Nasturtium Edible Flowers: A Gardener’s Delight
If there’s one flower that brings color, flavor, and a touch of magic to the garden, it’s the nasturtium. Known for its bright orange, red, and yellow blooms, nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is more than just a pretty face. For home growers like me, it’s a plant that delivers multiple rewards: it’s easy to grow, attracts beneficial insects, and is entirely edible — from leaves to flowers to seeds.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with growing nasturtiums in pots, raised beds, and even along vegetable borders. They’re versatile, forgiving, and surprisingly robust, and once you understand a few basics about their growth and use, they can become a staple in any edible flower garden.
This article will guide you through growing nasturtiums, understanding their culinary uses, and exploring creative ways to enjoy their peppery, tangy flavor.
Why Nasturtiums Are More Than Just Decorative
Many gardeners plant nasturtiums for their ornamental appeal, but there’s so much more. Each part of the plant can be used in the kitchen.
- Flowers: The star attraction. Nasturtium flowers have a bright, peppery flavor with subtle sweet undertones. They’re perfect for salads, sandwiches, and garnishes.
- Leaves: Slightly spicier than the flowers, the leaves can be used in salads, pesto, or as wraps for soft cheeses.
- Seeds: Immature seeds can be pickled as a substitute for capers, offering a tangy burst of flavor.
Beyond culinary uses, nasturtiums are also beneficial companion plants. They attract aphids away from tomatoes and cabbage, draw pollinators to the garden, and encourage predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings. From my experience, a border of nasturtiums can act as a natural insect decoy, reducing pest pressure on other crops without any chemicals.
Growing Nasturtiums: From Seed to Bloom
Nasturtiums are among the easiest edible flowers to grow. They thrive in poor soils where many other plants struggle, and they don’t require fertilizers to look vibrant.
Seed Selection and Sowing
I always start with seeds. Nasturtium seeds are large, and this makes them easy to handle and plant directly into the garden or in containers. Depending on the variety, plants can be trailing, bushy, or dwarf. For vertical spaces, trailing varieties are excellent along trellises or fences, while bushy types are ideal for beds and containers.
- Sow seeds 1–2 cm deep, 10–15 cm apart.
- For a staggered bloom, plant new seeds every few weeks throughout the growing season.
- Nasturtiums prefer full sun but will tolerate light shade, though flowering may be reduced.
Soil and Fertility
Interestingly, nasturtiums perform better in lean soil. Rich, heavily fertilized soil encourages foliage growth but reduces flower production. I’ve had the best results using a standard potting mix in containers or slightly poor garden beds for in-ground plants. This keeps the plants producing abundant blooms rather than just lush leaves.
Watering
While nasturtiums are drought-tolerant once established, they need consistent moisture during germination and early growth. I water moderately, making sure the soil stays damp but not soggy. Overwatering can cause root rot or reduce flowering. Mulching around the base can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Support for Trailing Varieties
If you grow trailing nasturtiums, provide trellises, fences, or stakes for support. I often let vines climb old wire fences or cascade over raised beds. They make a stunning visual display while keeping flowers clean and accessible for harvesting.
Harvesting and Using Nasturtium Flowers
The best part of growing nasturtiums is enjoying them in the kitchen. Flowering begins a few weeks after sowing, depending on climate and soil conditions. Harvest flowers early in the morning when they’re fresh and fully open.
Flower Tips:
- Use flowers immediately for best flavor, or store briefly in the refrigerator.
- Remove the green calyx if you want a cleaner presentation.
- Avoid using flowers that show signs of wilting or pest damage.
Leaves and Seeds:
- Leaves have a more intense peppery flavor. I often use them sparingly in salads or to wrap soft cheeses.
- Seeds can be harvested when still green and pickled in vinegar or brine for a caper-like treat.
Culinary Ideas:
- Salads: Mix flowers and leaves with mixed greens, goat cheese, and nuts for a fresh, colorful dish.
- Sandwiches: Bright flowers add both color and a subtle peppery kick.
- Herbal Butters: Chop flowers and leaves into soft butter with a pinch of salt.
- Garnishes: Nasturtium flowers make a dramatic addition to soups, roasted vegetables, and even desserts.
- Pickled Seeds: Treat them like capers for pasta, salads, or charcuterie boards.
In my kitchen, I keep a small basket nearby during harvest. Using nasturtium leaves and flowers throughout the season keeps dishes fresh, vibrant, and full of natural flavor.
Pest Management and Companion Planting
Despite their delicate appearance, nasturtiums are surprisingly resilient. They do attract aphids, but this can be an advantage in the garden. Planting them near susceptible crops like tomatoes or cabbage can act as a trap crop, diverting pests from your main harvest.
Beneficial insects are frequent visitors. Bees, hoverflies, and ladybugs love nasturtiums, which supports pollination and pest control in the rest of your garden. I’ve noticed that a small patch of nasturtiums significantly improves the overall health of surrounding plants, even without chemical intervention.
Regular inspection for aphids or caterpillars helps maintain plant health. If infestations occur, I gently spray with water or remove clusters by hand rather than resorting to chemical sprays. Remember, these are edible flowers — anything you use on them should be safe for consumption.
Seasonal Care and Tips for Success
Nasturtiums are annuals in most climates but may self-seed readily if flowers are allowed to mature. Here are some tips to get the most out of them:
- Deadheading: Removing spent flowers encourages more blooms. I usually snip flowers before they turn into seed pods unless I want to collect seeds.
- Succession Planting: Sow seeds every few weeks to maintain a continuous display of blooms.
- Temperature Tolerance: Nasturtiums prefer moderate temperatures. In very hot climates, partial shade helps prevent wilting. In cooler areas, a sunny spot ensures full bloom.
- Seed Saving: Allow a few flowers to mature into pods. Collect seeds for next season — they store well in a dry, cool place.
By paying attention to timing, soil, and water, you can extend the flowering season and enjoy continuous harvests of both leaves and flowers.
Creative Ways to Incorporate Nasturtiums
Beyond traditional culinary uses, nasturtiums inspire creative projects in the garden and kitchen:
- Edible Arrangements: Use the flowers to decorate cakes, pastries, and cheese boards. The vibrant colors make dishes visually stunning.
- Infused Oils or Vinegars: Add flowers to oil or vinegar for a delicate, floral note. I’ve experimented with vinegar infusions that turn a standard salad dressing into a garden highlight.
- Tea and Herbal Infusions: Fresh or dried leaves can be brewed into a mild, peppery tea. Adding a few flowers gives a colorful twist.
- Natural Decorations: Nasturtiums make an excellent garnish for cold soups, summer cocktails, or even ice cubes. Simply drop a flower into each cube tray before freezing.
Experimentation is the key. Edible flowers encourage creativity, and nasturtiums are forgiving enough to allow for trial and error without wasting effort.
A Must Have in Your Garden
Nasturtium is a must-have for any home gardener interested in edible flowers. It’s vibrant, easy to grow, and versatile in the kitchen. From peppery leaves to colorful flowers and picklable seeds, nasturtium adds both visual appeal and flavor to gardens and dishes alike.
Growing them teaches patience, observation, and the joy of using your garden harvest in creative ways. Whether planted in containers, raised beds, or as a companion plant among vegetables, nasturtiums reward attention without demanding complicated care.
For anyone exploring edible flowers for the first time, nasturtiums are an ideal starting point. They combine beauty, flavor, and practicality in a single, easy-to-grow package. Over the years, I’ve found that every home gardener can enjoy the charm and utility of these vibrant blooms — all it takes is a little sunlight, moderate soil, and a willingness to taste the garden.
Embrace nasturtiums, experiment in the kitchen, and let their color and flavor inspire you throughout the growing season.
