly grow climbing nasturtiums. This plant variety is a kind of vine, which under favorable circumstances can reach a length of four meters.
Climbing nasturtium can be used in landscape design very widely: in borders, in flower beds, in hanging flowerpots, and as a camouflage agent for unsightly utility structures. In this article we will look at the features of growing climbing nasturtium from seeds: we will find out how to plant it and how to care for the plant.
Description
Nasturtium climber is one of the most popular and beloved ornamental plants by gardeners. This is not surprising - for all its external effectiveness, the vine is completely unpretentious and does not require excessive care and hassle.
In the photo - climbing nasturtium:
climbing nasturtium
The plant comes from areas of South and Central America, where it grows in natural conditions as a perennial. But in our climate, nasturtium is grown only as an annual plant, since the gentle southern beauty cannot survive the harsh frosty winter.
Climbing nasturtium is a decorative vine, decorated with many yellow, red or orange flowers during flowering. There are two-color and even three-color varieties, characterized by increased decorativeness and picturesqueness. The leaves of the plant are also beautiful: bright green, shiny, dense.
Flowers, depending on the variety, can be simple, double or semi-double. In the last two cases, the flowering of nasturtium turns out to be especially lush and majestic due to larger and more voluminous flowers.
The coloring of the petals is in a warm range: different varieties of nasturtium can offer almost the entire range of red and yellow shades; orange is also often found, sometimes cherry, pink. Breeders also bred spotted specimens, whose petals are dotted with many fancy spots, dots, and squiggles.
In the video - curly Nasturtium:
The plant blooms in June-July and lasts until frost in the fall. Therefore it is enough for a long time There is an opportunity to admire decorative flowers and enjoy the pleasant aroma of the plant. Interestingly, nasturtium can be used as medicinal plant, and even used in cooking, where it is quite capable of replacing capers.
Growing conditions and care
Let's find out what requirements climbing nasturtium makes for the conditions of its maintenance.
Place
The plant needs a sunny, well-lit area of the garden. She does not like shadows: in this case, the plant may not be seen blooming. Nasturtium withstands even direct midday light sun rays, so you can venture even into the most open area.
Soil, fertilizing
The plant needs fertile soil with good drainage. It is advisable to avoid excess fertilizer, otherwise nasturtium will begin to grow green leafy mass, forgetting about flowering.
It is forbidden to fertilize nasturtium with fresh manure: this can cause its roots to rot. But compost is completely possible. From mineral fertilizers the plant needs potassium and phosphorus fertilizing, but nitrogen fertilizers are not required.
The plant needs light, loose soil: it is better not to plant nasturtium in heavy, clay soil. The best soil for nasturtium is slightly acidic, not too poor, but not overly stuffed with organic and mineral fertilizers.
Watering
The liana needs watering, but moderately: the roots of the plant cannot tolerate stagnation of moisture and waterlogging and can rot. It is especially important to regularly water nasturtiums during their active growth period. But after flowering begins, it is worth reducing moisture to a minimum, and watering only when the earthen ball is already completely dry. You can find out how to use it in this case by reading the contents of this article.
Transfer
Having planted nasturtium in a certain place, it is no longer recommended to touch it. The plant does not tolerate replanting due to its delicate root system.
It is best to grow seedlings in plastic cups with a retractable bottom - in this case, transplanting the plant into open ground will be the most painless. Peat cups for germinating nasturtium seedlings are also suitable: they can be placed in the ground without the need to remove the plant. But the video from the article will help you understand how this happens.
Diseases and pests
The plant, thanks to its aroma, can serve as protection for neighboring flowers from insects such as aphids, whiteflies, Colorado potato beetles, and cabbage caterpillars. For this invaluable advantage, nasturtium is especially loved by gardeners. However, the plant itself is also susceptible to some diseases. Let's list the most common ones.
Wilting of a bacterial nature manifests itself in nasturtium in the gradual drying of leaves. This process begins from below, and if it is not stopped, it will gradually destroy the entire plant.
A disease such as spotting is also common in nasturtiums. The disease manifests itself in the form of small brownish-red dots, which grow and increase in diameter, gradually capturing the entire leaf.
Gray rot also affects climbing nasturtiums, and manifests itself as a characteristic white-gray coating on the leaves.
All these diseases must be combated immediately when they are detected. It is imperative to remove the affected leaves and spray the plant itself with suitable fungicides. If the nasturtium is significantly affected, then it is better to dig up the plant and burn it.
How to grow nasturtium from seeds
Let's find out what wisdom you need to keep in mind when growing a plant from seeds.
Firstly, you should know that the seeds of climbing nasturtium can be planted either directly in the ground, or you can first germinate seedlings at home, and only then place them under the open sky. The first method is more suitable for the southern regions: in northern latitudes and even in the middle zone, you will in any case have to grow a vine using seedlings. Let's consider both methods.
Video shows how to grow Nasturtium from seeds:
Seedling method
This method is more troublesome, however, it gives an almost guaranteed positive result. And at the same time the vine blooms earlier. To ensure that the seedlings are sufficiently strong by the time they are planted in the ground, it is recommended to plant seeds for seedlings in April-early May.
In order to grow strong and healthy “young” nasturtiums, it is recommended to prepare special cups: peat or with a retractable bottom. Regular disposable cups are also suitable, however, difficulties may subsequently arise when transplanting seedlings into open ground. Several seeds are placed in one glass at once, and in a couple of weeks to 10 days the first shoots can be seen.
After the seedlings appear, the boxes with seedlings must be moved to a cooler place (+18 degrees), and the place must be well lit. If there is insufficient lighting, the shoots will become very elongated, but will be weak and frail. It will also be useful to understand how
Before planting seedlings in open ground, two weeks before this event, the sprouts must begin to harden. To do this, you need to take the boxes with seedlings outside in the sun for several hours during the day. Thus, by the time of transplantation the plant will already be sufficiently accustomed to external conditions.
When transplanting seedlings into the ground, do it carefully so as not to damage the delicate roots of the plant. Seedlings are planted in the ground when it is already warm outside: in most regions this is the end of May-June.
Seedless method
If you are lucky enough to live in a warm climate, you can plant nasturtium seeds directly into open ground. It is better to do this at the end of May - beginning of June, when the time of night cold snaps is guaranteed to have passed. Before planting, the seeds must be soaked in water for a day to swell.
You need to place two or three seeds in each hole at once so that at least one of them germinates. Leave a distance of about 20 cm between the holes so that each plant has its own “personal space”. After two weeks, on average, the first shoots appear. And climbing nasturtium begins to bloom 45 days after the first shoots appear.
You should know that nasturtium seedlings will not withstand frost and will die when the temperature drops even to zero. To protect tender sprouts, it is recommended to cover the bed with film or non-woven material for some time after sowing.
Features of seed cultivation
Some points characteristic of both seedling and non-seedling methods of growing vines.
You should know that nasturtium seeds have a shelf life of 3-4 years. After this period, it is better to get rid of the seed, since its germination becomes minimal.
If you want to collect seed material in your garden, then know that nasturtium seeds change color from green to white when ripe - and only then is it recommended to collect them. If you collect green seeds, they may not germinate in the future, since they are not fully ripe.
Before sowing, nasturtium seeds should be soaked in water for a day to make it easier for the sprouts to emerge from the dense shell. And before daily soaking, it is recommended to place the seeds for a short time in water heated to 40 degrees.
Application in landscape design
Climbing nasturtium is a real find for those who want to decorate and ennoble the appearance of their garden plot. In addition, the variety of plant varieties and different colors make it possible to grow nasturtium, which is most suitable for single and group plantings in each individual case. You can get a little creative and plant the plant hanging.
You can use this plant to decorate your terrace: in this case, it is better to plant nasturtiums in hanging pots around the perimeter.
We looked at the features of growing climbing nasturtium from seeds. As you can see, growing this exotic liana in our conditions is not so difficult - the main thing is to follow the recommendations of experienced specialists, and everything will be fine. With the help of the tips from the article, you can independently, even without experience, grow a beautiful nasturtium in your garden plot, decorate it with decorative flowers for most of your summer and even autumn.