Nasturtium Seeds

nasturtium: the multipurpose flower

Nasturtiums are lovely to look at, but did you know that the blooms are edible too? Nasturtium flowers add a spicy, peppery flavor to salads and drinks, and add a boost of nutrition too! Most people use nasturtium blooms to garnish dishes, but the whole plant is actually edible. Containing high amounts of vitamin C, iron, and other trace minerals, nasturtiums are responsible for a myriad of health benefits. A proven antibiotic, consuming nasturtium may actually help fight the flu and protect against viruses.

Need insect repellent in your garden, but don’t want to use pesticides? Try growing nasturtiums! The sweet scent of nasturtiums actually attracts pests, diverting them away from other crops in your garden, but that’s not all—nasturtiums also draw predatory insects that feast on pests.

planting your own nasturtium seeds

Hardy in nearly all zones, nasturtiums are a heat-loving annual that is known to self-seed. Direct sow nasturtium seeds after the last spring frost, or start the seeds indoors four to six weeks before. Be sure to soak nasturtium seeds overnight for the quickest germination.

A wildflower native to mountain slopes, nasturtiums actually prefer poor, slightly acidic soils. Choose a planting site that gets full to partial sun and drains excess water. Sow seeds a half-inch deep and at least 10 inches apart to allow mature plants to spread. Transplant nasturtium seedlings at the same spacing. Water nasturtiums regularly, but be careful not to overwater. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong flowering. If taken care of properly, nasturtiums will bloom from spring until the first frost. Cut back nasturtium foliage periodically to contain the vining plant from sprawling.

the beauty of nasturtiums

Pick your favorite color combination with nasturtiums—colors range from solid shades of gold, orange, and red, to variegated varieties in pink and blush, to mixes of every thinkable combination. Nasturtium flowers are lovely in dainty cut flower arrangements, and pair beautifully with pansies. Nasturtium is a quirky and fun textural component to add to bouquets.

Plant nasturtiums in hanging baskets and allow the stems to hang down gracefully, or plant nasturtiums in an area that needs ground cover. Nasturtiums will happily spread to take up the space that they’re given, beating out weeds and preventing surface soil from washing away. Whatever your purpose for planting nasturtiums, be sure to order a few extra seeds. Choose a few varieties among Eden Brothers’ 24 offerings for color and fragrance all season long. For more information about planting, growing, and harvesting nasturtium seeds, see the Nasturtium Seeds Planting Guide.