Nasturtia in Penare

Tropaeolum majus

Nasturtium
Nasturtium · Tropaeolum majus

A fast-growing half-hardy annual with bright edible flowers and round leaves. In the UK it’s easy from seed, flowers well in poor soil, and suits beds, edging, hanging baskets, or larger containers.

30 cm · Full Sun · Low Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Penare · last frost ≈ 15 Mar

Sow February to April, plant out March to April, harvest May to December. Frost risk December to March.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Nasturtium

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    22 Feb to 5 Apr

    Sow seeds around 22nd February - 5th April in modules or direct where they are to flower. Cover with of compost and keep the compost just moist while seedlings emerge.

  2. 02

    Thin Or Prick Out

    29 Mar to 12 Apr

    When seedlings have a couple of true leaves, from 29th March to 12th April, thin direct-sown seedlings or prick out module-sown plants into individual cells. Handle them by the leaves, not the stems, and keep them moving steadily so they do not become leggy.

  3. 03

    Harden Off

    29 Mar to 12 Apr

    From 29th March to 12th April, move plants outside for longer each day before planting them out. Protect them from cold nights and strong wind, and keep them in a sheltered spot at first.

  4. 04

    Plant Out Or Sow Direct

    29 Mar to 12 Apr

    Plant out or sow direct around 29th March - 12th April, once the soil has started to warm. Space plants apart, water in thoroughly straight after planting, and give them a sunny spot with free-draining soil.

  5. 05

    Deadheading & Maintenance

    5 May to 4 Dec

    From 5th May to 4th December, remove fading flowers regularly so the plant keeps producing new blooms instead of setting seed. Water only in dry spells, because rich soil and heavy feeding usually mean more leaves and fewer flowers.

  6. 06

    Harvest Flowers And Leaves

    5 May to 4 Dec

    Pick flowers and young leaves from 5th May until 4th December. Harvest in the morning for the best flavour, and take only a few leaves from each plant so it keeps flowering well.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Nasturtium.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Nasturtium to consider

Alaska

A compact, variegated nasturtium with cream-mottled foliage and bright flowers. Good for edging and containers.

Empress of India

A dwarf, deep red-flowered type with neat growth. Useful for smaller beds and pots.

Jewel Mix

A mixed dwarf strain that flowers freely from summer into autumn. Handy for quick colour in beds and containers.

Whirlybird Mix

A semi-trailing mix with double flowers and a tidy habit. Suits baskets, tubs, and spilling over raised edges.

Nasturtium guides by town

See how Nasturtium timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.