Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are vibrant, easy-to-grow flowering plants known for their beautiful blooms and peppery-flavored leaves and flowers. They thrive in a variety of conditions and can be a wonderful addition to any garden, especially in regions like New York, where their colorful presence can brighten up urban spaces and suburban gardens alike. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to grow nasturtium successfully in New York.
Before diving into the specifics of growing nasturtiums, it’s important to understand what they are. This annual plant is native to South America, but it has been embraced worldwide for both ornamental and culinary purposes. Nasturtiums are known for their rounded leaves and bright flowers that come in shades of orange, yellow, and red.
The beauty of nasturtiums lies not only in their appearance but also in their versatility. The flowers and leaves are edible, adding a peppery flavor to salads or garnishes. Additionally, nasturtiums are beneficial companion plants; they can deter pests from other plants like cabbage and encourage pollinators.
There are several varieties of nasturtium, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are a few popular ones:
When selecting a variety, consider your garden’s aesthetic and purpose. If you’re looking for an eye-catching display, go for vibrant color mixes. For culinary use, any variety will do as long as the flowers are edible.
New York has a diverse climate ranging from humid continental in the northern region to humid subtropical in the southern areas. Nasturtiums grow best in temperatures between 55°F to 70°F (13°C to 21°C). In New York, the ideal time to plant nasturtium is in late spring when the threat of frost has passed.
Nasturtiums thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. However, optimal growth occurs when they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. When selecting a planting location, look for an area that receives ample sunlight to promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering.
Nasturtiums prefer well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 – 7.0). They’re not very fussy about soil quality but do require good drainage. Sandy loam or regular garden soil with organic matter works well. Adding compost or well-rotted manure can improve soil fertility and structure.
In New York, it’s best to plant nasturtium seeds directly in the garden after the last frost date—typically around mid-May depending on your specific location within the state. If you want an earlier start, you can opt for indoor sowing about 4-6 weeks before the last frost.
Soil Preparation: Start by tilling the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. Remove any weeds or debris that might compete with your plants.
Seed Sowing: Plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep and spaced 10-12 inches apart to allow room for growth. If you’re planting in rows, space them approximately 24 inches apart.
Watering: After planting, water the soil gently but thoroughly. Keep the soil moist but not soggy until germination occurs (typically within 7-14 days).
If you started your seeds indoors, wait until seedlings have at least two sets of true leaves before transplanting them outdoors. Harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week before planting them directly into your garden bed.
Nasturtiums prefer consistent moisture but are relatively drought-tolerant once established. It’s essential not to overwater them; ensure that the top inch of soil dries out between watering sessions.
One of the great things about nasturtiums is that they don’t require heavy fertilization. In fact, too much nitrogen can lead to lush foliage at the expense of blooms. A light application of compost at planting time is usually sufficient for healthy growth.
While nasturtiums can attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies which help control pests such as aphids, they can also be susceptible to certain pests themselves. Keep an eye out for aphids and caterpillars:
Aphids: These small insects can be removed by spraying water or using insecticidal soap.
Caterpillars: Hand-picking is often effective; simply remove them from the plant.
Utilizing companion planting strategies—such as pairing nasturtiums with vegetables like tomatoes or radishes—can help deter pests naturally while enhancing your garden’s biodiversity.
Nasturtium offers both beauty and culinary delight. You can start harvesting leaves and flowers as soon as they reach a suitable size—usually around 8 weeks after planting:
Leaves: Pick young leaves for salads or garnishes.
Flowers: Use whole flowers or petals as colorful additions to dishes; their peppery flavor complements many recipes.
Seeds: If you wish to collect seeds for next year, allow some flowers to mature fully on the plant until they dry out before harvesting for replanting.
As annuals, nasturtiums typically die back with frost unless grown as perennials in warmer zones. In New York’s climate:
To ensure continuous blooms each year, sow new seeds every spring.
Growing nasturtium in New York is both rewarding and enjoyable due to their stunning colors and practical uses in cooking. By understanding their growing conditions—including soil type, sunlight needs, watering routines, and pest management—you’ll be able to cultivate these delightful plants successfully in your garden.
With proper care, nasturtiums will add bursts of color to your outdoor space while also providing fresh ingredients for salads and garnishes throughout summer into early fall. Embrace this vibrant plant’s potential by incorporating it into your gardening routine—you won’t be disappointed!