Looking for an easy-to-grow, attractive, edible plant? Nasturtiums may be the answer!
Nasturtiums are either climbing (Tropaeolum majus) or bushy/dwarf (Tropaeolum minus), so choose the appropriate type for your situation.
They prefer full sun but will tolerate light shade, handle most soil types, and do not need fertiliser. Seeds and young plants require regular watering as they establish. Older plants only need supplemental watering in very dry periods.
This plant is an annual, which means it grows, flowers and dies within about one year. However, it tends to set a lot of viable seeds and self-sows. It is a good idea to remove all seedlings except the ones you want. Use any unwanted plants as green manure. Please avoid growing nasturtiums if you live near a nature reserve – they are not natives, so could become a pest in the Australian bush.
Nasturtiums: Edible and Beneficial
The nasturtium flowers across the seasons depending on variety, with blooms in a range of cream, yellow, orange and red.
Both the nasturtium flowers and leaves are edible and often seen as garnish. They have a peppery or mustardy taste and add zing to a meal, especially a salad.
Nasturtium flowers also feed birds and pollinators, making it a colourful and useful addition to your organic garden.
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