Nasturtiums are easy-to-grow annual flowers valued for bright blooms, rounded leaves, and a habit that can trail or climb. These ten practical tips cover choosing a type, sowing seeds, managing light and water, and keeping plants productive, whether you garden in a bed, a pot, or a small shared space.
1. Choose a Nasturtium Form That Fits Your Space
Nasturtiums generally grow as compact mounds or longer trailing vines, and seed packets often describe them as bush, dwarf, trailing, or climbing types. Compact selections suit borders and containers where you want flowers close to the soil; trailing plants spill over pot edges, while climbing forms need a trellis or other support. Check the mature growth description on the packet rather than assuming every nasturtium will climb. Matching the plant’s habit to the available room makes it easier to manage and gives the display a deliberate shape.
2. Wait for Warm Soil Before Sowing
Nasturtiums are usually sown directly where they will grow because their roots can be disturbed by transplanting. Sow after the last expected frost, when the soil has warmed and is workable; cold, wet ground can slow germination and encourage seeds to rot. If you want to start earlier, use individual pots and handle the root ball gently when planting out. Local frost dates vary, so use your local gardening guidance rather than relying on a fixed calendar date.
3. Soak the Seeds, but Keep the Method Simple
The seeds are relatively large and have a hard outer coat, so soaking them in room-temperature water overnight can help water reach the seed. This step is optional: many gardeners get good results by sowing dry seeds into moist soil. Sow each seed about an inch deep, then cover it lightly and water gently so it stays in place. Avoid leaving seeds submerged for an extended period, since soaking is intended to soften the coat, not replace proper sowing conditions.
4. Give Seedlings Enough Space
Follow the spacing on the seed packet, since compact and trailing cultivars need different amounts of room. Crowded seedlings compete for light and airflow, making it harder to see their form and keep foliage dry. If several seeds sprout close together, thin them by snipping weaker seedlings at soil level instead of pulling them up beside the one you want to keep. Proper spacing lets each plant fill out without turning a pot or bed into a dense tangle.
5. Pick a Sunny Site, with Some Flexibility
Nasturtiums flower most freely in a sunny position, though they can tolerate some light shade. In a shaded spot, plants may produce more foliage and fewer blooms, particularly if the shade is deep. A site that receives several hours of direct sun is a useful starting point; in a very hot climate, some afternoon shade can help plants cope with intense heat. Watch how the site changes through the day, because a location that seems bright in the morning may be shaded later.
6. Avoid Overly Rich Soil and Heavy Feeding
Nasturtiums grow well in ordinary, well-drained soil and do not need a heavily enriched planting bed. Excessive nitrogen, including from repeated applications of high-nitrogen fertilizer, can encourage lush leaves at the expense of flowers. If your soil is workable and drains reasonably well, sowing directly into it is often enough. In a container, use a general-purpose potting mix and make sure the pot has drainage holes; waterlogged roots are a more immediate problem than a lack of fertilizer.
7. Water According to Soil, Not a Rigid Schedule
Keep newly sown soil evenly moist until seedlings are established, then water when the surface begins to dry. Containers dry faster than garden beds, especially in sun or wind, so check them more often rather than assuming a single routine will suit every planting. Water at soil level when practical, which helps avoid repeatedly wetting the foliage. If leaves wilt in hot weather, check the soil before watering: a plant may be thirsty, but saturated soil needs better drainage rather than more water.
8. Train Trailing and Climbing Plants Early
Trailing nasturtiums can be allowed to spread across an open bed or drape from a sturdy container. For climbing forms, put a trellis, netting, or another suitable support in place while the stems are still young; trying to untangle a mature vine can damage it. Loosely guide the stems toward the support as they grow, without tying them tightly. A structure also improves access for watering and picking blooms, while keeping stems from sprawling across nearby plants.
9. Remove Faded Flowers for a Longer Display
Picking flowers for a vase or pinching off spent blooms can encourage the plant to keep producing flowers, particularly when it is otherwise growing well. Remove the faded flower and its developing seed pod if you want to limit self-seeding. If you would like seeds for another season, leave a few pods to mature and dry on the plant, then collect them before they fall. Deadheading is optional, but it helps keep containers and borders looking tidy.
10. Check Leaves and Know When to Let Plants Finish
Inspect leaves and stems regularly for damage, discolored patches, or clusters of insects, and identify a problem before deciding how to respond. Aphids can gather on soft new growth; a gentle rinse may dislodge small numbers, while more persistent issues call for advice suited to the pest and your growing conditions. Nasturtiums are warm-season annuals, so they naturally decline after frost or as conditions become unfavorable. Let healthy plants set seed if you want volunteers next season, but remove diseased material rather than leaving it among future plantings.
How to Choose
Start with the space, then decide what you want the plant to do. For a narrow balcony or a pot on a table, choose a compact type; for a hanging planter or the edge of a raised bed, select a trailing type; and for a vertical screen, look for a climbing variety and plan its support. Check the packet for expected spread, height, and whether the cultivar is described as bushy or vining, because those traits matter more than flower color when space is limited.
Next, consider your local growing season and the conditions you can provide. Nasturtiums are frost-sensitive annuals, so sowing outdoors is best after frost danger has passed. Choose a sunny site with soil that drains well, and resist the urge to feed heavily in hopes of more flowers. If you are growing in a container, prioritize drainage and a size that can hold the plant’s expected spread. For edible use, confirm the plant’s identity and consult an authoritative food-safety source; do not assume that an ornamental plant or a plant treated with garden chemicals is suitable to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do nasturtiums need full sun?
They flower best in a sunny location, but can grow in partial shade. Deeper shade often means fewer flowers and more foliage.
Can I grow nasturtiums in a pot?
Yes. Choose a container with drainage holes and match the plant’s habit to the space: compact types suit smaller pots, while trailing types work well where stems can spill over the edge. Check the seed packet for the cultivar’s spread.
Why are my nasturtiums growing leaves but few flowers?
Common causes include too much shade, overly rich soil, or heavy feeding with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Move a container to a sunnier position if possible and avoid adding fertilizer unless the growing medium or local guidance indicates it is needed.
Should I start nasturtium seeds indoors?
Direct sowing is usually straightforward and avoids disturbing the roots. Indoor sowing can help if your growing season is short, but use individual pots and transplant carefully after frost danger has passed.
Will nasturtiums come back next year?
They are annuals, so the original plant does not persist through winter. In a suitable climate, seeds may fall and sprout on their own the following season, but self-seeding is not guaranteed.
Are nasturtiums edible?
Some nasturtium flowers and leaves are used as food, but only eat plants that have been positively identified and grown without unsuitable pesticides or other treatments. Check an official food-safety source for guidance, and do not rely on appearance alone.
Final Thoughts
For reliable nasturtiums, choose a growth habit that suits your space, sow after the soil warms, and provide sun with well-drained soil. Keep watering responsive to actual conditions, avoid excessive feeding, and add support early if you are growing a climber. A little attention to the seed packet and the local frost outlook can prevent most common problems and help keep flowers coming through the growing season.