Beginners friendly easy to grow most colourful plant with variegated and non variegated leaves. seeds are fairly large and they can be planted right in the garden.Also known as “direct sowing,” . It’s a good choice for seeds that don’t require a lot of coddling, or seedlings that suffer from transplant shock.
In the case of nasturtiums, it’s convenient because you can plant them right where you want them to grow and never have to transplant. In hot climates, choose a site that’s shaded from hot afternoon sun. Nasturtium seeds are usually planted an inch deep and about 10 inches apart. You can plant them closer together and then move them once the seedlings have several sets of leaves.
As for soil, nasturtiums are not picky and will thrive even in poor soil as long as they are watered regularly.
Direct sowing is sometimes risky because you might pull up the seedlings when you’re weeding the bed. To prevent accidental weeding , mark site with a label. Because of the distinctive foliage, nasturtium seedlings are easy to spot.
Start indoors in pots:
If you want to start with larger plants — and get earlier blooms — start the seeds indoors.
Because they are large seeds, I like to start with a relative large, 2-3/4″ or 3″ seed starting pot. Put two seeds (1″ deep) in each pot and grow them under lights or in a bright location, such as a south-facing window. It takes about 10 to 12 days for nasturtiums to germinate. When the seedlings have a few sets of leaves, pinch out the weaker seedling, leaving one per pot. Why plant two seedlings when you’re going to pluck out the weaker one? It’s mostly for insurance, in case one of the seeds fails to germinate.
When the weather moderates and nighttime temperatures are in the 50s, I harden off the seedlings. This involves moving them outdoors during the day and bringing them in at night. After a couple days, I plant them in the garden. To reduce transplant shock, I tear off the top edge of the Cowpot and plant the seedling — pot and all. It’s important that the top edge of the pot is buried to prevent soil moisture from wicking away from the seedling.
Growing On
Nasturtiums are fairly carefree, but it’s important to keep them watered during dry periods. They do well in containers and windowboxes. Let the soil get dry between waterings, but don’t let it dry out. Feed them regularly with liquid fertilizer to ensure plenty of blooms through the summer.
Nasturtiums have edible flowers that taste peppery, like watercress. All colors and varieties are tasty in salads or as garnishes. Leaves can be eaten, too.
Germination rate =80%
No of seeds =10-15
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