The nasturtiums planted in the cement blocks of my garden border are a familiar and much-loved part of my winter garden. Learn how to grow nasturtiums, and add bright pops of color to your garden (and spice to your salad) with this easy-to-grow edible flower.
Hey garden friends! I’ve been growing nasturtiums for years in my square foot garden, and let me tell you – getting the spacing right is super important for these colorful beauties. Today, I’m gonna share everything I’ve learned about planting nasturtiums the right way.
The Simple Answer: One Plant Per Square
The magic number is 1 nasturtium plant per square foot Trust me on this – I learned the hard way that cramming too many together just leads to a tangled mess!
Why Proper Spacing Matters
Let me break down why giving your nasturtiums enough room is crucial
- They need space to spread their leaves and flowers
- Good air circulation prevents fungal problems
- Less competition for water and nutrients
- Healthier, stronger plants that produce more flowers
- Easier to maintain and harvest
Planting Guide: Step by Step
Here’s how I plant my nasturtiums:
-
Seed Preparation
- Soak seeds for 24 hours before planting
- Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep
- Plant directly in the garden – they hate being transplanted!
-
Soil Requirements
- Well-draining soil
- Don’t use rich soil – they actually bloom better in poor soil
- Add just a little compost, but don’t overdo it
-
Timing
- Plant 2 weeks before last frost date
- For warm regions like Florida, fall planting works great
- Seeds germinate in 7-14 days
Different Types Need Different Space
I’ve grown both bush and vining types, and here’s what I’ve learned:
Bush Types (Dwarf Varieties)
- Perfect for square foot gardens
- Stay compact at 12-15 inches
- Great for edges and containers
- Examples: Dwarf Jewel Mix, Alaska
Vining Types
- Can spread 3-6 feet
- Better suited for trellises or hanging baskets
- Plant these on the edges of your garden
- Examples: Tall Single, Whirlybird Mix
Companion Planting Benefits
One of my favorite things about nasturtiums is how well they play with others! Here’s what I’ve seen work great:
- Plant near tomatoes to repel aphids
- Grow alongside cucumbers and squash
- Put them near fruit trees
- Use as borders around vegetable beds
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We all make mistakes – here are some I’ve made so you don’t have to:
- Overfeeding (leads to lots of leaves, few flowers)
- Planting too close together
- Using rich soil (they really do better in poor soil!)
- Forgetting to water during germination
Tips for Success
Some extra tips I’ve picked up over the years:
- Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooming
- Water at the base of plants
- Use mulch to retain moisture
- Give climbing varieties support early
FAQs From My Garden Experience
Q: Can I grow nasturtiums in containers?
A: Yep! Just stick to one plant per 12-inch pot.
Q: Do they need fertilizer?
A: Nope – actually, less is more with these guys!
Q: How long until they flower?
A: Usually about 6-8 weeks after planting.
Growing in Different Climates
Your location makes a difference:
Warm Climates:
- Plant in partial shade
- Best planted in fall/winter
- May need extra watering
Cool Climates:
- Full sun is great
- Spring planting works best
- Protection from late frosts
My Personal Experience
Last year, I planted some Whirlybird Mix nasturtiums in my square foot garden, one per square, and they were amazing! They attracted butterflies, helped keep aphids away from my tomatoes, and gave me pretty edible flowers for my salads all summer long.
Remember, gardening is all about learning and experimenting. Don’t be afraid to try different varieties and spacing to see what works best in your garden. Happy planting, everyone!
P.S. – If you’re new to square foot gardening, start with just a few squares of nasturtiums. You can always add more next season once you get the hang of it!
Choose the right location to plant nasturtiums
Grow nasturtiums in moist well-drained soil. Water well until plant is established and then provide regular water.
Nasturtiums prefer cooler weather, so in warm climates grow plants in partial shade (4-6 hours of sun) to prolong their growing season. In cool climates, plant nasturtiums in full sun.
This adaptable plant grows well in shady areas, poor soil, dry conditions, and areas where other plants may not grow.
Nasturtiums are frost-sensitive; you may need to cover them during a frost event.
Grow nasturtiums as a companion plant
Nasturtiums are a great way to prevent pests organically. For instance, nasturtiums help repel squash bugs, whiteflies, and borers.
Nasturtiums do double duty—adding color and deterring cucumber beetles. Explore more flower and vegetable pairings in this post on cucumber companion plants.
Tomatoes, radishes, squash, and fruit trees benefit from nasturtiums planted nearby. Nasturtiums are a ‘trap crop’ (insects feed on and lay their eggs in trap crops, instead of in other areas of the garden).
For more companion plants for warm-season gardens read this guide.