Capuchin (or nasturtium) is an annual that arrived in Russia from Central and South America. The flower can be found in herbaceous or bushy form. It is worth noting that the plant does not tolerate transplants well, even to the point of death. In its homeland, nasturtium grows as a perennial, but in cold Russia such varieties do not take root.
The plant with the funny nickname capuchin has many beneficial properties. Its leaves and inflorescences can be eaten. They contain ascorbic acid, carotene and other trace elements. Many people use nasturtium in cooking for preparing salads, marinades, confectionery, and sweet dishes.
The plant blooms very beautifully at home. It is planted in open areas or on the balcony, turning any corner of your home into a blooming garden. Some varieties reach a height of 2 meters.
Capuchin has a huge number of varieties that gardeners grow at home:
- Cultivated nasturtium is a harmonious combination of two plant varieties: large and shield-bearing. The flower is quite large with a tall thick stem and purple inflorescences. A feature of the species is the unique shape of the bush and grace;
- Large nasturtium. The plant can be bushy or ampelous, with luxurious double or regular flowers. Cultivation of this species is preferred by those who want to decorate flower beds, paths, screens;
- Nasturtium canariasis. This view is strikingly different from all those presented above. The stems of the plant are vines that need support. They prefer to plant it near a fence or gazebo to decorate the yard. This species is very demanding in care: warmth, lighting, regular watering and fertilizing the soil;
- Dwarf nasturtium has a thin stem and small inflorescences. The color of the flower is almost always yellow. The plant spreads along the ground, creating a colorful carpet of flowers.
At home, the following varieties of this plant are most often planted and grown:
- Terry mixture. This capuchin will delight you with bright and large flowers;
- Vesuvius. The stem of the plant has large leaves, but is not tall. The flowers are characterized by orange and pink shades;
- Cherry rose. The flower enchants everyone with the delicate colors of its inflorescences (scarlet, crimson). The bush reaches 30 cm in height;
- Day and night. This capuchin is often grown at home. It is characterized by straight shoots, amazingly beautiful flowers, and small leaves. The color of the inflorescences is red-cream.
It is worth noting that planting any of the listed species in open ground brings great benefits to the garden plot. The smell of nasturtium repels pests and insects, and the beautiful flowers delight the eye and lift your spirits for the rest of the day. If you sow the seeds of the plant in the trunks of garden trees, you can save them from aphids.
When to plant nasturtium seedlings
Choosing a place in the garden
Before sowing nasturtium seeds in open ground, you need to choose the right place in the garden for this. The plant grows well in any soil that has a drainage layer. It is desirable that the soil is not acidic and has moderate fertility. Capuchin is able to develop land plots of various sizes. If the seeds are sown in soil with a high nitrogen content, the plant will actively grow greenery (you can use this for decorative landscaping of a flower bed). Advice from gardeners recommend choosing a well-lit area for planting, protected from drafts. In open ground, nasturtium may die if it begins to lack sunlight.
Planting nasturtium seeds for seedlings
If you want your capuchin flower to bloom in the garden as soon as possible after planting, it is recommended to sow the seeds in peat pots for seedlings:
- Depending on the geographical location, sowing of seeds is carried out in April-May;
- Be sure to use peat pots, with which you will later plant them in open ground (since nasturtium does not tolerate transplantation well);
- Pre-soak the planting material in warm water for a day;
- Seeds are placed at a depth of 1 cm (3-5 seeds per pot);
- After this, you need to sprinkle them with earth, slightly compacting the top layer;
- Water the planting and cover it with film or a glass cup.
Growing seedlings should be carried out at a temperature of 22 degrees. When the first shoots appear, it is necessary to increase the lighting and lower the air temperature in the room to 18 degrees. Usually after planting, seedlings appear within 14 days.
Once the weather is warm enough outside (no earlier than a month after planting the seeds), you can plant nasturtium seedlings in open ground. If the threat of night frosts still remains, it is worth covering the flower with film in the evening.
If you did not have time to grow seedlings at home or did not want to bother with it, you can sow the seeds directly into the ground. At the same time, the weather should be good, so there is no need to rush into landing. The optimal time for this is the second half of May.
Before sowing seeds in open ground, you need to soak them for 2-3 days, wrapped in cotton cloth. The holes for planting should be 2 cm deep. If you are going to sow bush nasturtium seeds, then maintain a distance between plants of at least 30 cm. For hanging varieties, the distance should be from 50 cm. In open ground after planting the seeds, nasturtium will bloom in 4- 6 weeks. With proper care of the plant, flowering will delight you until the autumn frosts.
Nasturtium: planting and care
It is very important to provide the plant with systematic watering, especially when the flower is growing.
Growing nasturtium requires fertile, slightly acidic soil. If the soil is not nutritious enough, the plant will quickly lose its appearance, begin to wither, and its stems will become bare. To prevent this, it is worth feeding the flower during the growth period (before flowering) with a fertilizer such as ash. It is usually diluted in water: 1 part ash to 5 parts liquid.
An equally important point in caring for nasturtium is cutting off dry shoots and removing (as they ripen) seed ovaries. In addition, it is important to regularly loosen the soil and feed the plant from the outside, spraying it with mineral fertilizers.
How to grow the perfect nasturtium from seeds
When the garden is already equipped, you want to start decorating it. And in such a way that this activity does not take up much of the gardener’s time. But it was pleasing to the eye for a long time. In this matter, it can be very useful to know how to grow nasturtium in the country. Because this is a very unpretentious plant that is beautiful and blooms for a long time. By the way, it can also become a decoration for a city apartment, since growing nasturtium on the balcony is quite feasible. It does not require large areas, and a corner of nature will appear in the house.
The most famous gardeners, the British, claim that nasturtium should be planted in the garden next to a head of cabbage. Then the cabbage pests will come running to its aroma and start eating the nasturtium, not paying attention to the cabbage. And it's not a joke.
Interestingly, the leaves, stems, flowers and fruits of nasturtium are edible and contain substances characteristic of the cabbage family. The taste of young leaves and flowers resembles watercress or salad mustard, and green pickled fruits replace capers.
How to plant nasturtium seeds
There are two options for growing this plant. The first of them is planting nasturtium with seeds and growing nasturtium from seeds. This method saves summer residents time and allows them not to bother themselves with caring for seedlings.
If you choose to grow nasturtium from seeds, then you need to choose the right time for this. Although it is not picky and resistant to frost, there is no need to rush.
When to plant nasturtium when growing from seeds
The optimal time would be from late April to early May. It’s even better to read the recommendations for this variety to find out how a particular species relates to frost. You may need to wait until the end of May.
Before planting nasturtium from seeds, they should be soaked in warm water for a day. One of the most popular and favorite varieties of summer residents is terry nasturtium; cultivation from seeds of this plant in open ground is carried out according to the following scheme. A step about 30 cm long is made in the row. Up to 3 seeds are dropped into a small hole to a depth of about 2 cm. There is no need to specially sprinkle them. The soil that crumbles from the edges of the depression will be enough.
There are no difficulties in growing nasturtium from seeds. Moreover, this allows you to avoid problems with diseases at an early stage of growth. However, the considered method does not allow you to enjoy early flowering. To do this, you will have to turn to sowing seedlings.
How to plant nasturtium seedlings
If you don’t want to grow seedlings, but want to achieve flowering early, then you can purchase seedlings. In this case, you need to choose compact bushes with a large number of buds without blooming flowers, then planting and care will be easier. A young plant takes root faster and easier. But it’s still better to sow nasturtium seedlings yourself.
Here you need to take into account the fact that it has a very fragile root system. Therefore, when sowing nasturtium for seedlings, it is better to immediately choose large containers, so as not to dive later. Because any damage to the tender roots will lead to their death. When planting in a flowerbed, you should try to remove the entire lump of earth or take containers that will rot in the ground.
Now you need to decide when to plant nasturtium seedlings. It is recommended to perform this action a couple of weeks before transplanting to the flowerbed. If planting is at the end of May, then it is advisable to sow in the first half of May.
Sowing is also carried out 3 seeds at a depth of 2 cm. To grow strong and strong seedlings, you need to take into account the fact that they need a lot of light. Therefore, after sowing nasturtium seedlings and with the appearance of the first shoots, the containers should be placed on a well-lit surface. If the plants become very elongated, they will become sick in a permanent place and will not produce abundant flowering.
By fulfilling this important condition, you can ensure that planting nasturtium seedlings will be successful. When the day of planting approaches, you need to wait for cloudy weather and place the bushes in a prepared flowerbed. It is advisable to place the containers outside for hardening before doing this.
After a couple of months, the plant will already be covered with flowers. This phenomenon will persist until the first frost.
When to plant nasturtium in spring
- When to plant nasturtium seedlings: sowing nasturtium seedlings is possible from the second half of April.
- In open ground Nasturtiums are sown in mid-May directly in a garden bed or flowerbed, 2–3 pieces per hole every 20–40 cm. The seeds germinate within 1–2 weeks. Seedlings are watered moderately and fed with a weak solution of complex fertilizers.
What is the care of nasturtium? Planting and care in open ground
At the end of summer, you can dig up bush nasturtium and place it in a pot in a protected room. The bushes will bloom until October.
Wherever nasturtium grows: on a balcony or flowerbed, we must not forget about weeding and watering. The second point is especially important. Because excess moisture at the flowering stage will lead to its cessation. At this time, you should simply not allow the soil to dry out.
By the way, about the soil. Whatever type of nasturtium (climbing), growing from seeds or seedlings requires suitable soil. It should be fertile and light, drained and slightly acidic.
The main problem that can harm the plant is associated with aphids.
In order to prevent its spread, ampelous nasturtium requires regular inspection. If affected leaves are found, they must be removed immediately. And for prevention, spray with an alcohol solution containing a small amount of liquid soap.
Nasturtium blooms profusely in an open sunny place and prefers loose, moderately fertile soil. In partial shade, its flowering will not be so lush and noticeable.
The question of when to plant nasturtium as seedlings or seeds is all clear. It is also clear with soil requirements. There remains a moment about the amount of light. When caring for flowers, there should be a lot of it. Otherwise, the flowers will not be large, their number will not be large, and the duration of flowering will be short.
To decorate the flower bed, we plant and care for nasturtiums in the open ground
Most species of this plant are annuals. But there is no need to dig nasturtium out of the ground for the winter. It perfectly covers the soil surface and protects it from frost. And in the spring it can be used as mulch.
Nasturtium itself does not tolerate stable frosts. But frost is not so bad for its seeds. Therefore, if they are naturally sown in the soil, then in the spring new plants may appear there.
- If you want to admire the flowering until October, then at the end of summer the nasturtium can be dug up and transplanted into a pot.
- In the garden, bush nasturtium is ideal for flower beds and for edging paths, as they hold their shape well.
- Climbing nasturtiums are good as ground cover and ampelous plantings, and especially in balcony boxes, hanging baskets, and garden flowerpots.
Nasturtium in landscape design
It is good to use nasturtium as a border plant and plant it along garden paths. Nasturtium looks especially good when planted in a group of several plants. It is also grown in garden pots, containers for decorating terraces and balconies.
Nasturtium is a perennial, beautifully flowering, light-loving and heat-loving ornamental plant. In garden plots it is cultivated as an annual plant, which should be located on the sunny side and protected from the wind. In this article we will tell you about growing nasturtium from seeds and give recommendations for care.
Nasturtiums are fast-growing, lush plants that bloom with many colorful flowers. The plant is distinguished by fleshy stems, on which rounded shield-shaped leaves are alternately located. Flowers are divided into simple and double with a variety of shades - from light yellow to orange-red; There are pink and white-colored forms. Flower petals most often have streaks interspersed with fiery red, scarlet, and crimson colors.
Propagation of nasturtiums by seeds in open ground
Experienced gardeners recommend propagating nasturtiums by sowing seeds in open ground, since young plant shoots are difficult to tolerate transplanting (picking). The root system of nasturtium directly depends on the development of suction hairs, which develop on root branches extending into the soil. When transplanting young shoots, the suction hairs are most often damaged, which subsequently leads to poor plant development and slow adaptation of young shoots to the soil.
The optimal time for sowing seeds in open ground is mid-May. You can grow a profusely flowering plant using seeds in open ground by following the instructions:
Autumn soil preparation. The soil for growing is prepared in the fall. Autumn soil preparation includes deep digging and removal of weed residues. Since nasturtiums feel better on moderately fertile soils, organic fertilizers should be applied in small quantities when digging the soil in the fall. Nasturtiums are best grown in loose, moist soils. With an excessive content of manure and humus in the soil, nasturtiums in 95% of cases become overgrown with large dark green leaves to the detriment of flowering.
Spring soil preparation before sowing. The soil should be loosened and fertilized. Organic fertilizers are not applied, and only potassium fertilizers are used among mineral fertilizers. The soil is moistened abundantly with warm water.
Seed preparation. Small and large nasturtium seeds are suitable for planting in open ground, since regardless of size they are characterized by a high percentage of germination. Small seeds, unlike large ones, should be mixed with disinfected sand for better seed distribution during sowing. Before sowing, seeds are disinfected in a 2% formaldehyde solution or a 5% potassium permanganate solution.
Landing scheme. Crops are done in rows, strips and nests. When sowing seeds in rows, the rows are formed at a distance of 30-40 cm from each other. Large seeds are sown in rows at a distance of no more than 1 cm. Small seeds are sown continuously in a row.
When belt sowing, rows are formed at a distance of 10 cm from each other. The resulting 2 lines form a ribbon. The distance between the ribbons is 50-60 cm. Seeds are sown in each line at a distance of 0.5 cm. As soon as the shoots appear, they should be thinned out so that the distance between the shoots is from 10 to 25 cm, depending on the bushiness of the variety.
When nest sowing, planting holes are formed. The distance between the holes is 20x30 cm. 3-4 seeds are sown in each hole.
Care consists of timely, abundant watering, fertilizing and clearing the plantings of weeds. Watering should be carried out regularly before flowering begins, and afterward watering should be done as needed when the soil dries out. Before flowering, plants are fed only with mineral fertilizers, mainly potassium-phosphorus. With a lack of light, the stems of nasturtiums become elongated and the leaves become small, which significantly impairs the decorative effect.
If all these conditions are met, nasturtium will begin to bloom profusely from June until frost.
Tip #1: Nasturtium blooms profusely in full sun, and develops more leaves in partial shade. It can be propagated by cuttings, which take root well in water and wet sand. This technique is used when propagating new, and especially terry varieties. Since nasturtium is a perennial plant, you can leave the most outstanding specimens to overwinter in a pot in a bright, cool window with limited watering, and cut them out in the spring.
Nasturtium - growing from seeds How to grow seedlings from nasturtium seeds
The container for seedlings should be convenient for removing sprouts with a ball of earth for planting the seedlings in a permanent place. Young nasturtium sprouts are difficult to tolerate picking, so it is best to plant seeds in peat tablets or small plastic cups with a diameter of 7-8 cm.
The soil for sowing nasturtium seeds must be loose, so it is recommended to mix garden soil with clean, disinfected sand in a 3:1 ratio. Before sowing, the soil is watered generously with warm water. The germination rate of nasturtium seeds is quite high, but before sowing it is recommended to disinfect the seeds in a weak solution of formaldehyde or potassium permanganate. For sowing in containers, it is advisable to choose the largest seeds.
The seeds are buried 1.5-2 cm in prepared moist soil. 2-3 seeds are placed in each container with a diameter of at least 7 cm. After sowing, the top layer of soil is covered with a thin layer of clean sand and watered. Watering is carried out by spraying with warm water. Cover the containers with film and put them in a bright, warm place.
Removing condensation from the film surface. Water as the soil dries out. Watering is carried out by spraying. When seedlings appear, the seedling containers are moved to the brightest place. It is not recommended to remove the film; young plants must reach 5 cm. Planting in the ground is carried out only with a clod of earth. The seedlings are planted in a permanent place in loose and moist soil in early May.
Shoots appear after 12 days at temperatures from +16°C to +23°C. In the table, we consider the main disadvantages and advantages of propagating nasturtiums by sowing seeds directly into open ground and by seedlings:
| Reproduction method | Advantages | Flaws |
|
Seeds |
Does not require physical effort or additional financial costs. |
Late flowering Poor quality seeds produce weak sprouts. The seeds may not germinate, so instead of a beautiful flower bed, voids form in the areas. With insufficient lighting or short daylight hours, the sprouts stretch out and become fragile. Low air temperature leads to the death of immature shoots. |
| Seedlings | Early flowering The strongest seedlings are planted Ability to control temperature and lighting |
Requires picking |
Growing nasturtium on the veranda and balcony without soil
To grow nasturtium using hydroponics, you need to prepare a regular flower box. The inside of the box is coated with a special waterproof asphalt varnish in several layers. The time interval between layers is at least 30-40 minutes. One of the following nutrient solutions is poured into the finished box:
- Zhireke
The nutrient solution is poured into flower boxes of approximately 6-7 cm. To sow seeds or grow nasturtium seedlings, install a frame with a stretched nylon mesh in the flower box. The sides of the frame should have a height of 5 cm. Crushed peat is placed in the frame and seeds are sown in it or seedlings are planted, then the frame with the planting material is placed in a flower box. The bottom of the frame should barely touch the solution in the flower box.
Nasturtiums grown hydroponically on an open balcony are brought indoors in the fall, before frost sets in. Seedlings that do not yet have roots, and therefore do not reach the nutrient solution, are watered with the same solution until suction hairs appear, thanks to which the plant begins to receive nutrients from the solution at the bottom of the flower box.
Using the hydroponics method, nasturtium can be grown in flowerpots, flower beds and in special boxes outside the room. To grow climbing plants using soilless crops, plant supports in the form of a nylon cord or wooden frames in the form of a trellis are needed.
How to properly use nasturtium flowers in landscape design
Nasturtium is part of the group of decorative hanging plants, which makes it attractive for landscape design. Ampelous nasturtiums are distinguished by stems that beautifully hang down, and thanks to the huge number of leaves on the stems of the plant, such a plant ideally decorates the outer sides of, for example, a nondescript planting container. In landscape design, nasturtium is used:
- when planting flowering plants in two rows, where nasturtiums are planted in the first row;
- when planting flowering plants in three rows, where nasturtiums are located in the last row.
Tip #2. In the first case, planting boxes of 100x20 cm are used. Hanging varieties of nasturtium are planted in the first row, and standing varieties of nasturtium or any others are planted in the second.
For three-row planting, large flower beds or flowerpots are used, installed in front of a trellis or trellis. On the outside of the flower bed, any varieties of your favorite flowers are planted, and climbing varieties of nasturtiums are planted in the last row, which will climb up the trellises or trellis and beautifully frame a window or wall.
Plant supports are made from wire, bamboo, and thin wooden grids of nylon cord. Main types and best varieties of nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are divided into two types - climbing ones with long stems and spreading bushy ones with semi-straight stems. The flowers of both species are distinguished by a bright palette of colors. Climbing varieties of nasturtium are widely used as hanging and ground cover plants, and also suitable for vertical gardening of buildings, balconies, and windows.
Spreading and bushy varieties are planted in flowerpots for landscaping flower beds in the form of wide ribbons and borders, ridges, for landscaping paths and rocky areas. Let's consider widespread varieties of nasturtiums that are suitable for growing in our conditions.
Large nasturtium (Indian cress variety)
The most beautiful type of nasturtium. Varieties related to large nasturtium are distinguished by flowers of fiery bright colors and the presence of bright spots and streaks on the flower petals. There are also white flower forms with bright splashes. The stems can be whip-like, erect or creeping. Blooms from June to late autumn. The plants form a compact bush, reaching a height of up to 70 cm.
The best varieties of large nasturtium:
- "Ladybug"
- "Cherry Rose"
- "Peach Melba"
- "Alaska"
Bush compact nasturtium
These are compact, medium-sized, beautifully flowering varieties of nasturtium. The plant has creeping stems. It begins to bloom in early July until September. Plants retain their shape and reach up to 50 cm in height
The best varieties of bush nasturtium:
- "Snow Maiden"
- "Ruby"
- "Othello"
Climbing nasturtium with large flowers
The plant is distinguished by a thick green mass and leaves covered with a waxy coating. The flowers are large, from 3 to 5 cm in diameter. Blooms from June until frost.
The best varieties of climbing nasturtium:
- "Aurora"
- "King Theodore"
- "Cardinal"
- "Orange Ball"
All flowers belonging to the climbing nasturtium species have stems up to 2 m long. Dwarf nasturtium (perennial)
A beautiful plant, grown as a perennial in pots for home gardening and flowerpots for landscaping garden plots. The plant reaches a height of up to 40 cm.
The best varieties of dwarf nasturtium:
- "Black Prince"
- "Queen of India"
- "Yellow Beauty"
Terry nasturtium with bright flowers
A plant with large flowers up to 5 cm in diameter. The flowers are lush with many petals. It begins to bloom in July until the end of September. The plant reaches a height of up to 60 cm.
The best varieties of terry nasturtium:
- "Terry"
- "Mahogany"
- "Cherry"
Under favorable conditions, nasturtium sets many seeds, which, falling off, can overwinter in the soil. Nasturtium flowers do not stand well in water. In the table we consider 5 types of nasturtiums and the most suitable places for planting them:
| Types of nasturtium | Landscaping areas |
| Large nasturtium | Suitable for landscape design of a personal plot and design in the form of a hedge. |
| Bush nasturtium | Suitable for landscaping and planting of vases, balconies and borders. |
| Climbing nasturtium | Suitable for decoration in the form of a hedge and vertical gardening for walls, balconies, fences. |
| Terry nasturtium | For decorating a personal plot and landscaping the veranda, balcony and windows. |
| Dwarf nasturtium | For the design of residential premises and landscape design. |
Top 5 types of fertilizer
Fertilizing should be done 2-3 times before mass flowering. The best fertilizer for nasturtiums is mineral fertilizers. In the table we consider the listed types of mineral fertilizers and their application rates
| Name | Basic fertilizer application | Top dressing | Efficiency |
| Nitroammofoska | 25-30 g per m2 | After planting, 12-15 days, at the stage of budding and flowering, 15 g per m2 | Up to 95% |
| Kalifos-N | 20-25 g per m2 | 5-6 g for each bush. At a distance of 10 cm from the stem | Up to 98% |
| Azofoska | 5 g per 1 liter of water | 15 ml for each bush. At a distance of 10 cm from the stem | Up to 95% |
| Diamofoska | 2 g per 1 liter of water | 10-15 ml for each bush. At a distance of 10 cm from the stem | Up to 90% |
| Superphosphate | 25-30 g per m2 | 5 g for each bush. At a distance of 10 cm from the stem | Up to 98% |
Prevention of nasturtium diseases in open and closed ground
The main diseases of the nasturtium plant are gray rot, hole spot, and rust. Regular and thorough weeding will help increase resistance to diseases. In the table we consider the most resistant varieties to diseases:
Preventive measures to combat diseases are general regardless of the plant variety and planting location. Let's look at the main methods:
- Digging the soil in spring and autumn to a depth of more than 20 cm;
- Removing affected plant organs and burning them;
- When watering, check to see if moisture has accumulated in the soil;
- Apply fungicides before leaves appear, during budding and after flowering.
Nasturtium is very thermophilic, so there is no need to rush to sow seeds The best regions for growing nasturtium
All types of nasturtium are widely cultivated in central Russia. But despite this, nasturtium belongs to a group of plants whose resistance to frost is very low. It is known that nasturtiums die at temperatures of -2°C...-3°C. Breeders have found that in plants at a temperature of -1°C, generative and vegetative organs are damaged in 98% of cases.
In this regard, nasturtiums are not suitable for growing in open ground conditions in the northwestern part of Russia. However, nasturtium tolerates rainy weather, cool springs, damp cold summers, persistent cloudy days and short spring mornings, which makes it attractive and suitable for growing in regions with a temperate climate.
DIY folk bait recipe for nasturtium flowers
Folk recipes for fertilizing are intended to support plants that have slow growth and weak stems, as well as low disease resistance. Natural products containing useful substances are used for feeding. Folk supplements are used as additional nutrition to the main mineral supplements. Let's look at a few of these supplements:
- Sugar is a source of vital energy for the plant, promotes respiration and the absorption of heavy mineral compounds. It is a building material and activates the work of the root system. Recipe: sugar is diluted in warm water in a ratio of 1 tbsp. for 0.5 liters of water. It is advisable to use this fertilizer together with mineral fertilizers. Feed the plant with sugar no more than once a month.
- Tea leaves - used after drinking tea. The tea leaves are placed on the surface of the soil and watered.
- Yeast is an excellent stimulator of plant growth. Recipe: 20 g of yeast are diluted in 2 liters of warm water and add 1 tbsp. Sahara. The resulting solution is infused for no more than 2 hours. The resulting concentrate is diluted with warm water in a ratio of 1:5. Water the plant once in the spring before flowering.
- Tooth powder – used for weak plant growth. Recipe: tooth powder is mixed with wood pulp and copper sulfate in a ratio of 3:3:1. The dry mixture is diluted with 1.5 liters of water. A technical pause of 5-10 minutes is maintained and the mixture is suitable for use. Use 2 times throughout the entire growing season, excluding the dormant period of plants.
Common mistakes when growing nasturtiums
Experienced gardeners identify several common mistakes that are often made when growing nasturtiums:
- Grow the plant on the shady side of the site.
- Grown on fertile soils.
- Application of mineral fertilizers during flowering.
- Irregular watering before and after flowering.
FAQ
Despite the ease of cultivation and unpretentiousness of the plant, a number of questions arise among gardeners. Let's look at the most common questions.
Question No. 1. Is it true that nasturtium is a protective plant?
It is known that the aroma of nasturtium flowers is feared by pests such as ground flies, secretive proboscis, whiteflies and cutworms.
Question No. 2. For which vegetable crops is nasturtium a good precursor?
After nasturtium, tomatoes, cucumbers and peas grow well.
Question No. 3. Can nasturtiums be grown under trees?
Nasturtiums prefer to grow in sunny places; they grow under trees in light partial shade.
Question No. 4. How to prolong the flowering of nasturtiums?
Regular removal of faded flowers will prolong flowering for another month.
Question No. 5. What plants should not be planted with nasturtium?
Nasturtium does not get along well with plantings of parsley and garlic.
How nasturtium grows, growing from seeds, when to plant and properly care for the plant - information that gardeners who want to decorate their garden with beautiful flowers should familiarize themselves with. This crop is presented in the form of a vine or subshrub, in which the stem is succulent, the leaves are lobed, and the flowers have an irregular shape.
Nasturtium - planting and care
This crop is planted in three ways:
- You can sow planting material directly into open ground, which simplifies the acclimatization of the plant, so the seedlings grow quickly.
- Nasturtium, which can be grown from seeds at home, will bloom faster when grown from seedlings, and the flowers will last a long time. There is a risk of losing seedlings after transplanting from a container to open ground.
- Plant the flower by cuttings using wet sand or water. As a result, you can quickly get roots and transplant the cutting to a permanent place on the site. This is an ideal way to distribute exotic varieties.
It is important not only to know how to plant seeds, but also how to grow and care for the plant, so mandatory procedures include:
- Timely watering is of great importance, especially during seedling germination. During flowering, watering is significantly reduced. Spraying is prohibited because the flower loves dry air.
- After the seedlings appear, you need to thin them out, removing small and weak specimens.
- Growing involves regularly loosening the soil and getting rid of weeds.
- It is customary to apply fertilizer once a month, excluding the addition of large amounts of nitrogenous fertilizers. Potassium and phosphorus supplements should be selected.
- When the flowering phase begins, you need to remove dead flowers in time and then new specimens will appear in their place. Use scissors to cut off shoots and leaves.
How to plant nasturtium seeds for seedlings?
To plant seeds, you can use them, in which you need to put 1-2 seeds. Planting nasturtium seeds for seedlings can be done in pots with special soil, which you can buy or make yourself by mixing some turf soil, sand and peat. Stir the mixture, sift and pour over a hot solution of potassium permanganate. After two days, the mixture can be divided into containers and planting can begin:
- Deepen the seeds by 2 cm. Place 2-3 seeds in each container.
- Press the soil a little on top and water everything with a watering can with a nozzle. You can use a spray bottle.
- Place the pots on a sunny windowsill.
When to plant nasturtium seedlings?
The seeds of this plant can be stored for a long time, as they remain viable for 4-5 years. If you are interested in when to sow nasturtium seedlings, then it is important to know that the most suitable period is from the end of April to the beginning of May. In addition, recommendations for each variety should be taken into account, since some species do not tolerate frost.
How to germinate nasturtium seeds for seedlings?
Before planting, it is recommended to carry out preliminary preparation of planting material to speed up the emergence of seedlings. How nasturtium is germinated, growing from seeds, when to plant - all this is important information to familiarize yourself with in order to get powerful and flowering bushes.
- Sort through the seeds, removing small and damaged specimens.
- Before planting seeds, to disinfect them, they should be placed in a strong solution of potassium permanganate for 10-15 minutes. or in hot water (no more than 50°C).
- To soak nasturtium seeds in water, they should be placed in gauze and immersed in water for a day. Seedlings may require longer germination.
Planting nasturtium seeds in the ground
Outdoors, the flower can be planted in pots and flower beds. Climbing species require support. For growing nasturtium and caring for it in open ground, it is important to choose loamy soil that should be well-drained. If there is a lot of fertilizer in the ground, then powerful leaves will develop to the detriment of flowering. Proper growth requires regular watering, fertilization every three weeks, and removal of faded flowers.
How to plant nasturtium in open ground?
In order for the plant to develop well and delight with its color, you need to choose a well-lit area with fertile soil for planting. Many people are interested in when to plant nasturtium in the ground, so in the southern regions you can sow seeds directly at the end of May. It is imperative to soak the planting material. Instructions on what nasturtium needs, growing from seeds, when to plant and properly care for it, includes the following rules:
- The area should be dug up, loosened and fertilizer added. Use some compost, wood ash and...
- There should be a distance of 25-30 cm between plantings. Place 2-3 seeds in each hole, deepening them by 2.3 cm.
- If everything was done according to the rules and the seeds were good, then the seedlings will appear in 14 days. Flowering occurs in 40-50 days.
Diseases - nasturtiums
The plant is known for repelling various insects: whitefly, aphids, Colorado potato beetles and cabbageweed. If nasturtium is not cared for correctly, diseases may appear, which can be eliminated by removing infected leaves and treating the bushes with special chemical or bacteriological agents.
- Bacterial wilt, in which the lower leaves deteriorate, and then the entire plant disappears.
- When cultivation does not proceed correctly, a mosaic infection is possible, in which a mosaic pattern can be seen on the leaves.
- appears as gray-brown spots on the leaves.
- If nasturtium suffers from rust, then small brown or black spots form, which turn into tubercles.
- With ring spotting, small dots are visible on the leaves, surrounded by a red-brown border.
All the flowers in the garden are magnificent and the tropical beauty nasturtium is no exception. Large yellow, orange and red flowers of different shades are islands of sun in the summer cottage.
You can admire this spreading flower on city esplanades, in parks and near administrative buildings. They decorate gazebos and terraces, high flower beds.
In its usual environment, in the warm and humid tropics, nasturtium develops as a perennial shrub or vine. In our climate, it is known as an annual, and some fans bring this plant indoors for the winter.
This flower cannot be called capricious, but you need to follow the rules of planting and care. What varieties exist and do this plant have any beneficial properties?
Nasturtium has strong, long and succulent stems, on which leaves are arranged in order. They are round, shield-shaped, with uneven edges. Numerous green leaves, sometimes variegated, less often have a brown-green color.
The flowers are usually rich yellow or red, they can have all sorts of shades and vary in the degree of terry. Semi-double and simple, as well as densely double inflorescences are located on long stems. The flower is a funnel-shaped tube with more than five petals.
After flowering, fruits are formed; they are wrinkled, large, and consist of three lobes. They contain kidney-shaped seeds. They are suitable for planting and remain viable for 5 years.
The flower and stem mass of nasturtium is suitable for use as a spice; it is used for cooking in cooking. The medicinal properties of this amazing plant are also known.
Planting and propagation
Nasturtium needs warmth and protection from the wind, so the planting requirements are appropriate. Illuminated (avoid shade) and leeward areas, so the plant will delight with abundant and bright flowering, and the bush will not lose its decorative effect.
The soil should be moisture-permeable, slightly acidic, and light. If the soil is infertile or hard, dig it up and add humus. Plants should not be planted in soil that is too rich in organic matter; fresh manure is also contraindicated.
There are several ways to plant nasturtium; it can be easily propagated.
Seeds for seedlings
For those who want to ensure early flowering, you should take care of this in advance. Nasturtium seedlings are planted in April. This bush takes 1.5 months from emergence to flowering. They are planted outside in late May or early June.
- We take containers or peat pots and place the soil mixture there;
- We bury the seeds in the moistened soil (2-3 seeds in pots, and 2-3 seeds in one hole at a distance of up to 8 centimeters in containers);
- Cover with film and place in a warm place;
- Ventilate and spray regularly, check;
- Shoots appear in two weeks or earlier;
- There is no need to dive, as nasturtium does not like this, its delicate roots can be damaged;
- The frosts on the street have passed - we plant them in open ground; a couple of days before planting, it is advisable to take the plants out into the fresh air for acclimatization;
- Depending on whether the bush is compact or a loach, the planting scheme is selected. For the former it is 25 cm, and for liana-like ones up to 40-45 cm;
- We plant the plant together with a lump of earth in the ground, 2 or 3 pieces per hole;
- For climbing plants, you need to install supports immediately upon planting.
In open ground
- The procedure for such sowing is carried out in May, after frost;
- First soak the seeds in hot water (50 degrees) or regular water to swell;
- The bed should be dug up, compost or humus and a little wood ash should be added;
- We make holes at a distance of 25 or 30 centimeters, depending on the variety;
- Sow 2-3 seeds in each hole and sprinkle with soil;
- Water the plantings, seedlings will appear in 10-15 days, and will bloom in 1.5 months or a little later.
The seeds of a faded bush can overwinter in the soil, but this is more typical for the south of our country; in most cases, freezing occurs.
Propagation by cuttings
If it is necessary to propagate a favorite variety during the growing season, they resort to cuttings. Nasturtium takes root well in this case. Hybrids do not produce seeds capable of transferring the characteristics of the mother plant to the next generation.
Therefore, the method of propagation by cuttings is an excellent opportunity to obtain specimens for planting.
- We leave the beautiful plant to winter at home;
- Place it on a cool windowsill, in a bright place and limit watering;
- In the spring, cut the cuttings and plant them in a special mixture in peat pots;
- Plant all the resulting rooted shoots in early June (or earlier, depending on the weather) in permanent places.
Care
Caring for nasturtium is easy - it loves water and loosening. Water regularly and then loosen the surface of the soil. When the flowering period begins, water only as the soil dries. If there is excessive moisture, the root system begins to rot and the plant may die.
Since the bushes are spreading, weeds rarely grow under them.
Before flowering, it is advisable to feed with potassium-phosphorus solution once every 10 days. Then the fertilizers are stopped. If the bush grows in hanging pots or flowerpots, it is necessary to fertilize, since the soil there is quickly depleted and there is nowhere to get minerals.
The plant blooms for a long period; to prolong it, it is advisable to remove the seed pods without waiting for them to dry. This measure will allow new flowers to form at double the speed.
Varieties and varieties
Domestic gardeners and designers use mainly five types of annual nasturtium.
Shield-bearing
In nature, this species is capable of reaching 4 meters in length (lashes). This is a subshrub with succulent shoots and dark green corymbose leaves. The dark-colored red flowers have a diameter of 5-6 centimeters. The shield-bearing species blooms from June until autumn.
A popular variety of the species is Lucifer, its bushes are only 25 centimeters high, and the flowers are very large, red-orange.
Small
The plant is 35 cm high. It has thin stems, and on elongated petioles there are rounded leaves. The difference between this nasturtium is the small size of the flowers, there are a lot of them, the coverage is 3 cm.
The color is usually yellow, and there are dark spots along the petal. There are spurs, the petal is pointed at the end. Beautiful velvety flowers delight the eye for almost four months. Known varieties are Black Velvet (dark burgundy, almost black flowers) and Cherry Rose with terry bright red petals.
Big
A strong, branched plant. In the natural environment it grows up to 2.5 meters in length. There are upright varieties, their height is 70 centimeters. Numerous rounded leaves have a bluish coating on the reverse side.
In more southern regions, it overwinters in the ground and reproduces by self-sowing. It blooms for a very long time, until autumn.
Quite a lot of varieties of this nasturtium have been bred. Lovers are familiar with Ladybug (burgundy spots on an apricot background), Salmon Baby - a semi-double variety, Peach Melba - cream petals with red spots.
Cultural
This is a hybrid of large and shield-bearing nasturtium, the two largest species. These include dwarf plants, bushes, and creeping specimens. Their height varies from 15 to 50 centimeters, depending on the variety.
The well-known varietal species are Moonlight - pale yellow flowers on long vines, Golden Globe - its flowers are double, golden yellow, and the leaves are large (up to 7 cm). The bush is compact, it forms a ball shape, its height is 25-30 cm.
The bush variety Gleming Mahagani has red double flowers, the plant height is 35 centimeters.
Canary
The species is also known as foreign nasturtium. This is a liana, it grows up to 3.5 meters, entwines buildings and arches, gazebos and is good on trellises. The leaves are seven-parted, not very large, and the flowers are bright yellow and small in diameter. The petals are extremely decorative, corrugated with green outgrowths. It blooms, like all species, for a long time.
The following varieties need mention:
- Vesuvius
The pink-salmon color of the petals turns into orange, and there are red spots along the entire surface of the flower. Bush form.
- Day and night
Cream and red flowers are harmoniously combined on one plant. A very effective color scheme can decorate any flower garden. The height of the bush is 30 centimeters.
A climbing variety that grows up to 200 centimeters. The petals are creamy white in color and have yellow spots in the middle. Exclusive view.
- Alaska
Variegated leaves of white and green color give the plant a marbled appearance. The shades of the flowers are different, but Alaska is valued for its unique foliage.
Pests and diseases
Nasturtium is a flower with a scent that repels unwanted insects: whiteflies and cabbage whites, aphids and spider mites. The smell can even repel the Colorado potato beetle.
On the contrary, it attracts pollinating insects, which is beneficial for all other garden plants. This useful neighborhood improves the atmosphere in the garden, literally and figuratively.
To ensure that nasturtium bushes are not affected by rot and rust does not appear on them, it should be treated with insecticidal preparations. Infected areas are removed and burned.
To prevent diseases, spray with a solution of laundry and tar soap, avoid overmoistening.
Nasturtium is very popular among amateur gardeners. It grows and blooms on rather poor soils; on soils rich in organic matter, a huge green mass develops to the detriment of flowering. This is an annual plant, its thick succulent stems reach a length of 2-3 m. There are also bush varieties of 25-30 cm.
The leaves of the flowers are round and shield-like, shiny, covered with a waxy coating, bright green. The flowers are large, up to 5 cm in diameter. The color can be cream, salmon, yellow, red, pink, cherry.
When choosing species and varieties for planting in your summer cottage, you should carefully study their differences.
Nasturtium bush
The plant is an annual and is a pretty flowering shrub that is ideal for landscaping. It is used for vases and balconies, and is used to decorate the area in borders and mixborders.
Nasturtium climbing
An annual plant that is used to form hedges or standard vertical gardening, for example, the flower is planted along balconies, gazebos, fences and walls.
Nasturtium amelia
A cute plant that also participates in vertical gardening. Suitable for decorating residential buildings - terraces, balconies, walls.
Terry nasturtium
An annual plant that is often used to decorate summer cottages. In this case, the flower can serve as a landscaping plant for a veranda, house, balcony, and so on.
Climbing nasturtium
A beautiful perennial plant that is grown in pots (at home) and in flower beds (country floriculture).
Growing conditions
If you want to grow beautiful greens and colorful flowers, and not a mixture of plants that simply got mixed up and began to fade, strict adherence to agricultural practices is necessary.
By properly caring for the plant and taking the necessary steps, you will achieve excellent results, both in the country and at home.
Selecting a location
The plant is light-loving and heat-loving, and therefore you should forget about the partial shade and silence of a shady garden, because the place of nasturtium is in a flower bed, near the fence of the territory, in landscape decoration or even in single plantings.
Try to plant the flower in places that are well protected from drafts, because almost all plants do not respond well to cold winds.
Most suitable soil
The flower prefers moderate soil, both in terms of moisture and nutrients. As we mentioned above, the plant gains green mass on well-manured soil, but shows poor flowering, so it’s up to you to decide on this fact.
You should not fertilize nasturtium with fresh organic matter, as the plant may burn, but it is simply necessary to add mineral fertilizers to the soil, since it reacts to such substances with abundant flowering.
Using nasturtium (video)
Watering the plant
Watering should be systematic, but very moderate, which is most important for young plantings. During flowering, nasturtium is watered only on the driest days; during the standard warm season, watering can be stopped altogether.
How to prolong flowering?
It is necessary to understand that constant heavy watering can lead to rotting of the plant, especially on heavy soils. Therefore, it is worth observing timely irrigation, but do not forget to do pruning. Removing weak branches and faded buds will significantly prolong flowering.
Transplantation and propagation
How to replant nasturtium?
Our plant is considered quite delicate, and therefore requires special attention when replanting it. The superficial root system is very sensitive to various kinds of disturbances, and therefore replanting occurs together with an earthen lump that must not be disturbed.
After transplantation, the plant must adapt, but this takes time. Don't be discouraged if your nasturtium looks limp at first, just continue to water regularly and wait.
Propagation by seedlings
Nasturtium can be propagated by seeds or by growing seedlings. If you want to plant flowers on the plot already in the form of seedlings, then the initial stage of cultivation will be the distribution of seeds into peat cups, 2-3 for each. In just 10-14 days you will notice seedlings that can be transplanted into open ground in early June. It is necessary to plant a flower with a lump of earth or together with a glass.
We propagate the flower by seeds
You can also try growing nasturtium with seeds, which is not difficult. Seeds are prepared in water or a special nutrient solution, and planted in a warm area after the night frosts in the spring have ended. A few seeds per hole a couple of centimeters deep will be enough to get plant sprouts within 2 weeks.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation of nasturtium by cuttings is used extremely rarely and mainly for new varieties. Rooting of young cuttings of the plant occurs in water or wet sand, then the cuttings can be planted directly in open ground, avoiding schooling.
Features of cultivation
- Planting occurs only in heated soil and only with a clod of earth.
- Early flowering can be achieved if you use the seedling growing method.
- Excessive fertilization with organic matter promotes abundant green mass, correct fertilization with minerals ensures long-lasting flowering.
- If you create favorable conditions for nasturtium, it will shed seeds that can overwinter in the soil and produce young plants next spring.
- Seed germination is maintained for 4 years.
Nasturtium can be safely called an unpretentious flower, but if you provide the plant with proper care, it will look much more beautiful than an abandoned wild specimen in your summer cottage.
Growing nasturtium in the country (video)
Reviews and comments
Anastasia 09/25/2010
Very beautiful plants, but during frosts they freeze (
irina 04/23/2014
My nasturtium leaves are turning yellow and drying up, help, what can I do to help it?
Nikolay 07/24/2014
And nasturtium attracted me with its red flowers and of course leaves!
Olga 02/14/2015
Nasturtium pleases me with its splendor and brightness. I'm collecting flowers. And fill it with 6-9:% vinegar. The vinegar becomes aromatic, has a beautiful color and is used for dressing salads and dumplings. Store in the dark.
Natalya 08/23/2015
I wanted to ask: what animals can damage nasturtium seedlings and how to deal with it?
Olga 09/24/2015
Nasturtium let me down this year - the seeds didn’t sprout(((I was so hoping that it would please me with its flowering.... I really like the foliage of this plant, which is also decorative. I’ll buy it again next season, maybe I’ll have better luck.
Lyudmila 09/28/2015
This year we planted Zebra nasturtium for the first time. She “sat” for a long time, and now in September there are wonderful lush blooms - we rejoice! Thank you for the useful tips, next year we will try to plant different varieties and seedlings, we hope to see this beauty as soon as possible.
From my experience of growing Nasturtium, I can say that it prefers moderately fertile and moist soils, but does not tolerate either excess fertilizers (especially nitrogen and fresh organic fertilizers, such as manure), or excessive watering (especially during flowering). As a result, it blooms very poorly, although the leaves grow wonderfully. In addition, nasturtium does not tolerate lime, but, on the contrary, it really needs phosphorus fertilizers.
Lydia 12/30/2017
I planted bush and hanging nasturtiums, but I didn’t see the difference. Only at the end of autumn the tree began to produce long lashes. And another question - I collected seeds from a white hanging nasturtium, the next year the flowers turned yellow. Why? It doesn't seem to be a hybrid.
Mari28 01/06/2018
Nasturtium leaves change color due to improper agricultural practices. High soil moisture, low light, lack of certain minerals, or mosaic disease. You can restore health to a flower only by regulating the care of the plant. Cut off all yellowed leaves and burn. Apply azofoska to the soil. Watering is done only in the morning or after sunset, regularly but moderately. On particularly hot days, protect the flower from direct sunlight and provide shelter for it.
Mari28 01/06/2018
Flowers can only be protected from animals such as cows, sheep, goats with the help of a fence. If we are talking about pests: aphids, cabbage moths, whiteweed or spider mites, which most often attack nasturtium, then only spraying with insecticidal preparations (Iskra, Actellik, Fufanon, Fitoverm) will help. If there are few pests, then folk remedies are effective. Sprinkling with wood ash, spraying with soap solution. And remember, plants with healthy immunity are not attacked. Therefore, carry out the correct agricultural cultivation techniques.
Mari28 01/06/2018
There may be several reasons why the flower changed its color. Cross-pollination, excess or deficiency of a mineral, as well as a reaction to a certain feeding. Most likely, during the budding period, you fed fertilizer containing ammonia, which changes the color of pigmentation. By the way, white petals turn yellow if watered or sprayed with a solution of ammonia.