How to Grow Nasturtium in Maine

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is a vibrant and hardy annual flower known for its striking colors and edible leaves and flowers. Originating from South America, nasturtiums have become a popular choice for gardeners in the United States, including Maine. With their ability to thrive in various conditions, these delightful plants can add beauty to gardens, serve as companion plants, and contribute to culinary dishes. In this article, we’ll explore the steps you need to take to successfully grow nasturtium in Maine.

Understanding Nasturtium

Before diving into the specifics of growing nasturtium, it’s essential to understand what makes this plant unique. Nasturtiums prefer well-drained soil and can tolerate poor soil conditions, making them ideal for the rocky and clay-filled soils often found in Maine gardens. They come in various colors including shades of orange, yellow, and red, and produce round leaves that are peppery in flavor.

The two primary types of nasturtium are trailing and bush varieties. Trailing nasturtiums spread out along the ground or trail down containers, while bush types grow upright and are compact, making them suitable for small spaces.

Choosing the Right Variety

When selecting nasturtium varieties for your garden in Maine, consider your available space and aesthetic preferences. Some popular varieties include:

Jewel Mix: A mix of bright colors that adds a cheerful vibe to any garden.
Alaska Mix: Known for its variegated leaves and bright flowers, providing a striking contrast.
Empress of India: A bushy variety with dark foliage and vivid red flowers!

Select the variety that best suits your needs, keeping in mind whether you want trailing or bush forms.

Preparing Your Garden

Location

Nasturtiums require full sunlight to thrive. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. While they can tolerate partial shade, optimal growth occurs in sunny areas.

Soil Preparation

Although nasturtiums prefer poor soil over rich soil, ensuring proper drainage is essential. Here’s how to prepare your soil:

Test Your Soil: Conduct a soil test to determine pH levels and nutrient content. Nasturtiums prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0).
Amend as Necessary: If your soil is too rich or has high nitrogen levels, consider mixing it with sand or gravel to improve drainage.
Add Organic Matter: Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into your soil to provide moderate nutrients without overwhelming the plants.

Spacing

Nasturtiums can grow quite large depending on the variety. Space them about 12 inches apart for bush types and allow up to 24 inches between trailing types if you want them to spread out.

Planting Nasturtium Seeds

Timing

In Maine, the last frost date typically falls between late May and early June. This is the best time to plant nasturtiums directly into the garden. However, you can start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date if you desire an earlier bloom.

Direct Sowing

Prepare Seed Bed: Loosen the soil with a hoe or rake where you intend to plant.
Sow Seeds: Plant seeds about half an inch deep and cover lightly with soil.
Water Gently: Water thoroughly but gently to avoid displacing seeds.
Thin Seedlings: Once seedlings emerge (usually within 7-14 days), thin them out according to the recommended spacing.

Transplanting Seedlings

If starting seeds indoors:

Transplant at Right Time: Wait until seedlings have developed two sets of true leaves and the risk of frost has passed.
Harden Off: Gradually acclimate your seedlings to outdoor conditions over a week before transplanting.
Follow Direct Sowing Steps: Transplanting should follow the same guidelines outlined above for direct sowing.

Caring for Your Nasturtiums

Watering

Nasturtiums are fairly drought-tolerant once established; however, consistent watering is crucial during their initial growth phase:

Water deeply once a week during dry spells.
Avoid overhead watering—wet leaves may lead to fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

As mentioned earlier, nasturtiums thrive in poorer soils; therefore, avoid heavy fertilization:

Lightly fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer at planting if needed.
If using compost, ensure it is well-aged and not too nitrogen-rich.

Pest Control

Nasturtiums can attract aphids and other pests. Here are some tips for managing pests:

Regularly inspect plants for signs of aphids or caterpillars.
Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestations occur.
Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs that naturally control pest populations.

Harvesting Nasturtium

One of the most appealing aspects of nasturtium is that both flowers and leaves are edible! Here’s how you can harvest them:

Flower Harvesting

Pick flowers when they are fully open for peak flavor.
Use caution—avoid picking too many at once as this can stress the plant.

Leaf Harvesting

Leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season.
Select younger leaves as they tend to be more tender and flavorful.

Both flowers and leaves add a unique peppery flavor to salads and garnishes—explore different culinary uses!

Winter Care & Saving Seeds

As summer fades into fall in Maine, nasturtiums will begin to die back with frost. Here’s how you can care for them during winter:

Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around plants before winter sets in for insulation (note that this doesn’t guarantee survival).
Saving Seeds: If you wish to save seeds:
Allow some flowers to go past their prime.
Collect seeds when brown and dry; store them in a cool, dry place until next planting season.

Conclusion

Growing nasturtium in Maine is not only feasible but also rewarding! With careful attention to their needs regarding sunlight, soil conditions, watering practices, pest management, and harvesting techniques, you can enjoy lush blooms throughout the summer months. Whether you’re looking for an attractive addition to your garden or delicious edible flowers for your kitchen creations, nasturtiums offer versatility along with their beauty—making them a perfect choice for any gardener in Maine!