Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums
October 7, 20007

When we moved here in June I was not expecting any edible plants so I was quite pleased to discover strawberries and parsley. A few weeks ago I noticed the greens of nasturtiums. When they began flowering I was elated. I had planted nasturtiums a couple of years ago in my old gardens. For some reason they did not reseed so I planted them again. With the move, the idea of nasturtiums was put off until next year when I plant the new herb and vegetable gardens.

Nasturtiums are herbs that have a decorative foliage with brightly coloured edible flowers. The blooms on mine are orange and yellow with deeper orange centres but they can range from a creamy yellow to a deep rust with colours in between. They spead easily and for the most part like most herbs are rather problem free. While snails do not seem to bother nasturtiums I do know from experience that slugs like them. I harvested several slugs from the nasturtiums the other day in the early morning hours. That is the only problem I have had with them. They make ideal companion plants for almost all vegetables and herbs with the exception of fennel.

Nasturtiums will self seed in milder climates and will quickly take over any area where they are planted. The flowers have a sweet, peppery taste that is well suited for salads and vinegars. The plants grow well in partial sun but prefer full sun and can be either compact or trailing. My plants appear to be compact growing in four locations all partially shaded. I have the problem of not knowing whether the previous owner planted them this spring or whether they were already established. I think from the pattern that they are established but I will not know for sure until next spring.

At any rate do consider planting these lovely herbs. Their flowers are gorgeous and tasty. They are sure to please making a wonderful addition to your gardens.

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2007