Nasturtia in Penuwch

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 Penuwch · last frost ≈ 23 May

Sow May to June, plant out June, harvest July to October. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Nasturtium

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    2 May to 13 Jun

    Sow seeds around 2nd May - 13th June 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

    6 Jun to 20 Jun

    When seedlings have a couple of true leaves, from 6th June to 20th June, 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

    6 Jun to 20 Jun

    From 6th June to 20th June, 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

    6 Jun to 20 Jun

    Plant out or sow direct around 6th June - 20th June, 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

    13 Jul to 5 Oct

    From 13th July to 5th October, 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

    13 Jul to 5 Oct

    Pick flowers and young leaves from 13th July until 5th October. 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.