Trailing or mounding plants with round lily-pad leaves and edible peppery flowers that thrive on neglect and poor soil. Both leaves and blooms spice up a salad; it self-seeds and can naturalise.
At a glance
- Plant type: Annual
- Mature size: 30 cm H × 1.5 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus is a fast-growing annual in the Tropaeolaceae family. It reaches around 30 cm tall and 1.5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Orange, yellow, red and cream green flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Nasturtium
Nasturtium suits warm-temperate, subtropical and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice.
Soil & planting
Most soils suit Nasturtium provided drainage is reasonable. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Nasturtium performs well with relatively little water once established. Feed as new growth begins, following the rate on a balanced garden fertiliser. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
Pruning & care
Prune Nasturtium after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. For most gardens, it is low maintenance.
Using Nasturtium in the garden
Nasturtium earns its place for edible harvests, pots and courtyard containers, hanging baskets, feeding bees and pollinators and holding soil on banks and slopes. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Nasturtium sits most comfortably beside plants adapted to low water use and warm-temperate climate. A small cluster gives stronger visual impact than isolated plants scattered through the garden.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe. Be aware it can self-seed or spread into bushland in some regions — check it is not a declared weed in your area before planting.
Buying Nasturtium
Plant Sale lists Nasturtium as seed. Use the quote builder above to ask about current stock, sizes and pricing.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Nasturtium seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.
