I love nasturtiums for their beauty and usefulness in the garden. These bright flowers are a treat for the eyes and have many benefits.
I’ll share the top 5 reasons to grow them and 10 tasty recipes that highlight their culinary value.
Key Takeaways
- Nasturtiums are easy to grow from seed and thrive in a variety of conditions.
- They attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, while also repelling common pests.
- Nasturtium flowers and leaves are edible, offering a peppery, watercress-like flavor.
- Nasturtiums can be used as ground cover, trap crops, and to improve poor soil.
- Nasturtiums come in a range of vibrant colors, adding beauty and interest to your garden.
Grow Nasturtiums: A Versatile and Beneficial Addition to Your Garden
Nasturtiums are a joy to grow and bring color and benefits to your garden. They belong to the Tropaeolaceae family and look like watercress, hence their name.
These flowers are easy to grow and add life to your garden.
What are Nasturtiums?
Nasturtiums are great for any garden. They grow well in sunny spots and poor soil, as long as they get water. These plants need little care, making them perfect for busy gardeners.
Why You Should Grow Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums bring many benefits to your garden. They attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, helping pollinate your plants. These flowers also keep pests away and are good for chickens.
They are full of nutrients like iron, vitamin C, and calcium. This makes them a great food for chickens. With their easy care and many benefits, nasturtiums are a smart choice for any garden.
Popular nasturtium varieties include Alaska, Jewel Mix, and Empress of India. These varieties come in different sizes and colors, from deep reds to soft pastels. Nasturtiums are perfect for any gardener, beginners included.
Attracting Beneficial Insects and Pollinators
Nasturtiums are a gardener’s best friend for attracting beneficial insects and pollinators. These vibrant flowers support threatened bee populations. Bees are key for pollinating many fruits and vegetables.
Nasturtium flowers have lots of nectar that bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators love. Their shape makes it easy for bees to land and get pollen and nectar. This makes them a top spot for these important garden visitors.
Nasturtiums also help by acting as a trap crop. They draw pests like cabbageworms and black bean aphids away from other plants. This means you might use fewer harmful pesticides, making your garden healthier.
If you want to help local bees or just enjoy nasturtiums’ colors and flavors, these plants are perfect for any garden. Adding them to your garden helps attract beneficial insects and help honey bees do well.
“Nasturtiums are a gardener’s secret weapon for creating a thriving, pollinator-friendly garden.”
| Beneficial Insects Attracted to Nasturtiums | Pests Deterred by Nasturtiums |
|---|---|
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Companion Planting and Trap Cropping
Nasturtiums are great for the garden because they help other plants. They attract pests like aphids and beetles, keeping them away from your other plants. This protects your fruits and vegetables.
Using Nasturtiums as Trap Crops
Nasturtiums also attract insects that eat garden pests. This natural pest control helps keep harmful insects away. Using nasturtiums as trap crops means a healthier garden with less need for chemicals.
Ground Cover and Soil Improvement
Nasturtiums are good for covering bare soil and improving it. Their vines spread out and protect the soil from drying out. When they break down, they add nutrients to the soil, making it better.
Ornamental Uses of Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are also beautiful to look at. Their bright flowers and growth make them perfect for adding beauty to your garden. They can trail down walls or fences, hiding unsightly spots and adding beauty.
Covering Unsightly Areas
Want to hide a fence or compost pile? Nasturtiums are a great choice. Their colors, from yellow to purple, can make dull spots look beautiful.
| Nasturtium Varieties | Growth Habit | Bloom Colors |
|---|---|---|
| Jewel Mix | Compact, bushy | Vibrant mix of yellow, orange, and red |
| Orchid Flame | Trailing, vining | Delicate shades of pink and peach |
| Phoenix | Upright, bushy | Fiery red and orange blooms |
| Tall Trailing Mix | Cascading, vining | Diverse range of colors, including pastel and bold hues |
Nasturtiums are amazing in the garden. They help with pest control, soil health, and look beautiful. They’re perfect for protecting your plants, hiding unsightly spots, or just enjoying their beauty.
Edible Nasturtium Recipes and Culinary Uses
Many know the nasturtium plant for its bright flowers. But, the leaves and flowers are also edible and add flavor to many dishes. They taste like peppery watercress, making them great for salads, vinaigrettes, and more.
Nasturtium Salads and Vinaigrettes
The nasturtium leaves bring a unique taste to salads. You can also use the flowers as a garnish. For a tasty dressing, mix nasturtium leaves or flowers with oil and vinegar.
Nasturtium Stir-Fries and Pestos
Nasturtium leaves and flowers can be stir-fried for a unique flavor. Try them in place of basil for a peppery pesto. This sauce is great with pasta, rice, or roasted veggies.
FAQ
What are nasturtiums?
Nasturtiums are a beautiful and useful plant. They belong to the Tropaeolum genus in the Tropaeolaceae family. They look a lot like watercress, which is how they got their name.
Why should I grow nasturtiums in my garden?
Nasturtiums are great for any garden. They’re easy to grow from seeds, either indoors or directly in the ground. They love sunny spots and can grow in poor soil if kept moist.
These plants need little care, making them perfect for busy gardeners.
How do nasturtiums attract beneficial insects and pollinators?
Nasturtiums draw in bees and other pollinators. They’re a great way to support bees, which are vital for pollinating many fruits and veggies.
How can I use nasturtiums as companion plants and trap crops?
Nasturtiums are great companions in the vegetable garden. They lure pests away from other plants, acting as a trap crop. This protects your fruits and veggies.
They also attract insects that eat pests, helping to control garden pests naturally.
What are the culinary uses of nasturtiums?
You can eat every part of the nasturtium plant. The leaves and flowers taste like peppery watercress. They’re perfect for salads, vinaigrettes, and more.
Use nasturtium leaves as a cabbage substitute in dolmades or on pizza for a unique taste. The seed pods can be used like capers too.
