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Nasturtium

Tropaeolum majus

Flower

Nasturtiums are edible, low-maintenance annual flowers that perform double duty as a sacrificial trap crop for aphids and cabbage caterpillars, drawing them away from vegetables. Both leaves and flowers are edible with a peppery flavour.

Growing Conditions

Sunlight

Full Sun

Water Needs

Low

Soil

Well-draining, lean soil; pH 6.0–7.5; avoid rich soil which promotes leaves over flowers

Spacing

10–12 inches

Days to Maturity

35–52 days from direct sow to flower

Growing Zones

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

Thrives in USDA Zones 3–11

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Keep Away From

No known antagonists

When to Plant

  • Direct Sow

    After last frost; sow directly where they will grow — dislikes transplanting

  • Harvest

    Harvest flowers, leaves, and green seed pods throughout season; all are edible

Organic Growing Tips

  • Plant as a trap crop around brassicas — aphids and caterpillars prefer nasturtiums over cabbages.

  • Check nasturtium leaves regularly and remove heavily aphid-infested stems to reduce overall pest pressure.

  • Do not fertilise — rich soil produces lush leaves at the expense of flowers; lean soil maximises blooms.

  • Harvest green seed pods for pickling as a caper substitute; flowers add colour to salads.

Common Pests

  • Black Aphids (intentional trap crop)
  • Cabbage White Caterpillar (trap crop)

All pest management in Garden uses safe, organic, non-toxic methods only. No synthetic pesticides, ever.