How to Plant Nasturtium Seeds

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Nasturtium's are an excellent flower for novice gardeners and children. The seeds are large, making them easy to handle, and no special soil preparation is needed. Just push the seeds in, water, and they will germinate in 7 to 10 days. Nasturtium's bright, tropical looking flowers add color and flair to containers and borders without detracting from other flowers. You can find nasturtiums with variegated foliage and flower colors ranging from bright red and orange to pastels and creams. Nasturtiums do best in poor soil with direct sunlight.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Nasturtium seeds, any variety Trellis or other support for climbing varieties

Planting Nasturtiums

Step 1

Select a spot with full sun and well drained soil.
Step 2

Direct sow nasturtium seeds in the garden after all danger of frost has past and the soil has begun to warm up.
Step 3

Space seeds 10 to 15 inches apart and push 1/2 to 1 inch into the soil. Plant climbing nasturtiums close to a trellis or other support. Trailing varieties should be planting in the front of borders or along the edges of planters.
Step 4

Water the seeds after planting. Do not water again until the seeds begin to germinate, usually 7 to 10 days after planting.

Tips & Warnings

Nasturtiums like poor, dry soil. Do not use compost, mulch or fertilizer. Nasturtiums may repel squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, so plant some near cucumbers and squash in your garden. Nasturtiums flowers and leaves are edible and add a spicy tang to salads. Plant climbing nasturtiums at the base of shrubs or small trees, allowing the vine to use the other plants as a support, the flowers will peek out of the shrub and tree branches for an interesting effect.
Excess nitrogen in fertilizers will cause foliage growth but no flowers.

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