Bernieh's Garden
Tropaeolum majus - Nasturtium
Genus: Tropaeolum.
Species: Tropaeolum majus.
Common name: Nasturtium
Botanic name: Tropaeolum majus
Family:
A fast-growing annual from Peru, which has pale green, umbrella-shaped leaves with long stems. Flowers are produced in summer and autumn and come in shades of orange, red and yellow. There are trailing and bushy types, with single, semi-double or double flowers. Variegated varieties are also available.
Best climate: Nasturtiums grow in most areas of Australia, except for cold, mountain zones.
Good points: quick and easy to grow colourful, long-lasting flowers attractive foliage trailing and bushy types available
Downside: Nasturtiums self-seed readily and may pop up in places where they are not wanted.
Growing nasturtiums: Nasturtiums like a sunny, well-drained position. They will tolerate a wide range of soil types, but a moderately fertile soil is best. Sow seed directly into the garden. In warm areas sow from spring to early autumn, but in cold areas sow in spring only. Don't overfertilise - too much nitrogen will produce lush foliage at the expense of flowers. Seeds germinate in 2-3 weeks, and plants start to flower in 10-12 weeks from sowing. Pick flowers regularly to prolong the flowering period.
