How to Grow Nasturtium in Nevada

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is not only an attractive addition to any garden, but it also offers culinary uses and benefits for pollinators. With its vibrant blooms and unique peppery flavor, it’s no wonder that many gardeners in Nevada are eager to cultivate this versatile plant. However, growing nasturtium in the arid climate of Nevada comes with its own set of challenges. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of successfully growing nasturtium in the Silver State.

Understanding Nasturtium

Before delving into the specifics of cultivation, it’s important to understand what nasturtium is and why it is a favored choice for home gardens. Originally from South America, nasturtiums belong to the Brassicaceae family and can be classified into two main types: trailing and bush varieties. The flowers, leaves, and seeds are all edible, making them popular in salads and as garnishes.

Benefits of Growing Nasturtium

Aesthetic Appeal: With bright orange, red, or yellow flowers, nasturtiums add a splash of color to gardens.
Culinary Uses: Both flowers and leaves can enhance salads with a peppery flavor.
Companion Planting: Nasturtiums are known to repel certain pests such as aphids and whiteflies, making them excellent companions for other plants.
Pollinator Attraction: Their vibrant flowers attract bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of your garden ecosystem.

Choosing the Right Variety

In Nevada’s varied climates—from arid desert conditions to mountainous regions—selecting the appropriate nasturtium variety is crucial. Here are some popular varieties suitable for Nevada:

Jewel Mix: This bush variety produces vibrant flowers in various colors and grows well in containers.
Alaska Variegated: Known for its unique marbled leaves and bright flowers, this variety is also tolerant of lower water conditions.
Turkish Delight: This trailing type exhibits a mix of orange and yellow blooms, perfect for hanging baskets or ground cover.

Optimal Growing Conditions

Nasturtiums thrive in specific growing conditions. Here’s how to create an ideal environment for them in Nevada:

Soil Requirements

Nasturtium prefers well-draining soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. While they are not overly fussy about soil quality, avoid overly rich soils as this can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flower production.

Amendments: If your soil is heavy clay or too sandy, consider adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and nutrient content.
Testing pH: A soil test kit can help you determine the pH of your garden soil, allowing you to make necessary adjustments.

Sunlight Needs

Nasturtiums flourish in full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. In Nevada’s high desert climate, aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Morning Sun: If possible, plant nasturtiums where they receive morning sun but are sheltered from the intense afternoon heat.

Watering Considerations

Given Nevada’s dry climate, watering practices are crucial for successful nasturtium growth:

Establishment Stage: After planting seeds or seedlings, water them deeply once or twice a week until they’re established.
Drought Resistance: Once established, nasturtiums are fairly drought-tolerant; however, regular watering during extremely hot spells will promote abundant blooming.

Planting Nasturtium

You can either sow nasturtium seeds directly into your garden bed or start them indoors:

Direct Sowing

When to Plant: In Nevada, sow seeds outdoors after the last frost date (usually late April to early May).
Depth and Spacing: Plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep with a spacing of around 10-12 inches apart for bush varieties and 12-18 inches for trailing types.
Watering: Water lightly after sowing to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.

Starting Indoors

Timing: Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date.
Containers: Use seed trays or biodegradable pots filled with seed-starting mix.
Transplanting: Harden off seedlings by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions before transplanting them into the garden.

Caring for Nasturtium

Once your nasturtiums are planted, a few care tips will help ensure a healthy growth cycle:

Fertilizing

Nasturtiums don’t require much fertilizer; in fact, too much nitrogen will result in more foliage than flowers. A balanced organic fertilizer applied sparingly during early growth can suffice if your soil is particularly poor.

Pest Management

While generally pest-resistant due to their strong scent and taste, nasturtiums can occasionally be affected by aphids or caterpillars:

Handpicking: Regularly inspect leaves for pests; handpick any visible insects.
Neem Oil Spray: For heavier infestations, consider using neem oil as an organic pesticide.

Pruning and Deadheading

To encourage continuous blooming throughout the season:

Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to promote new growth.
Trimming Back Foliage: If plants become too leggy or overgrown, prune back some foliage without cutting into the main stems.

Harvesting Nasturtium

When it comes time to harvest:

Flowers: Pick flowers when they’re fully open for use in salads or as garnishes.
Leaves: Young leaves can be harvested throughout the season; older leaves may become tougher and less flavorful.
Seeds: Seeds can be harvested when they turn brown; they can be pickled as a substitute for capers.

Conclusion

Growing nasturtium in Nevada is an enriching experience that not only beautifies your garden but also enhances your culinary adventures while supporting local pollinators. By selecting the right variety and providing suitable growing conditions—such as proper soil amendments, adequate sunlight, and mindful watering—you can enjoy vibrant blooms all season long. Whether you choose to grow them in garden beds or containers, these resilient plants are well worth the effort in any Nevada landscape. Happy gardening!