There are many benefits to growing Nasturtiums in the garden! They bloom from spring through fall, they attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and the grow quickly and can cover fences, banks or any unsightly stump or out-building. They're also beautiful cascading out of a hanging basket or window box. Nasturtiums can be cut for use in flower arrangements, and the plant is edible and offers a peppery taste with the leaves, flowers and seed pods all being used.

Start Nasturtium seeds directly outdoors once frost danger has passed. Or, sow the seeds indoors 4 - 6 weeks prior to the end of frost season.

Nasturtiums like full sun, but in hotter climates, the plants will do best with some afternoon shade. The soil can be lean, but it does need to drain well.

• Whether planting indoors or outdoors, the seed coat on the Nasturtium seed is tough, so nick the seed with nail clippers
• For indoor sowing, fill peat pots with moistened soil
• Put 2 Nasturtium seeds in each pot and cover the seeds 1/2 inch with soil
• Keep the soil moist and warm for germination
• Put the pots in a bright, sunny window for growing
• Once temperatures warm outdoors, harden off the seedlings for 7 - 10 days
• Transplant out the entire peat pot because Nasturtium seedlings can be delicate and difficult to transplant
• Or, after frost danger has passed, work the soil in the garden, basket, or window box
• Add some compost to improve the soil
• Place the seeds on the soil and cover, spacing 8 - 12 inches apart
• Keep the area moist for germination

• Water Nasturtium plants regularly to establish
• Once established, they need about 1 inch of water each week
• Mulch around the base of the plants to suppress weeds and help retain moisture
• Trim off spent flowers to keep the plant blooming
• If the plants are in containers, the plants may need to be cut back to revitalize the plant with new growth and blooms