The nasturtium is a real all-rounder: it thrives in beds, balcony boxes and buckets. But only if you give it the right care.
Depending on the variety, the nasturtium grows rather flat or climbing, but always very quickly. The brightly colored flowers bring a lot of color to the garden and balcony. What many do not know: the flowers are edible! They go well as a tasty decoration on delicious baked goods and also in salads.
So that the nasturtium develops a lot of flowers, you have to give it a little help. It doesn't need a lot of care, but the grateful nasturtium can't do without it either.
Choose the right location
In order for your nasturtium to find ideal conditions, you must plant it in the right soil at the right location (reading tip: Planting nasturtiums - how to grow them indoors and sow them in the garden). When it comes to location, the nasturtium is generally not particularly picky. However, it should ideally be in the sun or semi-shade. The plant also grows in the shade, but then it produces fewer flowers.
Also place the nasturtium in humus rich soil. If the soil is too poor, enrich it with potting soil or compost. The substrate should always be moist but not wet. Commercial potting soil is best suited for tubs and balcony boxes.
How to water the nasturtium correctly
The nasturtium needs a lot of water. The soil must therefore never dry out completely. On very hot summer days, it is best to water in the morning and evening. Because if the plant gets too little water, it lets the leaves droop. Lime-free water or rainwater is the best choice. If you have a pond, then occasionally spoil the plant with a jug of pond water. This will give her lots of nutrients.
You have to consider this when fertilizing
As a rule, the nasturtium does not need any special fertilizer. If you compost the soil before plantingenriched, this is usually sufficient for the annual plant. You can feed nasturtiums in a box or tub with fertilizer sticks, but please do so in moderation. Too much fertilizer leads to the fact that mainly the leaves grow. The green carpet of leaves looks beautiful, but actually the flowers are what makes the plant so special. The rule of thumb is: nutrient rich soil yes, too much extra fertilizer no if you want lots of buds.
Remove faded parts and seed pods regularly
Remove faded parts and seed pods regularly. Then the plant will have enough vigor to form new flowers throughout the summer. If the nasturtium grows too much, just cut off a few shoots, it doesn't harm the plant at all.
Towards the end of summer you can let some seed pods mature. This is then the basis for planting with nasturtiums next year. If you want the nasturtium to thrive again in the same location, then you don't actually have to do anything. Seeds that remain on the stems will also self-seed. Then the nasturtium grows again in the same place in the new year.
By the way:
Not only the flowers are edible, but also the seeds. If you are looking for a cheap alternative to capers, simply pickle nasturtium seeds in vinegar. You will hardly notice any difference in taste.