Tropaeolum majus Seeds | Nasturtium
LATIN NAME: Tropaeolum majus
COMMON NAME: Nasturtium
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) stands out as a climbing annual. Nasturtium is bright, easy, trailing or climbing annual of gardens, and its vivid, orange, red and yellow, spurred flowers have been a familiar of old gardens for a very long time. Round, soft, green leaves and bright, showy, five-petalled flowers with long, slender spurs cover plant through summer, and both leaves and flowers have a fine, peppery taste. Plant is one of easiest of annuals, and it is a fine, generous addition to border, pot and window box. During flowering it gives bees and other insects a dependable food source. It is hard to name another plant that gives this much for this little trouble.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the Tropaeolum group, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. Nasturtium has a steady and well-documented place in plant science, and it has been studied for its bright, spurred flowers and its peppery leaves. With present-day seed handling, raising this species well within the reach of any careful grower.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Nasturtium earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. Nasturtium is grown for bright flowers and peppery leaves. Both leaves and flowers have a fine, peppery, mustard-like taste, and they are a colourful addition to salads, sandwiches and the garnish. Bright, orange, red and yellow flowers pull in bees and hoverflies, and plant is a fine, easy, fast addition to border, pot and window box. It establishes readily and then requires nothing out of the ordinary.
Nasturtium is the edible flower par excellence, peppery leaves and blooms rich in vitamin C, and its benzyl isothiocyanate is studied for antimicrobial effects; in the garden it is a living mulch and aphid trap.
Growing from Seed
Sow fresh seed of Nasturtium under ordinary good conditions. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
As a climbing annual, it settles into a routine quickly once established. Nasturtium settles in quickly once it finds its footing. Sun and good drainage cover most of its demands.
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