In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through every step to successfully grow nasturtiums in pots or containers, ensuring your gardening journey is both enjoyable and rewarding.
Choosing the Right Nasturtium Varieties
When beginning your adventure with nasturtiums, selecting the most suitable variety for your garden is essential. With numerous options available, understanding the characteristics and benefits of each can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your gardening goals.
Types of Nasturtium Varieties
Trailing Nasturtiums: These varieties, such as ‘Creeping’ or ‘Jewel Mix’, are perfect for hanging baskets or garden displays where you want a cascading effect. Their long stems spill elegantly over the edges of pots, creating a lush, soft look. Trailing nasturtiums are well-suited for vertical gardens or elevated planters, allowing their colorful blooms to cascade downwards, which can beautifully enhance any patio or balcony space.
Bush Nasturtiums: Varieties like ‘Alaska’ and ‘Phoenix’ grow more compactly and provide a bushy appearance. This makes them ideal for smaller containers, as they won’t take up excessive space as they bloom profusely. Their upright nature can serve as a stunning focal point in a mixed planter, adding height and volume to your arrangements.
Dwarf Varieties: For truly compact space solutions, consider dwarf species such as ‘Tom Thumb’. With their small stature yet vibrant blooms, they fit snugly into tiny spaces, making them perfect for urban gardening. These varieties can also be easily incorporated into window boxes or small patio gardens without overwhelming the space.
Color Choices
Nasturtiums come in a variety of colors, ranging from bold reds, oranges, and yellows to delicate creams and pastels. Some varieties even exhibit marbled or variegated leaves, adding an extra layer of visual interest. When selecting colors, consider your existing floral palette and the mood you wish to evoke in your garden. Warm colors evoke vibrancy and energy, while cooler shades can provide calm and tranquility. Mixing various colors can create a layered and harmonious garden display that attracts not just the human eye but also pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Culinary Considerations
Nasturtiums are not just beautiful; they are also edible! Their peppery leaves and flowers make an excellent addition to salads, providing both flavor and nutritional benefits. For culinary gardeners, choosing varieties recognized for their taste, such as ‘Cress’ or ‘Alaska’, can enhance your culinary creations. The flowers can be candied, used as a colorful garnish, or infused into oils. When selecting your nasturtium varieties, consider which ones will grow well in your climate and the culinary uses you envision for them.
What You’ll Need
Before diving into planting nasturtiums, make sure you have all the necessary equipment and materials. Preparation is crucial for preventing unnecessary hurdles and ensuring a smooth gardening experience.
Equipment/Tools
Hand Trowel: A versatile tool that will help you dig holes for planting and mix soil in containers. A sturdy, lightweight trowel allows for precision when planting seeds or young seedlings.
Watering Can or Hose: Keeping your nasturtiums hydrated is essential for healthy growth. Choose a watering can with a rose attachment for gentle watering, or a hose with a spray attachment that allows you to control the flow of water without causing soil erosion.
Pruners: As your nasturtiums grow and mature, maintaining their size through regular trimming might be necessary. A sharp pair of garden shears will help you snip back any dead blooms or overgrown stems to promote bushier growth and prevent disease.
Gardening Gloves: Protect your hands while preparing soil and handling plants, especially if you are sensitive to soil or plant residues. Choose gloves with a good grip to make handling tools and plants easier.
Materials
Quality Potting Soil: Selecting the right potting mix is paramount. Opt for a soil blend that contains organic matter, perlite, or vermiculite to ensure good drainage and aeration. Having the right soil mix can significantly affect the growth rate and overall health of your nasturtiums.
Containers/Pots: Your chosen pots will play a crucial role in your nasturtiums’ growth. Look for containers designed specifically for plants, ensuring they have good drainage capabilities.
Organic Fertilizer: While nasturtiums may not require substantial fertilization, having an organic option on hand can promote vigorous growth. Look for a balanced 5-10-10 fertilizer or compost that will provide the necessary nutrients your plants need.
Mulch: Using mulch is optional but offers numerous benefits. Adding a layer of organic mulch, like straw or shredded leaves, can help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a consistent temperature in the soil.
Choose and Prepare Containers
Choosing the right container is just as important as selecting the right variety of nasturtiums. The container you use will influence drainage, soil temperature, and overall plant health.
Type of Pot
Plastic Pots: They are lightweight, affordable, and retain moisture well, which can be beneficial in warm, dry climates. However, they can also heat up quickly in hot weather. Ensure that your plastic pots are UV-stabilized to resist sun degradation.
Clay Pots: Clay containers are visually appealing and allow for excellent aeration and moisture wicking, which helps prevent root rot. They can, however, dry out faster than plastic pots, so consider your watering routine when using clay.
Self-Watering Containers: If you’re prone to forgetfulness or travel frequently, self-watering pots are a wonderful option. These containers have a reservoir at the bottom that allows plants to absorb moisture as needed.
Size
Choosing the right pot for your nasturtiums is critical. Small varieties thrive in pots around 8-10 inches in diameter, while larger bush types may need pots that are 12-16 inches. If growing trailing varieties, larger hanging baskets or wider containers will provide sufficient space for their sprawling growth.
Drainage
Excellent drainage is a must to keep your nasturtiums thriving. Ensure that your containers have multiple drainage holes at the bottom. If you want to add a decorative touch while preventing drainage holes from clogging with soil, consider using a piece of landscape fabric over the holes. Additionally, incorporating an inch or two of gravel or pebbles at the pot’s base can improve drainage even further and help prevent root rot.
Planting Instructions
With your supplies ready and containers chosen, it’s time to get your nasturtiums planted. This section will guide you through planting, from soil preparation to actual planting.
Prepare the Potting Soil
The success of your nasturtiums begins with the preparation of the potting soil. Fill your selected container with the high-quality potting mix you’ve chosen, leaving about an inch of space from the top. Amend the soil with organic matter such as compost for extra nutrients. Ensure even distribution of your amendments and mix well to create a homogenous potting mix.
Water
It’s essential to ensure the potting mix is evenly moist before planting your seeds or seedlings. Lightly water the mixture until it feels damp but not soggy, as overly wet soil can lead to problems later on. Allow any excess water to drain out completely. Once your soil is prepared and moist, proceed with planting.
Fertilize
Adding fertilizer at this stage will provide your nasturtiums with a nutrient-rich start. Incorporate a slow-release organic fertilizer mixed into the potting soil. This slow-release option will gradually feed your plants over time without the risk of over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.
Care Instructions
Once your nasturtiums are planted, they will need continued care to flourish. Here’s how to ensure they remain happy and healthy as they grow.
Sun Exposure
Nasturtiums thrive in full sunlight, requiring at least 4-6 hours of direct light each day. A location that receives morning sun and some afternoon shade is ideal, particularly in regions with very high temperatures where the blazing sun can scorch young leaves and blooms. If growing indoors, a southern or western-facing window would best accommodate their light needs.
Stick to a Water Schedule
To maintain happy, healthy nasturtiums, establish a consistent watering schedule. The soil should feel moderately moist but never soggy. Check the top inch of soil for dryness, and water thoroughly if it feels dry. In cooler climates, reducing watering frequency is advisable, while warmer regions may necessitate daily checks, especially during heat waves. Consider using a moisture meter for more precision.
Protect From Excessive Heat and Freezing Temperatures
Nasturtiums can tolerate a range of temperatures, but extreme conditions can stress them. During intensely hot spells, you might want to move your pots slightly to provide shade during the hottest part of the day. Conversely, in case of forecasted frost, cover your containers with cloth or burlap to protect them from cold damage. If there are frost alerts, consider moving your pots indoors overnight until stability returns.
Repotting Instructions
As your nasturtiums mature and grow, they may become root-bound or outgrow their current containers. Recognizing when it’s time to repot can ensure their continued health and vigor.
Signs That Repotting is Needed
Watch for the following indications that your nasturtiums might need to be repotted:
Visible Roots: When roots begin growing out of the drainage holes, it’s a clear sign they’re running out of space.
Stunted Growth: If growth appears slowed despite proper care, they could benefit from fresh soil and more room.
Frequent Drying: If your plants dry out rapidly after watering, they may be too tightly bound in their current pot.
How to Repot Nasturtiums
Choose a new pot that is 1-2 inches wider in diameter than the current container and has adequate drainage.
Water your nasturtiums a few hours before repotting to ease the transplant process.
Carefully slide the plant out of the old pot, gently loosening any tightly bound roots. If necessary, trim any damaged roots with sterilized pruners.
Place the plant in the new container at the same depth it was growing in its previous pot. Fill around it with fresh potting soil, gently packing the soil around the roots.
Water the newly potted nasturtiums thoroughly and place them back in their sun exposure for optimal growth.
Pests and Diseases
Nasturtiums, like all plants, can face pest and disease challenges. Understanding how to identify and address common issues will help ensure the health of your plants.
Common Pests
Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can quickly cluster on plant leaves and stems, draining their vitality. They can often be removed simply by spraying them off with a strong jet of water. In more severe cases, a horticultural soap or neem oil applied as directed can help manage infestations.
Spider Mites: These tiny pests thrive in dry conditions, leaving behind fine webbing on the undersides of leaves. Regular misting and maintaining adequate humidity levels can deter them, but in cases of severe infestation, introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs or use organic pest deterrents.
Whiteflies: Like aphids, these can be troublesome, especially in warm and humid conditions. Yellow sticky traps can help monitor and control their populations. If necessary, an insecticidal soap can be applied to manage outbreaks.
Diseases
Root Rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is a serious issue for nasturtiums. Ensure proper drainage and monitor your watering schedule. Signs of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. If root rot is suspected, immediately assess the soil’s moisture level and adjust accordingly.
Powdery Mildew: In humid conditions, you may encounter powdery mildew on leaves. To prevent this, provide good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and allow the soil to dry slightly between watering. If it appears, you may treat it with a fungicide suitable for edible plants, but regularly removing affected leaves is also effective.
FAQ
What is the best time to plant nasturtiums?
Nasturtiums thrive in warm weather, so planting is generally recommended after the last frost in your area, typically in late spring. They can also be sown directly into containers or transplanted from their original location when temperatures have stabilized to around 65-70°F (18-21°C).
Can I grow nasturtiums indoors?
Yes! Nasturtiums can be grown indoors, provided they have access to adequate sunlight. A sunny window or a south-facing area that receives bright light for most of the day is crucial for their growth. Keep in mind that indoor humidity levels should be monitored, particularly in dry seasons.
How long does it take for nasturtiums to bloom?
Nasturtiums typically take about 6-8 weeks after planting for their blooms to emerge, but this can vary depending on variety and environmental conditions. Planting seeds directly in the pots in which you’ll grow them can lead to better establishment and faster blooms.
Final Thoughts
Growing nasturtiums in pots or containers is a rewarding endeavor that brings color, life, and flavor to your gardening experience. With their vibrant flowers, robust nature, and culinary possibilities, nasturtiums are a flexible choice for any garden, balcony, or patio.
