Things You'll Need:
- Nasturtium seeds (available at all home and garden centers as well as at most large drug/home stores with a garden section). Choose trailing nasturtiums for containers or hanging pots, bush nasturtiu
- A small dish of water to soak your seeds overnight
- A sunny, well-drained spot to plant your future garden stars.
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Step 1
Nasturtium seeds are ready to be planted after all danger of frost has passed. They grow well in warm weather and grow quickly so if you are just getting started in June, there's still plenty of time to enjoy your garden.
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Step 2
Nasturtium seeds are hard with an almost walnut-like texture. To speed germination (the process where the seed opens and a little plant pops out), soak your seeds in a small dish of water overnight. Use regular tap water and just enough to cover the seeds. This will help swell your seeds and you will notice a small crack. This will speed the process to get your plants started so you have flowers sooner.
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Step 3
Plant your nasturtiums in a sandy soil, one that isn't too rich in a nice sunny spot. If you live in a very hot climate with a lot of direct sun, choose an area with morning sun for your nasturtiums - they love sun but not baking in it for long, very hot days. You will want to have a sandier, well-draining soil and avoid fertilizing as a rich soil will lead to a lot more leaves and less flowers. To plant the seeds, just push the individual seeds into the soil using your finger to about an inch depth. Plant the seeds about three and a half to four inches apart.
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Step 4
You should have flowers within six to eight weeks. The flowers and the leaves are edible provided you do not use pesticides. The leaves have a spicy flavor that is wonderful in garden salads. The flowers add pretty color and a spicy flavor to whatever you add them to. Experiment and have fun. Most of all, enjoy your garden!
