How to grow Nasturtium
Updated October 2026
Nasturtiums are cheerful, easy annuals with round leaves and bright yellow, orange and red flowers, and almost every part above ground is edible, with a peppery, watercress-like bite. They thrive on poor soil and neglect, come in bushy and climbing forms, and draw pollinators to the vegetable garden.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Nasturtium
Where to plant
Grow nasturtiums in full sun in poor to average, well-drained soil. Rich soil and fertilizer give lots of leaves but fewer flowers. In hot summers they appreciate some afternoon shade. They tolerate drought and neglect.
In Florida, UF/IFAS says nasturtiums can be grown year-round in most of the state, though they die back in a freeze; sow from spring through fall statewide and year-round in South Florida. Elsewhere, sow after the last frost for flowers until fall.
Choosing a variety
Dwarf, bushy types such as 'Empress of India' (compact, crimson to purple flowers) and 'Alaska' (white-splashed leaves) suit beds, edges and pots. Trailing and climbing types can cover a fence, trellis or hanging basket and grow up to 10 feet.
How to plant
- Sow seed directly where it is to grow after the last frost.
- Thin or space plants about 12 inches apart.
- Give climbing types a low trellis or fence; trailing types suit hanging baskets.
Watering and feeding
Water moderately until established, then only in dry spells. Do not fertilize, as it reduces flowering.
Pruning and care through the year
- Check plants for aphids, which love nasturtiums; they often show up here first, which makes nasturtium a useful early warning for the rest of the garden.
- Nasturtiums self-seed, so pull unwanted seedlings.
- If you plan to eat them, avoid using pesticides on or near the plants.
Harvesting
Pick leaves and flowers as needed for salads and garnishes; the leaves taste like watercress. Green seed pods develop about four months after sowing and can be pickled like capers. The roots are not eaten.
Growing in pots
Dwarf nasturtiums are ideal for pots and window boxes, and trailing types for hanging baskets. Use a lean, free-draining mix and do not overfeed.
Companion planting
Nasturtiums are popular companions because their flowers bring in pollinators and they attract aphids, so you can spot an outbreak early.
Good companions
- Cucumber Brings pollinators that cucumbers need to set fruit.
- Zucchini Draws pollinators to the squash bed.
- Pumpkin A sprawling partner that also benefits from pollinators.
- Bush beans A low, bright edging for bean rows.
- Fruit trees A low groundcover under the canopy edge that brings pollinators at bloom.
Pests and diseases
Nasturtiums have few serious problems. Sap-sucking insects are the main pests.
Pests to watch for
- Aphids Dense black or green clusters under leaves and on stems.
- Whitefly Tiny white insects under the leaves.
- Mealybug White, cottony insects on stems.
Diseases to watch for
- Mosaic virus Mottled, distorted leaves; remove affected plants.
Common questions
Are nasturtiums edible?
Yes. The leaves, flowers, buds, pods and seeds are edible with a peppery taste; the leaves are likened to watercress, and the green seed pods can be pickled like capers. Do not eat the roots, and avoid pesticides on plants you will eat.
Why are my nasturtiums all leaves and no flowers?
Soil that is too rich or fertilizer. Nasturtiums flower best in poor to average soil with no feeding.
Do nasturtiums attract aphids?
Yes, aphids love them, so they act as an early warning that aphids are around. Check them often and hose off or remove infested stems.
Can I grow nasturtiums in Florida?
Yes. UF/IFAS says they can be grown year-round in most of Florida, dying back in a freeze. Sow spring through fall, or year-round in South Florida.
Do nasturtiums come back every year?
They are annuals but often self-seed, so new plants may appear the next season.
Sources we checked: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Nasturtiums; NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Tropaeolum majus.
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