Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are vibrant, easy-to-grow flowers that add beauty and flavor to gardens across the United States. For gardeners in Utah, these annuals can thrive with the right care and understanding of their growing conditions. Whether you’re looking to enhance your garden with colorful blooms or want to incorporate edible flowers into your meals, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about growing nasturtiums in Utah.
Nasturtiums are well-loved for their bright, trumpet-shaped flowers and distinctive round leaves. They come in various colors, including shades of orange, yellow, and red. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also serve a functional role in the garden by attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Additionally, both the leaves and flowers of nasturtiums are edible and can add a peppery flavor to salads and other dishes.
Before planting, familiarize yourself with the different types of nasturtiums available:
Tall Varieties: These varieties can grow up to 10 feet long and are excellent for trellises or climbing structures. They can also be allowed to sprawl over the ground.
Dwarf Varieties: These typically grow between 8 to 18 inches tall and are perfect for borders or containers.
Trailing Varieties: Great for hanging baskets or cascading over walls, trailing nasturtiums offer a unique aesthetic.
Nasturtiums thrive in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. In Utah’s climate, ensure that your plants receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, during the hottest months (July and August), some afternoon shade may help prevent wilting and scorching.
Nasturtiums prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter. While they can tolerate poor soils, adding compost or well-rotted manure will improve growth and flowering. It’s crucial to avoid overly rich soils since this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Good drainage is essential for preventing root rot. If your garden soil retains too much moisture, consider planting nasturtiums in raised beds or containers filled with quality potting mix designed for drainage.
In Utah, the best time to plant nasturtium seeds is after the last frost date—typically around mid-May to early June, depending on your specific region within the state. Nasturtiums can be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost if you prefer an earlier start.
Prepare the Soil: Till the soil and mix in compost if necessary.
Sow Seeds: Plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep and 10-12 inches apart, as they need space for their roots to grow.
Watering: Water deeply after planting but avoid waterlogging the seeds. Keep the soil moist until germination occurs, which usually takes about 10-14 days.
Thinning: Once seedlings have reached a few inches tall, thin them out so that they have adequate space—aim for at least 10-12 inches between plants for optimal growth.
While nasturtiums are relatively drought-tolerant once established, consistent watering is key during their initial growth phase. Water regularly in dry spells but allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Over-fertilizing can lead to lush foliage but fewer flowers. A light application of a balanced fertilizer once during the growing season is sufficient if your soil is poor. Otherwise, let these resilient plants thrive on their own!
Nasturtiums generally resist pests; however, aphids and caterpillars may occasionally target them. Use organic insecticidal soap or neem oil spray if infestations occur. Additionally, planting nasturtiums next to vegetables can repel certain pests.
Both the leaves and flowers of nasturtiums are edible and provide a zesty flavor reminiscent of arugula. You can harvest leaves throughout the growing season; simply snip off what you need while leaving enough foliage for continued growth.
When harvesting flowers, pick them early in the day when they’re fresh and fully open for peak flavor and visual appeal. Gently twist off blooms from their stems—this technique helps avoid damaging nearby buds.
Freshly harvested nasturtium leaves and flowers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Rinse gently under cool water before use in salads, garnishes, or as decorative elements on dishes.
In Utah’s colder climates, nasturtiums are grown as annuals since they do not tolerate frost well. At the end of the growing season:
Seed Saving: If you wish to propagate nasturtiums next year, allow some flowers to go to seed before removing them from your garden.
Cleanup: Remove any dead plant material from your garden beds to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering.
Mulching: If you want to try overwintering seedlings in protected areas (like southern Utah), apply a layer of mulch over existing plants before winter sets in.
Growing nasturtium in Utah offers gardeners a chance to enjoy vibrant colors and flavorful additions to their culinary adventures—all while supporting local pollinators! With proper care regarding sunlight, soil conditions, watering habits, and pest management, nasturtiums can flourish beautifully throughout the growing season.
Whether you choose tall varieties climbing over trellises or petite dwarf types adorning borders and containers, these resilient annuals will undoubtedly bring joy and vibrancy into your garden space each year! Happy gardening!