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 an 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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Nasturtium is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Nasturtium after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall 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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Nasturtium with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants 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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Nasturtium seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.