Nasturtium - grown from seeds. Nasturtium: planting and care in open ground. Varieties and varieties of nasturtium

Nasturtium, planting and care open ground behind which there is no particular difficulty - the most beautiful garden plant, a native of South and Central America, firmly and reliably settled in our latitudes due to his bright decorative appearance, medicinal properties and unpretentiousness in cultivation.

Description of nasturtium

Belonging to the Nasturtium family, the modest garden crop is characterized by a wide variety of red and yellow shades. The bright green leaves are arranged alternately, have a round, shield-shaped shape and a shiny, waxy surface.

Planting and care in open ground (see photo in the article) in cultivated floriculture lasts only one season due to low resistance to cold. Under natural conditions, nasturtium grows as perennial.

Soil and lighting requirements

Nasturtium, which can be planted and cared for in open ground even by a beginner, is unpretentious in cultivation and positively perceives any changes aimed at improving growth and lush flowering. An important factor in the quality development of a flower is moderately fertile soil with a slightly acidic environment and good drainage qualities. Poor soils will negatively affect the flowering of the plant and its decorative appearance; soil with an excess of organic matter will cause active growth of green mass: nasturtium will refuse to bloom in such conditions.

An important factor in the quality growth of nasturtium is lighting. For flower culture, you need to choose places that are well lit by the sun and protected from drafts; in partial shade abundant flowering will not be observed.

Seed propagation method

Almost all types of nasturtium are propagated by seeds, which are characterized by very high germination and retention of properties for 4 years. Sowing in open ground is carried out at the end of May, after the end of spring frosts; for regions with cool climates - in the first days of summer. Compliance with sowing deadlines will have a positive impact on such a modest and beautiful plant like nasturtium. Planting and care in open ground in the spring are recommended with the use of covering material, since the crop is heat-loving and quite susceptible to cold weather. It is advisable to water with warm water.

You can collect seeds yourself: for this it is important to control the condition of the fruits formed on the flowers, which become whitish as they ripen. It is important to have time to collect them before the nasturtium throws them to the ground.

Planting and caring for seeds in open ground involves preliminary immersion of the latter in hot water for a quarter of an hour and then soaking for a day in water room temperature. The seeding depth is 2 cm, the gap between holes is 25-30 cm; quantity per hole - 3-4 seedlings. Shoots will appear in half a month. This option is most practiced in home floriculture, as the output is plants adapted to natural conditions and resistant to various kinds of diseases. True, the nasturtiums planted are blooming by seed method, will start an order of magnitude later than those grown from seedlings.

seedling method

With the seedling method, which ensures early flowering of nasturtium, seedlings are planted at the end of April-May in peat cups of 2-3 pieces and kept at home at a temperature of +20...+22 o C. Young plants appear after 2 weeks. Due to the weak root system, in order to avoid injury to it, nasturtium seedlings should not be picked; It is recommended to immediately plant young plants in a permanent place of growth along with a ball of earth or peat cups. It is recommended to harden off young plants beforehand: with the onset of warm weather, it is recommended to take them out into the air for several hours. Nasturtium will begin to bloom in 4-6 weeks.

New or double varieties of nasturtium can be propagated by cuttings, which should be rooted in damp sand or water. This method allows you to preserve the species characteristics of the variety as accurately as possible.

Nasturtium: planting and care in open ground

The temperature for the active development of nasturtium should not fall below 16 o C. Caring for a garden beauty consists of stable watering and periodic weeding required to ensure air access to the roots of the plant and retain moisture in the soil. If you are unwilling or unable to carry out weeding, you can use soil mulching.

During the period of active growth of nasturtium, it is necessary to ensure abundant watering, which must be cut back as soon as the plant enters the flowering phase. Moisture should be supplied only as the soil dries; with constantly moist soil, the plant will only grow green mass.

To stimulate flowering and give the plant a neat, well-groomed appearance, it is recommended to promptly remove wilted flowers.

Feeding activities

Before flowering, nasturtium should be fed every week with potassium-phosphorus fertilizers. It is not recommended to use preparations containing nitrogen for this ornamental plant like nasturtium. Planting and care in open ground in the fall involves deep digging of the soil and burning the tops of the plant.

Diseases and pests of nasturtium

Nasturtium - amazing plant, which is not of interest to such omnivorous pests as Colorado potato beetles, whiteflies, aphids, cabbageweed. Therefore, it is recommended to plant such a useful crop between beds with potatoes, cabbage, eggplants, and peppers. This will significantly reduce the number of garden pests and preserve the vegetable harvest.

Among the diseases, the plant can be affected by bacterial wilt, characterized by weakening of the lower leaves and the gradual death of the entire plant. Appears as brown dry spots on the leaf blades of the flower. gray mold, and black stains are rust. It is recommended to remove and burn plants affected by such diseases, and treat healthy specimens with insecticides.

Medicinal properties of the plant

Nasturtium, planting and caring for it in open ground brings real pleasure to true flower growers, has been valued as a medicinal plant since ancient times and is used to stimulate hair growth, in the treatment of skin rashes, kidney stones, anemia, and vitamin deficiency.

Helps cope with depression, irritability and stress. The high content of vitamin C allows nasturtium to be successfully used in the fight against scurvy, and the phytoncides and provitamin A present in the composition help with atherosclerosis and restoration of metabolism. Essential oil plants are effective for vascular diseases.

Use in cooking

Nasturtium, planted and cared for in open ground by weeding and regular watering, is successfully used in cooking: for decorating dishes, as a component for salads and soups. Dried and crushed seeds can successfully replace ground black pepper. Pickled nasturtium fruits taste very similar to capers. Moreover, they are prepared quite simply: you need to cut off the immature buds from the plant, wash, dry, place in sterilized glass jars, and pour in hot marinade (the same as for cucumbers). Close tightly. Use as a seasoning for fish and meat dishes, add to soups and solyankas.

To prepare the original light salad You need to wash the young nasturtium leaves well, cut them, combine them with herbs and lemon juice. Season with salt and berry vinegar or sour cream.

Small creeping shrubs with succulent green leaves and bright flowers funnel-shaped bright orange or yellow color often found in gardens middle zone, in summer cottages and in balcony cassettes. These catchy flowers, flaming against the backdrop of bright greenery - nasturtiums.

Nasturtiums have become so familiar that we don’t see anything unusual in them, and yet they are not just a beautiful plant.

Amazing facts about nasturtium:

  • The tubers produced on the roots of some perennial nasturtium species are edible and have a pleasant taste.
  • You can eat not only the roots of the flower. Young shoots and leaves are used as one of the ingredients in green salad, buds and green fruits are pickled or pickled, and the seeds serve as a spicy seasoning for a variety of dishes.
  • Green ovaries of nasturtium fruits are sometimes used instead of capers.
  • Nasturtium is considered medicinal plant, helping to cure respiratory and digestive diseases, as well as skin ailments. Nasturtium is rich in vitamins C and A, and therefore is used to prevent vitamin deficiency.
  • The original name of nasturtium - capuchin - comes from the resemblance of the flowers to the pointed hoods of the Catholic Capuchin monks.
  • In the setting sun, nasturtium flowers seem to flare up and flame with bright fiery colors.

Nasturtium, also known as capuchin, is a large genus herbaceous plants. In the Latin classification, the genus is called Tropaeolum and is divided into many species and subspecies. Nasturtium gave its name to a whole family of dicotyledonous cabbage plants, the homeland of which is considered to be Central and South America. Among more than 90 species, there are both annual and perennial species. Unfortunately, in the rather harsh conditions of the middle zone, nasturtiums do not tolerate wintering in open ground, so only annuals are used in gardening.

In the article we will look at the main types and varieties of plants, their characteristics and use for decorative purposes, and also provide some recommendations for caring for the plant.

Species suitable for growing in open ground and popular varieties

Since the homeland of nasturtiums is South America, where the climate is much milder and the ground does not freeze in winter, perennial plants of this genus are found. In our climate with cold winters and seasonal freezing of soils, only annual subspecies or perennials can be used for garden decoration, but only for one season. The most common ones are listed below with mention characteristic features kind. For each subspecies there is a list of popular horticultural varieties derived from this species.

Large nasturtium(lat. Tropaeolum majus), also known as large capuchin or May nasturtium, is an annual plant species that is most often used to decorate large areas. The creeping form has long twisting stems up to 2-3 meters long. Standing varieties reach a height of half a meter. Large nasturtium reproduces by self-sowing, so additional planting is not required every season. The seeds remain viable for several years. The leaves of the plant have a rich green color and are cup-shaped; the flowers are single, large, orange and fiery red. The species has multiple creeping, erect and shrubby varieties, including:

  • "King Theodore" - with large and bright red flowers;
  • “Pitch Melba” – with polychrome inflorescences (cream and red);
  • “Salmon Baby” - the flower petals have a pink-salmon hue; depending on the variety, the flowers can be simple or double;

N. "King Theodore", N. "Pitch Melba", N. "Salmon Baby"
  • "Ladybug" resembles Melba, but the tone of the inflorescences is apricot;
  • "Strawberry Ice" - creamy yellow petals decorated with a bright red pattern at the base;
  • "Empress of India" - small bright red flowers against a background of dark green leaves.

N. " Ladybug", N. "Strawberry Ice", N. "Empress of India"

Nasturtium shieldbearing(lat. Tropaeolum peltophorum) is the second popular species, which is distinguished by the color of the leaves: dark green, not saturated. Against the background of dark leaves, bright red and red flowers look more contrasting. According to its life form, this type of nasturtium belongs to creeping shrubs. Individual brittle stems can reach 4 meters in length. Among the varieties of this species, one standing and several liana-like varieties stand out:

  • "Lucifer" grows up to 30 centimeters, has dark leaves, common to the species, but with a reddish tint. Large (up to 6 cm in diameter) inflorescences are red-red in color.

Nasturtium cultivated(lat. Tropaeolum cultorum) combines the features of a large and shield-bearing one. The leaves on the shoots are densely arranged and, depending on the variety, have a dark green or reddish-brown tint. The variety of flower colors ranges from pale yellow to deep red. Cultivated nasturtium blooms, like other plant species, from early summer until autumn (until the first frost) and is quite unpretentious to soil and care. There are standing, creeping and dwarf varieties:

  • “Sparkling Mahogany” is a standing variety, grows up to 40 cm, has large double inflorescences of scarlet color;
  • “Golden Globe” is a small spherical shrub about 35 cm in diameter, the inflorescences are also double, but golden in color. The leaves are light green in color.
  • “Moonlight” is a creeping creeping variety with brittle stems up to 2 meters long and pale yellow flowers funnel-shaped.

N. "Shimmering Mahogany", N. "Golden Globe", N. "Moonlight"

Small nasturtium(lat. Tropaeolum minus) is another popular species, hardy enough for planting in open ground. Presented in standing varieties 20-30 cm in height. Features of this species are small leaves on relatively elongated petioles and relatively small inflorescences (only 3 cm in diameter) in shades of orange and red. Most popular varieties type:

  • “Cherry rose” grows up to 25-30 cm, the leaves are small, the flowers are double scarlet;
  • “Black corduroy” is a special variety whose flowers sometimes appear black due to their very dark burgundy hue. Limit height plants – up to 30 cm.
  • "Just Peaches" is a variety with delicate creamy-orange flowers, the middle of which is decorated with stripes of brick-red color.

N. "Cherry Rose", N. "Black Velvet", N. "Just Peachy"

Among the others known species azure, multi-leaved and tri-colored nasturtiums stand out, but they are too whimsical to grow in open ground. For each of the listed types, a variety of different varieties, so the variety of nasturtiums available at garden stands is truly impressive. Here we have highlighted only the most popular and unusual varieties of the flower; these varieties of nasturtium can often be found on sale and grown in your own garden.

Nasturtium in landscape design

The ability to plant nasturtium in open ground in the garden, its self-seeding propagation and rapid growth make this genus of plants an excellent solution to landscape design problems.

The long stems of creeping types of nasturtium (large, cultivated) are excellent for planting over large areas. For example, you can use a flower for terracing and covering soil slopes, as well as for edging other, larger shrubs and trees. The undoubted advantage of nasturtium in relation to the latter is the structure of its root system - thin taproots with weak peripheral development do not interfere with the nutrition of neighboring crops.

Standing and shrub varieties can be used for spot and linear planting when decorating flower beds, borders and garden paths. The dense arrangement of leaves on the stem creates the impression of a continuous strip (or cover) with a relatively sparse planting of shoots.

Climbing subspecies of capuchin are also widely in demand for decorating fences, walls, and fences. The quality of a living nasturtium hedge is ensured by the length and density of its stems, as well as its rapid growth in any direction. In one summer season, a nasturtium planting can cover a significant vertical area.

The variety of plant species allows you to choose the optimal color and pattern for the area being decorated - a light or dark green background, the size and contrast of flowers, as well as the general perception of the structure of the cover (small or large leaves) can be adjusted using a wide range of varieties.

Nasturtium care

As noted at the beginning of the article, the nasturtium family consists of more than 90 species. Some of them are suitable for planting in open ground, others survive only in home or greenhouse conditions. Selected species cannot exist at all in northern and middle latitudes. Since in this article we are considering those types of nasturtium that are widely used for landscape decoration and open ground, below are the basic recommendations for garden planting.

Planting in open ground: sowing seeds, preparing and caring for seedlings, cuttings

Even a novice gardener can cope with planting nasturtiums, since this procedure can be considered basic.
Several landing methods are possible:

  • sowing seeds,
  • transplanting,
  • cuttings

Seeds are sown directly into the ground, in a nesting method (3-4 seeds each) in a hole at a distance of 20-30 cm from each other. Sowing time is the end of May, after the end of the last frost. If there is a risk of a drop in temperature during the germination period, it is better to cover the bed (flower bed) with plastic film. The first shoots usually appear within 1-2 weeks.

[!] In order for all the seeds to germinate successfully, you need to: buy only fresh planting material, do not bury the seed too much in the ground, plant the seeds only in heated soil.

A technique to achieve better germination– soaking the seeds. Nasturtium seeds are immersed in water at room temperature for about 15 minutes, thus accelerating the development of the plant.

Planting seedlings allows you to achieve earlier flowering of nasturtium. To do this, the seeds must be sown in advance in pots at home, one nest per pot. It is important to remember that capuchins have a very weak root system, so peat pots are used to obtain seedlings and planting in the ground is done directly in them, without diving. When caring for seedlings, you should pay attention to good lighting nasturtium shoots. Otherwise, the stems will become very elongated, and after planting in the garden the plant will become sick and will bloom much later. Watering the seedlings should be done with warm and soft (settled) water.

In nature, capuchins reproduce by self-planting, but in garden conditions Cuttings can also be used to produce new shoots. To do this, cut the stem of the nasturtium under acute angle close to the base and immerse them in damp sand or water. The first roots will appear in a week, after that new escape can be moved to a peat pot and continued care until transplanted into open ground using the technique described above.

Location, temperature, watering

After planting nasturtium in open ground in the first ten days of June, in order to achieve beautiful flowering, you need to pay attention to some important recommendations.

Firstly, seedlings and seedlings require a large number of light, therefore, to plant nasturtium you need to choose a bright area.

Immediately after planting, when there is a difference in day and night temperatures, it is better to cover the flower bed with young seedlings with film.

Watering nasturtiums in the first week is carried out abundantly and, if possible, with settled water at room temperature. After steady growth of green shoots, watering is slightly reduced and carried out only after the top layer of soil has dried. In waterlogged soil, capuchins can rot, and a lack of moisture will cause the stems to stretch, as well as the leaves and buds to dry out.

Soil, fertilizing

The optimal soil for nasturtiums should be light, loose, water- and breathable, and slightly acidic, with a low organic content. Unsuitable soil composition can lead to problems:

  1. On soil rich in organic matter, capuchins grow many leaves, but do not bloom well.
  2. If the soil is swampy and the level groundwater too high, the nasturtium roots may rot.
  3. Too poor a substrate is the reason for the appearance of small leaves and flowers, as well as elongated long stems.

[!] If the soil on your site contains a large amount of black soil or clay, add a little clean sand when planting nasturtiums.

From time to time (once every one to two weeks), nasturtium can be fed. For this purpose, beautiful flowering ones are best suited. The plant does not need nitrogen compounds that stimulate the growth of green mass.

Flowering: timing, what to do after flowering, collecting seeds

Nasturtiums bloom throughout the summer, from June until the first autumn frosts in September-October.

Since in our climate capuchins are grown only as annuals, the procedure for harvesting them after flowering is common: collect and burn the tops, and then weed and dig up the area. If you plan to plant nasturtium in the same place next year, you can final fertilize the soil with phosphates. Before destroying old plants, if necessary, you can collect seeds for next year.

Seeds ripen in early autumn, after the flowers have withered. At first greenish in color, they gradually ripen to a whitish hue. At this time, their attachment to the peduncle is very weakened, so the seeds should be collected with caution, otherwise you can lose a significant part of them. The exception is foreign nasturtium - its seeds do not have time to fully ripen by autumn. They are collected green and brought to their final state at home.

[!] Nasturtium seeds can be preserved just like any other vegetables, and then used as a snack or salad addition.

Pests and diseases

Despite the fact that nasturtium is a useful and even commonly eaten plant, it is rarely attacked garden pests. Colorado beetles, aphids and whiteflies are indifferent to bright orange flowers nasturtiums However, capuchins are not protected against bacterial infection and gray rot. As a result of this kind of ailment, oppression of the lower leaves appears, dark and mosaic rust spots on the leaves, which result in the rapid withering of individual shoots. To get rid of infection, remove the diseased plant from the flowerbed, and treat the rest with a special antibacterial composition to prevent the spread of the disease.
***

Nasturtium appeared in Europe thanks to Jesuit monks in the mid-16th century, and already in the 18th century, Europeans knew not only about beautiful decorative, but also about excellent taste and medicinal properties this plant. The name comes from the Latin word for 'little trophy' due to the helmet-like shape of some parts of the flower.

The name capuchin took root in Germany: the peculiar shape of the spur served as the basis for this. Hood and capuchin are brother words. It appeared in our gardens at the same time as potatoes and corn, and has long been the leader in popularity among garden flowers for many decades. Nasturtium brought joy to our grandmothers and great-grandmothers. It is happily grown in the flower beds of kindergartens and schools, because it is an unpretentious flower, so care does not present any difficulties and is kept to a minimum, accessible even to a schoolchild.

Nasturtium - a bright palette of colors in your garden

Nasturtium, capuchin (Tropaeolum) - about 90 species of herbaceous perennial plants, native to Central and South America and the Mediterranean, belong to this genus. The plants are unpretentious, with magnificent flowers of various shades from yellow to red, grown as annuals in the form of compact bushes or vines. The stem is creeping or climbing up to 3 m long. The root system is taproot, located in the upper layers of the soil.

The leaves are large, alternate, thyroid or palmate, succulent on long petioles, green or red. The flowers are large, solitary, bisexual, on long stalks, located in the axils of the leaves. Blooms from late June until the first frost. The fruit is three-locular, consists of single-seeded fruitlets with a tuberous surface and a spongy light yellow-green shell.

Growing and caring for nasturtium in open ground

Nasturtiums are grown outdoors in pots, flower beds, and flower beds. Curly and creeping species- in hanging baskets, on supports. It is growing very quickly - hedge nasturtium makes an excellent screen all summer long. Prefers well-lit, drained areas, loamy soils.

On overfertilized lands, it develops powerful stems and leaves to the detriment of flowering. During flowering, regular watering is required. If there is a lack of moisture, it grows poorly and does not bloom for a long time. Feed every 3 weeks with a moderate amount of complex mineral fertilizers. The culture does not tolerate fresh organic fertilizers, lime, excess nitrogen fertilizers, or waterlogging.

Remove wilted, damaged and diseased flowers in a timely manner. This stimulates the formation of new buds. Not resistant to low temperatures: flowers cannot tolerate even light frosts.

Growing nasturtium from seeds When to plant in the ground and for seedlings

Nasturtium seeds photo

Planting nasturtium seeds in the ground

Annual species are grown from seeds. They can be sown in open and protected ground from the end of March to the beginning of April. Prepare a bed by thoroughly loosening the soil and filling furrows every 20-25 cm. Plant fairly large nasturtium seeds to a depth of 2-3 cm and cover the furrows reverse side rake. The distance between the seeds must be at least 8-10 cm in order to obtain full-fledged seedlings for planting in a permanent place.

After sowing, it would not be superfluous to cover the bed with film, placing arcs, or build Earthworks along the perimeter, pressing the film with a stone or brick to the ground. When seedlings appear, you will need to ensure that the temperature inside the greenhouse does not rise above 25 °C and water it on time. Because high temperatures, scalding sunlight and lack of moisture are no less destructive than negative temperatures. When warm days arrive, the film is removed during the day, protecting the plants only at night in case of sudden frosts.

You can plant nasturtium in the ground immediately in a permanent place, hoping that the distance between the bushes should be left decent: about 40-50 cm. Do not spare space, otherwise the plants will oppress each other, become poorly developed and poorly decorative. Planting nasturtium in open ground directly in a flower bed is carried out only when night frosts have subsided: the seeds will quickly sprout and will be damaged by frost if they are not protected. Depending on the region, this may be late May - early June.

Growing nasturtium from seeds to seedlings at home

Nasturtium is sown for seedlings with the onset of April. 1-2 seeds per peat humus pots or tablets. You can use loose soil for flower plants by filling it with ordinary cups for seedlings. Planting depth is 1 cm. After planting, be sure to water it and place the cups on the south window, where there will be enough light and warmth. You can cover the seeds with film to create greenhouse conditions, but it should be removed when seedlings appear. Shoots appear in 10-12 days. If you planted two seeds, choose a more powerful sprout, and cut off the weak plant. Grown plants are planted in May in fertile, well-loosened and watered soil, without disturbing the earthen coma, at a distance of 40-50 cm.

Climbing varieties can be planted a little more often - up to 35 cm, but this is if they grow on a vertical support. Seeds pre-soaked for 24 hours are sown directly into open ground from mid-May. Cold weather is detrimental to nasturtium, so it is better to cover the plants with film or non-woven material for the first time.

How to collect nasturtium seeds

Nasturtium usually produces abundant self-seeding, which, under favorable conditions, will germinate the following year. The seeds are collected after flowering and remain viable for at least 4 years. They are taken from the most liked specimens. Mature ones are brown in color. After collection, they are dried and stored in paper bags. Perennial species planted in spring (5-7 plants per 30-45 cm container at a distance of 15-20 cm from each other) and placed on a well-lit windowsill.

Wintering perennial nasturtium and storing tubers

In autumn, the bushes are pruned to the ground. And in cold climates, the tubers are dug up and stored in a cool place in a box with dry peat.

Perennial species are propagated by dividing tubers in March. After this, they are laid out for germination or immediately planted in pots with nutritious soil, and after the onset of warm days they are taken outside. Perennial species of this tropical beauty have just begun to conquer the market and are still little known.

Propagation of nasturtium by cuttings

Nasturtium can be taken from cuttings. This method is used for breeding terry varieties. The cuttings are rooted in damp sand or a glass of water, after treating them with root. Plant 1 cutting in a cup; when transplanting into open ground, do not disturb the earthen coma. The main method of propagating nasturtium is by seed. It is the simplest, most accessible, and is used everywhere.

Pests and diseases

Affected by gray rot, rot, mosaic. If changes are detected in the form of a mosaic pattern, wilting of the lower leaves, or small brown spots, the damaged parts of the plant should be removed.

It would not be superfluous to additionally treat the plantings with special preparations. Typically, diseases actively develop in damp weather and in dense, poorly ventilated plantings. Maintain the recommended distance when sowing. This is one of those cases when it is better to plant less often, and then your flower garden will not be afraid of many diseases.

Nasturtiums are aphids spider mite and cruciferous flea beetle. To combat them you can use chemicals. If you eat the plant, use traditional methods- daily pollination of plants with a mixture of ash and tobacco dust or spraying with vinegar (1 glass of 9% vinegar or 2 tablespoons of vinegar essence per bucket of water). Ash can be scattered around the bushes.

Nasturtium helps increase the yield of vegetables. It distracts insect pests, which readily choose the capuchin to lay their eggs. Therefore, by growing nasturtium near vegetable beds, you will protect them from whiteflies, cabbage butterflies, and Colorado potato beetles. You can combine plantings by placing nasturtium mixed with vegetable crops or making decorative curtains from it. Nasturtium is one of the most sought after flowers by many gardeners. It is unpretentious, blooms for a long time and pleases the eye with a lush outfit, serves as protection against many insects.

Useful properties of nasturtium

Nasturtium has been successfully used traditional medicine to dilate blood vessels, to improve blood supply to the heart muscle, as an antitussive, as an antiseptic for diseases of the genitourinary system, as a normalizing agent metabolic processes. It is useful for older people. Due to the content of carotene and sulfur in it, which are preventive substances for sclerosis. It is used in food as a source of vitamins, increasing the biological value of ordinary dishes.

The leaves, buds, flowers and unripe fruits have a pleasant pungent taste, reminiscent of watercress. Leaves and flowers are used in salads, sandwiches, in the preparation of soups, sauces, and side dishes. Unripe fruits and buds are pickled separately or mixed with other vegetables. This unpretentious flower has long won the hearts of amateur flower growers. It does not require special care, grows quickly and blooms for a long time, and can transform even the most dull corners of the garden into a colorful landscape.

Variety of colors, availability planting material will satisfy the needs of any gardener. the forms serve as an excellent decoration for fences, courtyard buildings, as well as those places that need to be hidden from prying eyes. Bush forms are suitable for decorating flower beds, borders, and mixborders. In terms of difficulty of breeding, it is accessible to the most inexperienced gardeners. Even a child can be trusted to plant and care for nasturtiums.

Types of nasturtium with description and photo

There are varieties of nasturtiums with bush and climbing forms, with simple, double, semi-double flowers. Exist variegated varieties. Used as a decorative flower crop for carpet plantings and for vertical gardening. Leaves, buds, and unripe fruits are used as an aromatic additive in cooking.

Large nasturtium Tropaeolum majus

Annual, climbing, climbing species. Characterized by shield-shaped light green, red or yellow flowers with a spur. The leaves are long-petiolate, round, unequal, green or purple tint. The most commonly bred variety is ‘Glim’ with semi-double flowers, colored orange tones. Based on this species, many varieties grown in household plots have been bred.

Foreign nasturtium Tropaeolum peregrinum

A climbing nasturtium from the Canary Islands, a perennial form with irregular yellow flowers with a fringed edge and shield-shaped leaves. If the winter is warm, it overwinters well in open ground.

Tuberous nasturtium Tropaeolum tuberosum

Tuberous climbing plant with bluish-green five-lobed leaves, which is grown in the mountainous regions of Peru, Chile, and Bolivia. In the absence of support, it forms a soil cover. It has large pear-shaped tubers, being an important starch-bearing product.

It has been cultivated by the Indians since ancient times. Yellow-orange flowers 4-5 cm long with a red spur appear later than in other species. The tubers are large, yellow with a marbled pattern. Cultivated as an annual. In autumn, the tubers are removed from the ground, ventilated in the open air, and stored like dahlias.

Instructions

The best soils for nasturtium are loamy and sandy loam, not too fertile, moderately moist. Also, the place to plant this flower should be sunny or in light partial shade. In dense shade the plant will wither and will not produce good flowers.

Nasturtium can be planted in the beds of tomatoes - it will help with pests: cabbage butterflies and whiteflies. The smell of this plant is not tolerated by Colorado potato beetles and various types of rodents, as well as aphids. Therefore, gardeners love to plant nasturtium around, on potato fields and next to berry bushes. A flower can protect vegetable crops, fungal and viral diseases, nematodes. Nasturtium gets along well with legumes and radishes, but does not like parsley.

Nasturtium should be fertilized 3-4 times a month with complex fertilizer. It responds well to the addition of phosphorus and potassium, but does not tolerate nitrogen and manure, lime, or any fresh organic fertilizers.

Helpful advice

Nasturtium can be used as food. Young leaves and flowers will enrich the taste of salads, decorate soups and other dishes; pickled fruits taste similar to capers. This plant is used to treat vitamin deficiency, anemia, bronchitis, skin rashes, and urolithiasis.

Nasturtium (“capuchin”) attracts gardeners not only for its high decorative value. This plant with bright fragrant flowers has valuable nutritional properties. Only its young leaves contain much more vitamin C than green salad. Seasoning is made from the seeds of the garden beauty, dishes are decorated with its flowers, knowledgeable people They make medicinal and cosmetic tinctures and decoctions from capuchin. Fortunately, nasturtium is easily propagated: by seeds, seedlings and cuttings.

You will need

  • - Nasturtium seeds;
  • - bayonet shovel;
  • - superphosphate;
  • - ash;
  • - compost;
  • - water;
  • - containers with a sliding bottom or peat pots;
  • - garden knife.

Instructions

If you have new plant varieties, propagate them and preserve all their beauty mother bush Cuttings will help. Transplant the healthiest decorative specimen into a spacious container. Do this carefully so as not to damage the clod of earth and the root system of the flower.

Let the varietal plant overwinter in a cool window with sunny side Houses. Don't water it too much. At the beginning of summer, cut out nasturtium- “mother”: cut off its apical shoots with 4-5 leaves and immediately plant them in the soil.

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The name of the flower - nasturtium - comes from Latin language, which translated means “trophy”. Since the plant’s homeland is South and Central America, nasturtium is very heat-loving, but unpretentious; it develops and blooms well in our latitude.

Planting nasturtium

Nasturtium does not tolerate transplantation very well. Therefore, the plant must be planted immediately in a permanent place. Seeds are planted directly into the ground in mid-May, when the soil has already warmed up sufficiently. To do this, you need to make a small hole about 5 cm deep, put 2-3 seeds there and cover it with loose fertile soil. The distance between the holes should be at least 25-30 cm, since nasturtium grows very much.

Petunia, marigolds, annual or dwarf dahlias will be excellent neighbors for nasturtiums. But when choosing plants for the composition, keep in mind that it grows very strongly and can choke the growth of other flowers.

Nasturtium planted in this way will bloom in late July - early August. However, it is quite possible to get earlier flowering. To do this, you need to grow a flower through. How to achieve this, since the plant practically does not tolerate transplantation? Use pots. Sow the seeds at the end of April, 3 pieces in each pot, and at the beginning of June, plant the flower with it in a permanent place.

Nasturtium is grown not only as a beautiful flowering plant, but also as a medicinal plant. Nasturtium decoctions will help with vitamin deficiency, chronic bronchitis, anemia and other diseases.

Nasturtium care

For lush growth and flowering pick up nasturtiums a good place. The plant is light-loving, but also tolerates light partial shade. The flower does not like drought, but also does not tolerate stagnant moisture. If there is no rain, water the plant regularly after the soil has dried out. Watering should be reduced; it will only be necessary if the substrate completely dries out.

Almost all parts of the plant can be used for food. The leaves, buds and flowers make a savory salad. And from unripe seeds you can make an excellent seasoning - capers.

Nasturtium grows well in moderate conditions fertile soils, therefore it practically does not need fertilizing. If fertilizers are applied excessively, nasturtium grows leaves, and its flowering, on the contrary, stops.

Nasturtium is a wonderful decoration for balconies. The roots of the plant are small and located close to the soil surface, so it grows well in. Place drainage in the bottom, then fill with regular garden soil and plant 3 seeds per pot. Within a week, shoots will appear, and in a month, nasturtium will delight you with beautiful bright sunny flowers.

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Nasturtium, who doesn’t know this flower? The simplest and most common. No match for rose or peony. But not everyone is familiar with its advantages. After all, this “simple thing” is modestly beautiful, useful in the garden, nutritious and healing.

Nasturtium - decorative flowering plant in the garden


Flower growers appreciate their easy-going nature and unpretentiousness. Its modern compact varieties, color scheme, double flower shapes brought a new breath into the design and use of the plant. Nasturtium is becoming popular again. It is planted on balconies, flower beds, and borders are decorated.


Nasturtium - useful plant garden She is a protector of other plants from diseases. It was noticed that where nasturtium grew, the soil contained less fungal infection. So, after it the plants are not so affected by root rot. And such sissies as asters and sweet peas develop and bloom better.


Nasturtium and cooking


Even in the ancient books of monks, information and recipes for salads using nasturtium flowers and leaves are mentioned. In those days, the plant was called “cardinal’s salad” and they carefully kept the secret of their recipes. Nasturtium was valued in those distant times, as it was considered a source of health and undying youth.


Nowadays, leaves, flowers, and unripe seeds (capers) of nasturtium are widely used in cooking. The plant goes well with many vegetables, nuts, cheeses, meat, fish, eggs, and cottage cheese. Thanks to its unique taste and distinctive piquancy, nasturtium adds its own “zest” to the dish. And given its usefulness, it enriches the nutritional value of any food. Salads, seasonings, and drinks are tasty and healthy.


Medicinal properties of nasturtium


Nasturtium is rich in such important vitamins for humans as vitamins C, B1, B2, provitamin A. The plant has a high content of iodine, potassium, and phosphorus salts. It contains herbal antibiotics. Nasturtium has bactericidal properties and helps in the treatment of the upper respiratory tract, bronchitis, and kidney stones. Therefore, adding flowers, leaves, and especially unripe seeds to salads and dishes, not only diversifies dishes, but also heals.


This is such a difficult flower - nasturtium.

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It is advisable and profitable to grow flowers on the site that can be used as decorative, medicinal and fruit. Nasturtium, a magnificent, versatile plant, is one of these plants.

Nasturtium. Growing from seeds

The homeland of nasturtium is South America, where up to 60 species grow there; in Russia, only three species are cultivated - Canary, Lobba and large, as well as hybrids. Nasturtium grows in bushes, 20-40 cm high, and also has ampelous forms - the vines grow up to two meters long and require support. The plant blooms all summer, until frost; varieties have been bred with decorative double flowers that have a variety of colors: white, cream, pink, crimson, with patterns and stains.

Nasturtium is propagated by seeds; they remain viable for 2-4 years. They are sown in spring in well-warmed soil, to a depth of 2-3 cm; in cold areas they are grown through seedlings. It prefers light, loose soil, but not too fertile; flowers appear two weeks after sowing. For good growth it needs sun, in sunny places the plant pleases with lush flowering, in the shade it produces abundant foliage. It likes rare but plentiful watering and can easily tolerate drought. Ripe seeds quickly fall off and can self-sow next year. But such plants develop late and produce few flowers.

Useful properties of nasturtium

Nasturtium is a medicinal, aromatic and salad plant. The flowers, leaves and green fruits of nasturtium have a pleasant piquant taste. Her fresh leaves contain ascorbic acid and are rich in carotene. The plant also has blood purifying properties, so it is desirable in the diet of children and adults. From leaves seasoned olive oil and lemon juice, it turns out delicious salad, reminiscent of watercress or radish in taste. All parts of the plant can be used as a seasoning; they go well with meat dishes and give them a spicy twist. Also, flowers and leaves are used to decorate dishes when serving.

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Due to the variety of species, nasturtium is widely used in landscape gardening, on balconies, and in borders.

Poor soils are suitable for its growth, since fertilized soils produce strong growth of green mass and minimal flowering.

Nasturtium can be annual or perennial, grown from seeds or seedlings. Seed germination lasts up to 4 years. Such types of annual nasturtium as climbing and hanging ones are used to create hedges and vertical gardening, since these plants have long stems that can attach to fences, walls, balconies, and terraces.

Terry annual nasturtium is used for landscaping summer cottages, flower beds, and balconies. Climbing perennial nasturtium is grown both in apartments and in the country. To get a beautiful plant, you must follow some rules.

Nasturtium must be provided with a bright and warm place; shade and drafts are unacceptable; moderate soil moisture is needed. It is better to use mineral fertilizers for it than organic matter, so that the plant does not burn and blooms richly.

Features of regular care

Young plantings must be watered systematically. Flowering plant Does not require watering, except in very dry weather.

In order to prolong the flowering of nasturtium, it is useful to remove old and weak branches and faded peduncles.

When transplanting nasturtium, it should be taken into account that it has a delicate superficial root system. Therefore, you have to dig it up along with a lump of earth, then water it for a while until the plant adapts.

To grow seedlings, it is convenient to use peat pots, with which you can immediately plant the flower in the ground. It is permissible to plant several seeds in one pot. The most fertile time for planting nasturtium is the beginning of June. With this method, flowering occurs earlier.

Propagation of nasturtium

It is easier to propagate nasturtium by seeds.

Sowing is carried out in the ground after the end of night frosts on a site warmed by the sun.

Pre-soaked seeds, several at a time, are placed in holes to a depth of 2 cm. After 2 weeks, sprouts should appear. Under favorable conditions, nasturtium dissipates on its own. In this case, the seeds overwinter in the soil and sprout in the spring. New varieties of nasturtium can be propagated by cuttings. To do this, they are placed in water or wet sand, then they are planted in the ground with their roots. When provided with proper care, nasturtium looks very attractive and refreshes the landscape of any area.

Nasturtium is very popular among amateur gardeners. It grows and blooms on rather poor soils; on soils rich in organic matter, a huge green mass develops to the detriment of flowering. This is an annual plant, its thick succulent stems reach a length of 2-3 m. There are also bush varieties 25-30 cm each.

The leaves of the flowers are round and shield-like, shiny, covered with a waxy coating, bright green. The flowers are large, up to 5 cm in diameter. The color can be cream, salmon, yellow, red, pink, cherry.

Choosing species and varieties for planting summer cottage, you should carefully study their differences.

Plant species

Nasturtium bush

The plant is an annual and is a pretty flowering bush which is ideal for landscape design. It is used for vases and balconies, and is used to decorate the area in borders and mixborders.

Nasturtium climbing

annual plant, with the help of which hedges or standard vertical gardening are formed, for example, flowers are planted along balconies, gazebos, fences and walls.

Nasturtium amelia

A cute plant that also participates in vertical gardening. Suitable for decorating residential buildings - terraces, balconies, walls.

Terry nasturtium

An annual often used for decoration dacha area. In this case, the flower can serve as a landscaping plant for a veranda, house, balcony, and so on.

Climbing nasturtium

A beautiful perennial plant that is grown in pots (at home) and in flower beds (country floriculture).

Growing conditions

If you want to grow beautiful greens and colorful flowers, and not a mixture of plants that simply got mixed up and began to fade, strict adherence to agricultural practices is necessary.

By properly caring for the plant and taking the necessary steps, you will achieve excellent results, both in the country and at home.


Selecting a location

The plant is light-loving and heat-loving, and therefore you should forget about partial shade and silence shady garden, because the place of nasturtium is in a flowerbed, near the fence of the territory, in landscape decoration or even single plantings.

Try to plant the flower in places that are well protected from drafts, because almost all plants do not respond well to cold winds.

Most suitable soil

The flower prefers moderate soil, both in terms of moisture and nutrients. As we mentioned above, the plant gains green mass on well-manured soil, but shows poor flowering, so it’s up to you to decide on this fact.

You should not fertilize nasturtium with fresh organic matter, as the plant may burn, but mineral fertilizers It is simply necessary to add it to the soil, since it reacts to such substances with abundant flowering.

Using nasturtium (video)

Watering the plant

Watering should be systematic, but very moderate, which is most important for young plantings. During flowering, nasturtium is watered only on the driest days; during the standard warm season, watering can be stopped altogether.

How to prolong flowering?

It is necessary to understand that constant heavy watering can lead to rotting of the plant, especially on heavy soils. Therefore, it is worth observing timely irrigation, but do not forget to do pruning. Removing weak branches and faded buds will significantly prolong flowering.

Transplantation and propagation

How to replant nasturtium?

Our plant is considered quite delicate, and therefore requires replanting Special attention. Superficial root system is very sensitive to various kinds of disturbances, and therefore the transplant occurs together with an earthen lump, which must not be disturbed.

After transplantation, the plant must adapt, but this takes time. Don't be discouraged if your nasturtium looks limp at first, just continue to water regularly and wait.

Propagation by seedlings

Nasturtium can be propagated by seeds or by growing seedlings. If you want to plant flowers on the plot already in the form of seedlings, then the initial stage of cultivation will be the distribution of seeds into peat cups, 2-3 for each. Within 10-14 days you will notice seedlings that can be transplanted into open ground in early June. It is necessary to plant a flower with a lump of earth or together with a glass.

We propagate the flower by seeds

You can also try growing nasturtium with seeds, which is not difficult. Seeds are prepared in water or a special nutrient solution, and planted in a warm area after the night frosts in the spring have ended. A few seeds per hole a couple of centimeters deep will be enough to get plant sprouts within 2 weeks.

Propagation by cuttings

Propagation of nasturtium by cuttings is used extremely rarely and mainly for new varieties. Rooting of young cuttings of the plant occurs in water or wet sand, then the cuttings can be planted directly in open ground, avoiding schooling.


Features of cultivation

  • Planting occurs only in heated soil and only with a clod of earth.
  • Early flowering can be achieved if you use the seedling growing method.
  • Excessive fertilization with organic matter promotes abundant green mass, correct fertilization with minerals ensures long flowering.
  • If you create nasturtiums favorable conditions, she herself will drop seeds that can overwinter in the soil and produce young plants next spring.
  • Seed germination is maintained for 4 years.

Nasturtium can be safely called unpretentious flower, but if you provide the plant with proper care, it will look much more beautiful than an abandoned wild specimen in a summer cottage.

Growing nasturtium in the country (video)

Reviews and comments

(10 ratings, average: 3,90 out of 5)

Anastasia 09/25/2010

Very beautiful plants, but during frosts they freeze (

irina 04/23/2014

My nasturtium leaves are turning yellow and drying up, help, what can I do to help it?

Nikolay 07/24/2014

And nasturtium attracted me with its red flowers and of course leaves!

Olga 02/14/2015

Nasturtium pleases me with its splendor and brightness. I'm collecting flowers. And fill it with 6-9:% vinegar. The vinegar becomes fragrant beautiful color and use it for dressing salads and dumplings. Store in the dark.

Natalya 08/23/2015

I wanted to ask: what animals can damage nasturtium seedlings and how to deal with it?

Olga 09/24/2015

Nasturtium let me down this year - the seeds didn’t sprout(((I was so hoping that it would please me with its flowering.... I really like the foliage of this plant, which is also decorative. I’ll buy it again next season, maybe I’ll have better luck.

Lyudmila 09/28/2015

This year we planted Zebra nasturtium for the first time. She “sat” for a long time, and now it’s wonderful in September lush flowering- we rejoice! thanks for useful tips, next year we will try to plant and different varieties and seedlings, we hope to see this beauty as soon as possible.

From my experience of growing Nasturtium, I can say that it prefers moderately fertile and moist soils, but does not tolerate either excess fertilizers (especially nitrogen and fresh organic fertilizers, such as manure), or excessive watering (especially during flowering). As a result, it blooms very poorly, although the leaves grow wonderfully. In addition, nasturtium does not tolerate lime, but, on the contrary, it really needs phosphorus fertilizers.

Lydia 12/30/2017

I planted bush and hanging nasturtiums, but I didn’t see the difference. Only at the end of autumn the tree began to produce long lashes. And another question - I collected seeds from a white hanging nasturtium, the next year the flowers turned yellow. Why? It doesn't seem to be a hybrid.

Mari28 01/06/2018

Nasturtium leaves change color due to improper agricultural practices. High humidity soil, poor lighting, lack of certain minerals or mosaic disease. You can restore health to a flower only by regulating the care of the plant. Cut off all yellowed leaves and burn. Apply azofoska to the soil. Watering is done only in the morning or after sunset, regularly but moderately. On particularly hot days, protect the flower from direct sunlight and provide shelter for it.

Mari28 01/06/2018

Flowers can only be protected from animals such as cows, sheep, goats with the help of a fence. If we are talking about pests: aphids, cabbage moths, whiteweed or spider mites, which most often attack nasturtium, then only spraying with insecticidal preparations (Iskra, Actellik, Fufanon, Fitoverm) will help. If there are few pests, then they are effective folk remedies. Sprinkling with wood ash, spraying with soap solution. And remember, plants with healthy immunity are not attacked. Therefore, carry out the correct agricultural cultivation techniques.

Mari28 01/06/2018

There may be several reasons why the flower changed its color. Cross-pollination, excess or deficiency of a mineral, as well as a reaction to a certain feeding. Most likely, during the budding period, you fed fertilizer containing ammonia, which changes the color of pigmentation. By the way, white petals turn yellow if watered or sprayed with a solution ammonia.

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