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| Tropaeolum majus (Tropaeolaceae) (Photo credit: Tim Waters) |
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| Species: Tropaeolum minus Family: Tropaeolaceae Image No. 3 (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
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| The flower of the nasturtium plant, Tropaeolum (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Nasturtiums are grown as annuals, but no matter, they sprout and grow quite rapidly. Nasturtiums are great for tight spaces, especially the new compact varieties.
Many Nasturtiums have a vining habit and are either grown in hanging baskets or up a trellis or other support. I like the grow them up the metal poles at either end of my clothesline.
Don't worry if you plant nasturtiums in thin soil, they will actually produce more flowers that way. Dispense with the fertilizer as well, or you'll end up with huge leaves, robust vines, and hardly any flowers.
Nasturtiums grow quite quickly. Add the peppery leaves and flowers to salads or use them to flavor vinegars. If you like to experiment, the pickled seeds taste somewhat like capers, although honestly, I'd rather just buy the capers and grow the nasturtium seeds.
Have you ever grown nasturtiums? Have you ever eaten them?
