Issue 18Rebels Without A Care

Nasturtiums are the wild rebels of the plant world! They can handle a little neglect and still thrive, so if you need a plant which will riotously bloom, in a relatively short space of time, without much intervention, nasturtiums might just be your James Dean!

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Nasturtiums are generally low-maintenance plants, preferring a ‘treat ‘em mean and keep ‘em keen’ approach, so they are great for beginner gardeners. To enjoy their vibrant flowers, and tasty leaves throughout the growing season, follow our top tips!

Choose the right location: nasturtiums thrive in full sun to partial shade. Select a spot in your garden that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Take advantage of any south-facing walls or sheltered spots that can help capture and retain heat.

Prepare the soil: nasturtiums are not too fussy about soil conditions, but they prefer well-drained soil.

Choose early-flowering varieties: opt for early-flowering nasturtium varieties that have a shorter time to maturity. These varieties will have a better chance of producing abundant blooms within Scotland's shorter growing season.

Consider companion planting: nasturtiums are known for their ability to repel certain pests, such as aphids. Consider planting them alongside vegetables or other susceptible plants to help deter pests naturally.

Sow seeds directly: sow seeds directly into the garden bed after the last frost date in your area, they are generally easy to germinate. Plant them about 1/2 inch deep and space them 8-12 inches apart.

Water adequately: Nasturtiums prefer slightly moist soil. Water them regularly, especially during dry periods but avoid overwatering - Scotland’s climate can be rainy and too much water can cause root rot. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid over-fertilising, as it can result in more foliage and fewer flowers.

Pinch or prune: to encourage bushier growth, you can pinch back the growing tips of the nasturtiums when they are about 6-8 inches tall. This will promote branching and result in more flowers.

Provide support (optional): depending on the variety, nasturtiums can trail or climb. If you have climbing nasturtiums or want to train them to grow vertically over an arch or up a fence, provide a trellis or other support for them to climb on.

Or let them tumble: the alternative is to let nasturtiums tumble from a window box or hanging basket where they will create a cascade of colour in their jewel-like yellow, oranges and reds.

Deadhead spent blooms: regularly remove faded or spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. This process, known as deadheading, prevents the plant from diverting energy into seed production and encourages it to produce more flowers.

Pests and diseases: nasturtiums are generally resistant to most pests and diseases, except the occasional aphid and caterpillar attack. Use organic pest control methods like handpicking or spraying with insecticidal soap to manage infestations.

Save seeds: Nasturtiums produce large seeds that are easy to save for the next growing season. Let some of the flowers mature and develop seed pods which can be harvested when the pods turn brown and dry. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place for future use.

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Nasturtiums are relatively hardy plants that can withstand our cooler temperatures so embrace their resilience and enjoy their beautiful blooms.
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