Nasturtium is a fast-growing, self-seeding and multi-purpose edible flower that should not only get a place on everyone’s plate, it should be a constant companion in the patch. After all, companionship is nasturtium’s strong suit. It is low-maintenance, gets along well with others, and provides plenty of value in small spaces.
Nasturtium’s good looks and easy-going personality make it the perennial diplomat, naturally attracting useful predators and pollinators. Bees are particularly drawn to its charm and, once in the garden, will pollinate on your behalf. Another frequent visitor and ally is the ladybird, the sworn enemy of parasitic pests. It is also an effective decoy plant, diverting pest attention from other plants to itself.
The plant is relatively shallow rooted, so can be planted close to others without competing for resources. It does very well in pots and wall gardens, where foliage can cascade down the side without monopolising precious garden real estate.
PLANTING
For faster germination soak seeds overnight in water and then plant directly into the veggie patch. Keep watered until germination. Plants have a tendency to burn in direct afternoon sunlight, so morning sunlight is preferable.
WATERING
In ground: Water daily for the first 4 weeks and 3-4 times a week in the absence of rainfall thereafter. Watering frequency may need to be elevated during hot weather.
In Pots: Water daily, in the absence of rainfall, for the entirety of its lifecycle. The best practice is to water in the morning, however on extremely warm days a late afternoon water may also be necessary.
MAINTENANCE
Make sure the soil has compost and a slow-release nitrogen-rich fertiliser worked through it prior to planting into the patch.
After one month thin out any seedlings and apply a monthly dose of liquid seaweed fertiliser. Mulch to a depth of 3–5cm using pea straw, lucerne hay or sugar cane mulch.
After 8 weeks as the plants begin to grow, their leaves become the first harvesting opportunity. Pick younger leaves, which are milder and tenderer.
At 12 weeks apply some liquid potassium that will help with the development of flowers. These present the second harvesting opportunity.
Plants begin to explode in size at the beginning of autumn, where they become a great hiding place for slugs and snails. As more flowers are produced, the plant also produced pods – the third opportunity for a harvest – which will continually self-seed.
HARVESTING
Time until first harvest: Leaves can be harvested within the first 8 weeks, however, flowers will take a few months (depending on the time of year that you plant).
How to harvest: Pinch and pluck leaves and flowers. Green seed pods can also be harvested – try pickling them and using as a caper substitute.
TIP
Soak seeds overnight in water prior to planting to improve germination.
