03/01/2025
Why You Should Grow Nasturtiums in Your Yard and How to Eat Every Part of this Plant.
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are a stunning addition to any backyard, with their bright, cheerful flowers and round, lily pad-like leaves. But there’s more to these vibrant beauties than just their looks.
Not only are they incredibly easy to grow and maintain, but every part of the plant is edible and packed with flavor and nutrients.
From flowers to leaves and even seeds, nasturtiums offer a wide range of culinary delights, making them a must-have for any garden.
In this article, we’ll explore why you should grow nasturtiums in your backyard and how to enjoy every edible part of this versatile plant.
Why You Should Grow Nasturtiums in Your Backyard
1. Eye-Catching Beauty and Extended Bloom Season
Nasturtiums are known for their bright, vibrant flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, and cream.
These blossoms add a splash of color to any garden, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
Long Bloom Period: With minimal care, nasturtiums bloom from early summer through fall, providing a long-lasting display of color.
Versatile Planting Options: They can be used as ground cover, grown in containers, or allowed to cascade from hanging baskets, making them perfect for any garden style.
2. Easy to Grow and Low Maintenance
Nasturtiums are one of the easiest plants to grow, making them ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
They thrive in various conditions and require minimal care to flourish.
Minimal Requirements: Nasturtiums prefer well-drained soil and can tolerate poor soil quality. They grow well in full sun or partial shade.
Drought Tolerant: Once established, nasturtiums are fairly drought-tolerant, requiring little watering and minimal fertilizer.
Great for Beginners: Their hardiness and ease of care make them a great choice for new gardeners looking to add beauty to their space without a lot of fuss.
3. Natural Pest Control and Attracts Beneficial Insects
Nasturtiums are a fantastic companion plant, known for their ability to repel harmful pests while attracting beneficial insects.
Repels Pests: The strong scent of nasturtiums deters common garden pests like aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs, protecting your other plants.
Attracts Pollinators: Their bright flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators that are essential for the health of your garden ecosystem.
Trap Crop: Nasturtiums can be used as a “trap crop,” luring pests away from more vulnerable plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, and cabbage.
4. Improves Soil Health
Nasturtiums can enhance the health of your soil by acting as a living mulch, reducing w**ds and retaining moisture.
They also help improve soil fertility when decomposed at the end of the growing season.
Natural Mulch: Their dense foliage covers the ground, preventing w**d growth and helping to maintain soil moisture.
Nitrogen Fixation: As they decompose, nasturtiums add organic matter to the soil, enriching it with nutrients like nitrogen, which benefits other plants.
5. Edible and Nutritious
Every part of the nasturtium plant is edible, offering a range of flavors from peppery to sweet, and they are packed with vitamins and minerals.
High in Nutrients: Nasturtiums are rich in vitamins A, C, and D, as well as antioxidants that promote health and wellness.
Culinary Versatility: Their leaves, flowers, and seeds can all be used in a variety of dishes, adding flavor, color, and nutrition.
How to Eat Every Part of the Nasturtium Plant
1. Leaves
Nasturtium leaves have a slightly peppery, mustard-like flavor, similar to arugula or watercress, making them a great addition to salads and other dishes.
How to Use:
Salads: Add fresh nasturtium leaves to salads for a peppery kick and a burst of green color.
Wraps: Use larger leaves as a wrap for fillings, such as cheese, meats, or roasted vegetables.
Pesto: Blend nasturtium leaves with nuts, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese to create a unique, spicy pesto.
Benefits: Provides a rich source of vitamins A and C, adding nutrition and flavor to your meals.
2. Flowers
Nasturtium flowers are not only beautiful but also edible, with a sweet, slightly spicy flavor that adds color and a touch of heat to dishes.
How to Use:
Garnishes: Use the colorful flowers as a garnish for salads, soups, and main dishes to add a decorative touch.
Stuffed Flowers: Fill the flowers with cream cheese or goat cheese for an elegant appetizer.
Infused Vinegar: Place nasturtium flowers in a jar with white vinegar, let it sit for a few weeks, and enjoy a beautifully colored, tangy vinegar.
Benefits: Adds a vibrant color to your dishes while providing antioxidants and vitamins.
3. Seeds
Nasturtium seeds are often referred to as “poor man’s capers” because of their similar taste and texture when pickled. They have a peppery flavor that can be used in various culinary applications.
How to Use:
Pickled Nasturtium Seeds: Harvest the green seeds and pickle them in vinegar, salt, and spices to create a substitute for capers.
Seasoning: Grind dried seeds into a spice to sprinkle over dishes for a peppery flavor.
Benefits: Provides a spicy, caper-like flavor to dishes while being a budget-friendly alternative to store-bought capers.
How to Grow and Care for Nasturtiums
Step 1: Planting
When to Plant: Sow nasturtium seeds directly into the garden after the last frost date. They can also be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost.
Where to Plant: Choose a sunny or partially shaded location with well-drained soil. Nasturtiums can tolerate poor soil, so there’s no need for heavy fertilization.
How to Plant: Sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep and 10-12 inches apart. Water them well after planting to encourage germination.
Step 2: Caring for Nasturtiums
Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering to prevent root rot.
Fertilizing: Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can reduce flower production. Nasturtiums do best with minimal fertilization.
Pest Management: Although nasturtiums repel many pests, they can attract aphids. Use natural remedies like neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
Step 3: Harvesting and Pruning
Harvesting: Pick leaves, flowers, and seeds as needed for culinary uses. Harvest regularly to encourage continuous blooming.
Pruning: Trim back any dead or overgrown foliage to keep the plant looking neat and promote more growth.
Nasturtiums are more than just a beautiful addition to your backyard—they are a versatile, edible plant that provides numerous benefits to your garden and your plate.
Easy to grow, naturally pest-resistant, and packed with nutrition, every part of this stunning plant can be enjoyed in the kitchen.
