How to Grow Nasturtium
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🛠️ Supplies You'll Need
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🌿 Plant Overview
☀️ Growing Requirements
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Sun
Full Sun to Partial Shade
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Water
Low (drought tolerant)
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Spacing
12" apart
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Depth
0.5" deep
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Height
12-18"
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Germination
7-14 days
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Common Nasturtium Varieties
Popular cultivars to look for at your local nursery or seed supplier.
Alaska
Variegated white-splashed leaves with bright mixed flowers; edible blooms and leaves.
Jewel Mix
Classic bushy mix of red, orange, and yellow flowers; most commonly grown variety.
Empress of India
Heirloom compact variety with deep scarlet flowers against dark blue-green foliage.
Moonlight
Trailing variety with pale yellow flowers; beautiful in hanging baskets.
Days-to-maturity figures are approximate and vary by climate and growing conditions.
🌾 Seed Saving Guide
🟢 EasyWhen to Harvest Seed
Seeds ripen quickly after flowering — collect wrinkled, tan-brown seeds directly from the plant.
Processing
Pick seeds when tan and firm, lay flat to dry for 2 weeks before storing.
Seed Viability
Up to 5 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.
Pro Tip
Large, easy-to-handle seeds make nasturtium one of the best plants for beginner seed savers.
Seed Storage Supplies
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Raised Bed Planting Guides
A 4×8 bed fits 32 plants of Nasturtium. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →
Nasturtium Planting Calendar by Zone
Nasturtium Planting Calendar by State
Other Plants
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Nasturtium? +
Sow Nasturtium seeds directly in the garden 1 weeks after your last frost date. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.
How long does Nasturtium take to grow? +
Nasturtium typically matures in about 60 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.
Should I start Nasturtium indoors or direct sow? +
Nasturtium does best when direct sown outdoors. Plant seeds directly in the garden at the appropriate time based on your local frost dates.
How much sun does Nasturtium need? +
Nasturtium requires full sun to partial shade to thrive.
How far apart should I plant Nasturtium? +
Space Nasturtium plants 12 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.
How much water does Nasturtium need? +
Nasturtium has low (drought tolerant) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.
Can you save seeds from Nasturtium? +
Yes — seed saving difficulty for Nasturtium is rated easy. Seeds ripen quickly after flowering — collect wrinkled, tan-brown seeds directly from the plant. Pick seeds when tan and firm, lay flat to dry for 2 weeks before storing.
How long do Nasturtium seeds last in storage? +
Properly dried and stored Nasturtium seeds remain viable for up to 5 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.
Are Nasturtium seeds open-pollinated? +
Yes — Nasturtium is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.
About Nasturtium
Edible flowers and leaves with a peppery flavor. Excellent companion plant that repels aphids and whiteflies. Thrives in poor soil — avoid over-fertilizing.
Expect your Nasturtium to be ready for harvest in approximately 60 days from planting.
Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.