Osnat Ravid Amir / CC BY-SA 4.0
garden
Nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus
EdibleMedicinal
Edible Partsflowers, leaves, seeds
Overview
One of the most useful plants in the garden, nasturtium serves as a trap crop for aphids, a companion plant for vegetables, and a beautiful edible flower all at once. Every part is edible — the peppery leaves and flowers brighten salads, and the green seed pods can be pickled as 'poor man's capers.' Nasturtiums thrive in poor soil, where they bloom most prolifically.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureDry
Hardiness Zones4 — 11
Height0.3m
Spread0.5m
Growth HabitForb/herb
LifespanAnnual
Bloom Colororange
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH6 — 7.5
Soil TypeAverage to poor, well-drained soil (rich soil produces leaves over flowers)
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Direct Sow | Jun — Jun | Direct sow after frost; edible flowers and leaves |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | May — Jun | Direct sow after frost |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Apr — May | Direct sow after frost; nick seeds first |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Mar — Apr | Direct sow in spring |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Feb — Mar | Direct sow; also fall planting Oct-Nov |
Uses
Culinary
- Peppery leaves and flowers in salads
- Green seed pods pickled as capers substitute
- Flowers stuffed with herbed cream cheese
Medicinal
- Natural antibiotic with glucotropaeolin, a potent antimicrobial compound
- Traditionally used for urinary tract and respiratory infections
- High in vitamin C and lutein
Other Uses
- Trap crop that lures aphids away from vegetables
- Companion plant that deters whiteflies, squash bugs, and beetles
- Vigorous trailing ground cover and container spiller
Safety Notes
Edible flowers and leaves. Contains oxalic acid; eat in moderation. Avoid in large quantities if prone to kidney stones.
