Companion Plants for Nasturtium
Nasturtium thrives alongside Tomato, Cucumber, Squash, and more. Here's the complete guide to what to plant nearby — and what to keep at a distance.
Best Companions for Nasturtium
These plants improve each other's growth, deter pests, or attract pollinators when planted nearby.
Compatible neighbors that share space and resources efficiently without competing for the same nutrients.
View Tomato's companions →Compatible neighbors that share space and resources efficiently without competing for the same nutrients.
View Cucumber's companions →Compatible neighbors that share space and resources efficiently without competing for the same nutrients.
View Squash's companions →Uses underground space while Nasturtium occupies the canopy above — minimal resource competition, maximum bed productivity.
View Radish's companions →What Not to Plant Near Nasturtium
These combinations can stunt growth, attract pests, or compete heavily for the same nutrients.
Fennel is allelopathic — its roots release chemicals that inhibit germination and growth in most vegetables.
View Fennel's companions →Plants That Benefit from Nasturtium
These plants list Nasturtium as a beneficial neighbor — so the relationship goes both ways.
How to Plant Nasturtium with Companions
Start with spacing
Plant Nasturtium at its recommended spacing (12" apart) first. Don't crowd it — healthy air circulation reduces disease.
Add herbs at the edges
Aromatic companions like Tomato work well tucked 6–12" around the perimeter of the Nasturtium planting.
Watch for height conflicts
Place taller companions (sunflowers, corn) on the north side of the bed so they don't shade Nasturtium. Low-growing herbs and flowers can go anywhere in the bed.
Keep incompatible plants a bed away
Fennel should be planted in a separate bed — ideally 3+ feet away — to prevent root exudate and pest crossover.
Plan a companion bed for Nasturtium
Use the interactive planner to drag Nasturtium and its companions onto a canvas, see spacing footprints, and catch conflicts before you plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best companion plants for Nasturtium?
The best companion plants for Nasturtium are Tomato, Cucumber, Squash, Radish. These plants either deter pests, attract beneficial insects, or improve growing conditions when planted nearby.
What should you not plant near Nasturtium?
Avoid planting Nasturtium near Fennel. These plants can compete for nutrients, inhibit growth, or attract shared pests.
Can you plant Nasturtium in a raised bed with companions?
Yes — raised beds are ideal for companion planting because you control exact spacing and layout. Use the square-foot method to place Nasturtium alongside its best companions within the same bed.
What plants benefit from being near Nasturtium?
Acorn Squash, Butternut Squash, Pumpkin, Spaghetti Squash all benefit from proximity to Nasturtium.
How far apart should I plant Nasturtium and its companions?
Give Nasturtium its full 12" spacing. Plant compact companions like herbs 6–12" away at the bed edge, and taller companions (sunflowers, corn) where they won't shade the main crop. In raised beds, use the square-foot grid method for precise spacing.
Does companion planting actually work for Nasturtium?
Research supports several companion planting mechanisms: aromatic herbs like basil can reduce aphid populations near tomatoes; marigolds release thiophene compounds that deter nematodes; and flowers attract parasitic wasps that control caterpillars. Results vary by garden, but most gardeners see measurable pest reduction within one season.
Want the full Nasturtium growing guide?
Spacing, planting dates by ZIP code, seed saving tips, and more.