Nasturtiums in my garden
When my kids go to gymnastics, I go to a nursery opposite the gym. My main hobby was drooling over all the flowers & plants.. I have a very strict budget for gardening (otherwise you know what will happen), to keep everything within the budget I start with seeds to grow plants. Also, I have lots of space in front & backyard, to fill the whole space in every season is expensive too. One day, while browsing I found some nasturtium seeds – jewel & black velvet versions and thought of giving it a try. It is the 1st time I am trying something other than dianthus, petunias, or zinnias. When it started seedling, I was in love with its cute leaves, so got some more varieties from Amazon for the backyard – jewel mix & Empress of India version.
for the backyard – jewel mix & Empress of India version.
But not only the leaves but also the flowers surprised me, such as cutie flowers. Nasturtiums are good for borders. If you are planning for nasturtiums for the border, buy the dwarf version. To buy it click here. Even though it says it is a summer plant, I won’t say it is good for Texas summer. My plants did well in early spring but not in summer. Both my front & backyard will get full sun. Maybe in summer, it will be good for shaded areas.
Nasturtiums were once commonly known as “Indian cresses” because they were introduced from the Americas, known popularly then as the Indies, and used like cress as salad ingredients. Flowers are good for salads. Nasturtium flowers are rich in vitamin C.
Even though the black velvet came out so good, I liked the bright orange & yellow jewel mix colors. It added a very good color to my garden.
There are some climbing varieties too, for buying Nasturtium vines seeds click here. You may place a trellis near the planting area of climbing nasturtium varieties. To buy a beautiful trellis click here https://www.amazon.com/Pergola-Assemble-Climbing-Garden-Decoration/dp/B0764DWHGH/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=Trellis&qid=1604960339&s=lawn-garden&sr=1-4&th=1. You van train the colorful vines to climb with little effort with a plant support clip Click here to buy it https://www.amazon.com/Support-Reusable-Adjusting-Supporting-Climbing/dp/B08DV9S3HP/ref=asc_df_B08DV9S3HP/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459411117297&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17996361133563026343&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027782&hvtargid=pla-945069662113&psc=1
Nasturtium is an annual with big seeds and it germinates quickly. You can sow them directly into their permanent location as nasturtiums do not transplant well. As it is a big seed anyone even kids can help too. My kids love to help me in the garden and are very happy to see seeds germinate.
Nasturtiums are a great companion plant for vegetables & roses. Nasturtiums can be used as a sacrificial plant, to protect other valuable plants. Because Nasturtiums are the favorite of aphids. But if add some clumps of coffee grounds that will deter aphids. Also, you can just pick off infested leaves, branches & stems & destroy them.
