Nasturtium Plants Care
Nasturtium flowers are popular with gardeners because they can be used for ground cover, as climbing flowers and even for food. They are also remarkably beautiful and have been described as looking like little canary birds from afar. Unfortunately, plants with so many uses are susceptible to diseases, disorders and being eaten by pests. That is why proper care for nasturtium plants is important to learn.
-
Location
-
Most nasturtiums prefer to grow in sandy soil, with full sun or partial shade. In cold seasons, nasturtiums can be planted indoors then transported outdoors when weather improves. Gardeners must also read the labels carefully before purchasing or planting nasturtiums. Some species, like the Tropaeolum majus, need lots of ground room to spread out or they'll invade the space of other plants. Tropaeolum peregrinum, on the other hand, is a climbing flower that can grow up to 12 feet a season. These should be planted next to fences, houses or anywhere else they can climb up and over. Tropaeolum speciosum is another climber that grows even faster than Tropaeolum peregrinum.
Pest Control
-
According to the University of California's Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, nasturtiums are susceptible to aphid, caterpillar, leaf hopper, spider mite, and whitefly infestations. Since nasturtium petals are edible, they can also be eaten by vertebrates like neighborhood dogs, raccoons and squirrels. To prevent nasturtiums from being eaten by pests, an acidic or sour liquid can be sprayed on to the plant. Any unsweetened citrus juice will work well.
Diseases
-
Nasturtiums, even properly-tended ones, can exhibit signs of disease or even die on gardeners. Aster yellows, organisms smaller than bacteria, can invade the inside of nasturtium plants and prevent them from flowering. Infected plants will look green and dwarfed and should be removed, along with surrounding weeds, before spreading onto healthy plants. Nasturtiums can also have viruses, which are revealed by the markings on their leaves that can be spotty and yellow, streaky, dwarfed, or otherwise distorted. Plant viruses usually can't be cured and infected plants should be dug up and removed.
Nutrient Disorders
-
Nasturtium disorders that can be cured are nutrient disorders from being planted in the wrong soil type, or too much or too little water. With water excess or deficiency, plants will wilt and die unless watering is altered. Nutrient disorders will effect the whole nasturtium plant and leave it discolored or undersized. Checking pH levels and salinity (salt) will help gardeners tell if soil needs to be replaced or fertilizer added.
Eating Nasturtiums
-
Nasturtium petals are edible and can sometimes be found in commercial salad mixes, but one must take care before taking a bite. First, using toxic pesticides will almost always leave plants inedible unless pesticide labels say otherwise. The taste of nasturtiums depend on where they grow. In full sunlight, they'll develop a peppery taste. In partial shade and cooler weather, nasturtium flavor will be milder.
-
Related Searches
References
Resources
- Photo Credit nasturtium 23 image by mdb from Fotolia.com
