Gardengnome's Garden
Nasturtium
Genus: Tropaeolum.
Species: Tropaeolum majus.
The saying "Be nasty to Nasturtiums" reflects the type of neglectful care these fast-growing, versatile plants thrive on. While they like moist soil, don't fertilize or water frequently or you'll have more leaves than blooms. Perennials, mostly grown as annuals, their fragrant, spicy, edible blossoms and young leaves are a gourmet treat in salads. They also make excellent cut flowers. Double and single flowering varieties of both climbing vines and bushy plants attract helpful insects and hummingbirds. Dwarf types grow to 1 ft tall and are good for fast color in edging and trailing from baskets or containers. It can be propagated by seed, cuttings and division.
