For many years now, I have been growing various vegetables as a hobby in my spare time, which is what ultimately led me to studying horticulture. I find it fascinating to watch as plants grow from seed to fruit and to then finally be able to make use of the literal fruits of my labour. Favourite fruit: Strawberries and cherries Favourite vegetable: Potatoes, tomatoes and garlic
The aromatic nasturtium comes into its own not only in garden beds but also in planters. Even on the balcony there are many ways to grow nasturtiums in pots.
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum) are beautiful annuals that produce an abundance of brightly coloured flowers from June through to October. Nasturtiums are very easy to grow from seed and thrive in pots and hanging baskets. Read on to find out everything you need to know about growing nasturtiums in pots.
Nasturtiums are one of the most rewarding annual flowers you can grow in pots. With their vibrant colors and peppery taste, nasturtiums make excellent container plants for gardens, patios, and balconies.
Growing nasturtiums in pots is quite straightforward. With a little care and preparation, you can have pots overflowing with colorful nasturtiums throughout the summer. Here is a complete guide on how to grow these lovely flowers in containers.
Choosing the Right Nasturtium Varieties
When selecting nasturtiums for pots, opt for bushy, dwarf varieties instead of vining types. Trailing nasturtiums can be grown in hanging baskets or allowed to spill over the edges of containers.
Some excellent compact nasturtiums for pots include:
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Alaska Mix – A blend of creams, oranges, reds, and yellows Grows 12 inches tall
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Empress of India – Vivid red flowers with bluish-green leaves, Height is 12 inches
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Whirlybird Mix – A mix of yellow, orange, and red blooms on 10 inch plants.
Getting the Right Potting Mix
Nasturtiums thrive in average to poor soil and do not require rich potting mixes. In fact, too much fertilizer can make the plants lusher but produce fewer flowers.
The ideal potting mix for nasturtiums is:
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Light and well-draining
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Loose, not dense or heavy
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Low in nutrients
A multipurpose potting soil or seed starting mix works perfectly. Be sure the container has drainage holes at the bottom.
Sowing Nasturtium Seeds
Nasturtium seeds can be directly sown into containers in late spring after all danger of frost has passed. Here’s how to plant them:
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Fill pots with moistened potting mix.
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Plant 2-3 seeds per pot, 1/2 inch deep.
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Water gently to avoid displacing seeds.
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Place pots in full sun.
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Thin seedlings to 1-2 plants per container.
For earlier blooms, start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant seedlings into containers when they develop 2-3 sets of leaves.
Caring for Container Nasturtiums
Nasturtium care in pots involves keeping plants adequately watered and occasionally fertilized:
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Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Avoid soggy soil.
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Feed monthly with a diluted liquid fertilizer to encourage flowering.
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Remove spent blooms and any dead leaves or stems.
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Provide support for trailing varieties growing in hanging baskets.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Here are the optimal conditions for growing nasturtiums in containers:
Sunlight: Full sun. At least 6 hours of direct sun per day.
Temperature: 65-75°F during the day, 55-65°F at night.
Water: Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Water when top inch becomes dry.
Soil: Well-draining potting mix, average to low fertility.
Tips for Gorgeous Container Nasturtiums
Follow these tips to get the most flowers and strongest plants:
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Give plants plenty of room and thin seeds/seedlings accordingly.
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Allow spent blooms to drop off instead of deadheading. This saves energy.
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Add a trellis or other support structure for trailing nasturtiums.
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Move pots to a sunny, protected spot for winter in cold climates.
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Collect seeds at the end of the season for replanting next year.
Common Problems and Solutions
Nasturtiums are relatively pest and disease resistant. Here are some potential issues and fixes:
Leggy growth: Results from insufficient sunlight. Move to a sunnier location.
Few flowers: Can be caused by too much nitrogen fertilizer or shade. Avoid overfeeding and increase sunlight exposure.
Insects: Aphids, beetles, and cabbage worms may sometimes attack. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays to control.
Fungal issues: Overhead watering can lead to fungus. Water at soil level and improve air circulation.
Harvesting and Using Nasturtiums
The best part about growing nasturtiums in pots is getting to enjoy their peppery flowers and leaves.
Harvest nasturtiums by snipping off leaves or picking flowers as needed. Both add a pleasant, radish-like spice to salads, sandwiches, and dips. The edible seeds can be used as a caper substitute.
With their fast growth, drought tolerance, and bright cascades of cheery blooms, nasturtiums are one of the best plants for containers. Follow this guide and you’ll be rewarded with stunning potted nasturtiums all season long.
Growing Potted Nasturtium Plants
Growing nasturtiums in a container couldn’t be easier, even for kids or beginning gardeners.
You can start seeds indoors about a month before the last expected frost in your area, and then move them into a container when they have a few sets of leaves. While occasionally finicky about transplanting, to eliminate this problem, just start the seeds in peat pots. That way, you can simply pop the little peat pots directly into the larger container without disturbing the roots.
Soak seeds overnight before planting. Although soaking the seeds isn’t absolutely necessary, it can speed germination time and get the nasturtiums off to a flying start. Plant nasturtium seeds directly in the container after you’re sure all danger of frost has passed.
Fill your container with good-quality potting mix. Nasturtium in pots don’t need rich soil, so start them with a potting mix without pre-added fertilizer. Too much fertilizer can produce lots of foliage but with few blooms. Also, be sure the pot has a drainage hole in the bottom.
Plant a few nasturtium seeds in the pot, at a depth of about ½ inch (1.27 cm.). Water lightly. Continue to water seedlings as needed to keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy or saturated. Place the pot in a warm spot where the seeds are exposed to full sunlight.
Caring for Nasturtium in a Container
Thin the tiny plants if they appear too crowded in the pot; one healthy plant is plenty in a small pot while a larger pot may accommodate two or three plants. To thin potted nasturtiums, just remove weak plants and allow the stronger plants to continue growing.
How to Grow Nasturtium from Seed in Pots | An Easy Planting Guide
FAQ
Do nasturtiums like sun or shade?
- Full Sun: Nasturtiums need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight for optimal growth and flowering.
- Partial Shade: They can tolerate some shade, but flowering will be less abundant.
- Hot Climates: In very hot areas, some shade from the afternoon sun is beneficial to prevent leaf damage.
- Poor Soil: Nasturtiums prefer poorer soils and may not thrive in rich, fertile soils.
Do nasturtiums do well in pots?
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Easy to grow:Nasturtiums are known for their ease of cultivation, making them suitable for beginner gardeners and those with limited gardening experience.
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Versatile:They come in various forms, including bushy, dwarf, and climbing varieties, allowing for different container gardening styles.
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Attractive blooms:Nasturtiums offer a wide range of flower colors, from yellows and oranges to reds and whites, according to Miracle-Gro.
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Edible and beneficial:The flowers, leaves, and seeds are edible, adding a peppery flavor to salads, and they attract beneficial pollinators like bees.
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Companion plants:Nasturtiums can be used as companion plants in vegetable gardens, helping to repel pests like aphids.
How deep should a container be for nasturtiums?
It’s best to allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering to prevent problems and promote healthy growth. How deep should a container be for nasturtiums? A container for nasturtiums should be at least 20-30 centimeters deep to accommodate their root system and provide ample space for growth.
Do nasturtiums climb or hang?
Nasturtiums are either bushy or dwarf (Tropaeolum minus) or climbers (Tropaeolum majus). Bushy varieties look great in containers and hanging baskets or at the front of a border, while climbing varieties can be trained up wigwams or obelisks and will twine through other plants.
What is the best container for growing nasturtiums?
The best type of container for growing nasturtiums is one that is deep and wide enough to accommodate the roots of the plant. Nasturtiums have a relatively shallow root system, so a container that is at least 8 inches deep is ideal. The container should also have good drainage to prevent the soil from becoming overly saturated.
How big should a nasturtium pot be?
Nasturtiums tend to spread out as they grow, so it’s important to choose a container that is large enough to accommodate the plant as it matures. A 12-inch pot is a good size for a single nasturtium, but if you plan to grow multiple plants, it’s best to look for a larger pot that can accommodate all of them.
How do you grow nasturtiums in a pot?
Plant the nasturtiums in the pot, spacing them 8-12 inches apart. Water the plants deeply, making sure to saturate the soil. Place the container in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Fertilize the nasturtiums once a month using a liquid fertilizer.
Do nasturtiums need a pot?
Nasturtiums are relatively easygoing, but they need a pot that meets a few key requirements: Size: A pot that is at least 10-12 inches in diameter will give the plant enough space to spread out. If you plan on growing a trailing variety, a larger pot will provide more room for the vines to grow. Drainage: Ensure the pot has drainage holes.
Can nasturtiums grow from seed?
Nasturtiums are very easy to grow from seed. You can sow seeds directly in the pot 2-3 weeks before your last expected spring frost date. Or for a head start, plant them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Fill your container with moistened potting mix. Plant 2-3 seeds together in a group, pushing them just 1/2 inch deep into the soil.
Can nasturtiums grow in clay pots?
Clay or plastic pots are often used for growing nasturtiums, as they both provide adequate drainage. However, it’s important to note that clay pots are more prone to cracking, so they should be handled with care. It’s also important to consider the size of the container when selecting the best type of container for growing nasturtiums.