Nasturtium Seeds – Edible Flowers For Organic Gardening Cooking

Nasturtium seeds are a must-have for home gardeners who love both beauty and functionality. These vibrant flowers are not only stunning but also edible, adding a peppery touch to salads, garnishes, and herbal infusions. Ideal for organic gardening, nasturtiums thrive in various conditions and naturally repel garden pests. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, nasturtiums are easy to grow and maintain.

Features of Nasturtium Seeds

1. Bright and Edible Flowers

Nasturtium plants produce stunning flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, and peach. The flowers are edible, adding a unique spicy flavor to dishes, perfect for fresh salads and garnishes.

2. Organic and Pollinator-Friendly

These flowers attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing your garden’s biodiversity. Their ability to thrive without chemicals makes them perfect for organic gardening.

3. Easy-to-Grow and Drought-Tolerant

Seeds germinate quickly, making them ideal for beginner gardeners. They grow well in poor soil conditions and require minimal watering, making them great for drought-prone areas.

4. Natural Pest Control & Companion Planting

Nasturtiums act as a trap crop, luring aphids away from vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. They also repel squash bugs and whiteflies, making them a valuable companion plant.

5. Versatile Garden Plant

Seeds can be planted in garden beds, containers, hanging baskets, and raised beds. They work well as ground cover or trailing plants to add a lush green accent.

How to Grow & Care for Nasturtium Seeds

1. Choosing the Right Growing Conditions

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.
• Soil: Thrives in well-draining, slightly sandy soil.
• Watering: Keep the soil slightly moist but avoid overwatering.

2. Planting Seeds

• Direct Sowing: Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost.
• Spacing: Leave at least 8-12 inches between plants for optimal growth.
• Containers & Hanging Baskets: Use a lightweight potting mix and ensure good drainage.

3. Harvesting & Using Nasturtium

• Harvesting: Pick flowers and leaves fresh for immediate use.
• Storage: Store fresh flowers in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Drying & Preservation: Dry the leaves and flowers for herbal teas or seasoning.

Creative Ways to Use Nasturtium in Cooking

1. Fresh in Salads & Garnishes

The flowers and leaves add a bright pop of color and a mild peppery taste, making them perfect for fresh salads.

2. Nasturtium Pesto

Blend nasturtium leaves with garlic, nuts, and olive oil for a delicious alternative to traditional pesto.

3. Infused Vinegars & Oils

Steep nasturtium flowers in apple cider vinegar or olive oil for a uniquely flavored dressing.

4. Herbal Teas & Natural Remedies

Nasturtium leaves are rich in antioxidants and can be brewed into tea for immune support.

5. Edible Decoration for Desserts & Cocktails

Use whole flowers to decorate cakes, pastries, and summer cocktails for a visually stunning presentation.

Benefits of Growing Nasturtium Seeds

1. Natural Pest Repellent

Nasturtium repels common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

2. Aesthetic Appeal

The vibrant flowers add a cheerful splash of color to any garden or landscape.

3. Encourages Pollinators

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, boosting your garden’s health.

4. Beginner-Friendly Plant

Nasturtiums are easy to grow with minimal maintenance, making them ideal for novice gardeners.

5. Nutritional & Medicinal Properties

Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, nasturtiums support immune health and have antibacterial benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long do nasturtium seeds take to germinate?

Nasturtium seeds typically germinate within 7-10 days under optimal conditions.

2. Can I grow nasturtium indoors?

Yes, nasturtiums can be grown indoors in pots near a sunny window, as long as they receive adequate light.

3. Are nasturtium flowers really edible?

Yes! Both the flowers and leaves are edible, with a slightly peppery flavor, making them great for salads and garnishes.

4. Do nasturtiums need fertilizers?

Nasturtiums grow best in poor to moderately fertile soil. Excess fertilizer can lead to more leaves and fewer flowers.

5. Can I plant nasturtium seeds in winter?

Nasturtium prefers warm weather. In colder climates, start seeds indoors before the last frost or wait until spring to plant them outdoors.

Explore our full range of organic seeds for microgreens and gardening.