Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are vibrant, easy-to-grow annuals that add a splash of color to gardens and landscapes. With their edible flowers and foliage, they not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden but also offer culinary delights. If you’re in Ohio and looking to grow these lovely plants, this article will guide you through the process from start to finish.
Before diving into the growing process, it’s important to understand what nasturtiums are. These flowering plants originate from South America and thrive in various climates. They are characterized by their round leaves and bright, funnel-shaped flowers that can be red, orange, or yellow. In addition to their beauty, nasturtiums are known for their peppery flavor, making them a popular addition to salads and garnishes.
Nasturtiums come in various varieties, each with unique characteristics. The two main types are:
Bush Types: These varieties grow compactly and are great for smaller gardens or container gardening. Common bush varieties include ‘Jewel Mix’ and ‘Alaska Mix.’
Climbing Types: These nasturtiums can grow up to 10 feet long and require trellising or support structures. Notable climbing varieties include ‘Tall Mixed’ and ‘Nasturtium ‘Creeping.’
When selecting varieties, consider your garden’s space and whether you prefer bushy plants or climbers.
In Ohio, the growing season typically runs from late spring through early fall. Nasturtiums should be planted after the last frost date, which can vary depending on your specific location in Ohio. Generally, the last frost occurs between mid-April to early May.
To ensure success:
Nasturtiums thrive in well-draining soil with a pH of around 6.0 to 7.0. Here’s how to prepare your soil for optimal growth:
Choose a location: Nasturtiums prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Select an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Soil amendment: Loosen the soil with a garden fork or tiller to about 12 inches deep. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and drainage.
Weed control: Remove any existing weeds or debris that may compete with your nasturtiums for nutrients and water.
Once your soil is prepared, it’s time to plant your nasturtium seeds:
Spacing: For bush varieties, plant seeds about 10-12 inches apart; for climbing varieties, provide approximately 12-18 inches of space between seeds.
Depth: Sow seeds about half an inch deep into the soil.
Watering: After planting, water gently but thoroughly to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the seedlings once they emerge to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
While nasturtiums are drought-tolerant once established, they benefit from regular watering:
Nasturtiums are relatively pest-resistant but may attract aphids or caterpillars at times. Here’s how to manage pests organically:
Hand-picking: Regularly inspect your plants for pests and remove them by hand.
Neem oil spray: Use neem oil as an organic insecticide if infestations occur.
Companion planting: Consider planting nasturtiums alongside vegetables like tomatoes or peppers; their peppery scent can deter pests from these crops.
One of the best parts about growing nasturtiums is utilizing their edible flowers and leaves:
Timing: Flowers can be harvested when fully open; leaves can be picked anytime during the growing season.
Harvest method: Use scissors or shears to snip stems just above a leaf node; avoid damaging adjacent blooms or foliage.
Storage: Store harvested flowers and leaves in a cool place or refrigerator wrapped in damp paper towels for a few days.
After enjoying your nasturtium blooms throughout the summer months, you’ll want to think about post-growing care:
Seed saving: If you wish to save seeds for next year’s planting, allow some blooms to mature fully on the plant until they dry out completely before harvesting their seed pods.
Fall cleanup: In late fall, remove any remaining plant debris from your garden bed to prevent overwintering pests and diseases.
Composting: Chop up any plant material that you removed and add it to your compost pile instead of sending it off to the landfill.
Growing nasturtiums in Ohio is an enjoyable and rewarding experience that adds color and flavor to your garden while providing culinary benefits as well. With proper care—right from selecting varieties and preparing soil to watering and pest management—you can successfully cultivate these beautiful plants throughout the growing season.
By following these guidelines step by step, you’ll not only create a stunning visual impact but also delight your palate with fresh edible blooms straight from your own garden! So gear up for an exciting gardening adventure with nasturtiums this season!