Photo of Nasturtium

About nasturtiums
Nasturtiums, an annual, are a favorite of mine because of their casual, carefree nature. They look good
growing over a fence, a shed, or spilling out a hanging basket or window box. They also add charm to a
more relaxed garden setting. A neighbor across the street from my last home had an old log near her
fenceline. Every spring bright red nasturtiums would reappear and put on a show through Fall. Another
friend grows them out the side of a wine barrel.

Varieties and colors
Nasturtiums come in compact varieties that are less than one foot tall to climbing varieties that grow up to
six feet or more. Nasturitums come in bright, warm tones: red, scarlet, orange, peach, and lemon yellow.

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Planting and care
Easy to plant and grow, Nasturtiums are ideal for a child's first garden and do best when planted in
spring. The large seeds sprout in 7-10 days and are best sown directly where you want them to grow.
Nasturtiums like average, well-drained soil in sun to light shade. Be careful not to overwater. Too much
water will produce lots of leaves but no flowers. Don't worry about fertilizing Nasturtiums either.
The less care, the better they do!

Uses
If you've dined at a restaraunt which serves flowers in their salads, then you may have tasted a
Nasturtium. Nasturtiums are edible and add a bright, atttractive touch to a salad of mixed greens.
They are also great as picked flowers. Place them in a small, decorative vase and they will last for up to
five days.

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