NASTURTIUMS – BEAUTIFUL AND BENEFICIAL

by | Feb 23, 2026

How to Grow Nasturtiums (Easy + Edible!)

Nasturtiums are one of the easiest flowers to grow — and they’re edible! Both the leaves and flowers have a peppery flavor similar to arugula.

Quick Start Guide

Botanical name: Tropaeolum majus
Type: Annual
Sun: Full sun (6+ hours)
Soil: Well-drained, not too rich
Water: Moderate
Days to bloom: 50–60 days

When to Plant

  • After your last frost date

  • Soil temp: at least 55°F
    For you in Nashville (Zone 7a), plant outdoors:

  • Mid–April through May

  • Or again in late summer (August) for fall blooms

How to Plant

  • Space 10–12 inches apart

Light & Soil Tips

  • Full sun = best flowers

  • Too much fertilizer = lots of leaves, fewer blooms

  • They actually prefer poor soil

  • Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer

Growing in Pots

Nasturtiums do GREAT in containers.

  • Use 8–12 inch pots minimum

  • Make sure drainage holes are present

  • Use regular potting mix (don’t over-fertilize)

  • Trailing types spill beautifully over edges

Watering

  • Water when top inch of soil feels dry

  • Don’t overwater — they dislike soggy roots

Pest & Garden Benefits

  • Attracts pollinators 🐝

  • Can trap aphids away from vegetables

  • Companion plant for:

    • Tomatoes

    • Squash

    • Cucumbers

    • Peppers

Harvesting

  • Pick flowers anytime once open

  • Harvest young leaves for salads

  • Seeds can be pickled like capers!

How to Use Nasturtiums

  • Toss flowers into salads

  • Garnish soups

  • Add leaves to pesto

  • Make nasturtium butter

  • Pickle green seeds

Flavor = peppery, slightly spicy

Heat Tip for Nashville

In Middle Tennessee summer heat:

  • They may slow down or fade in July/August

  • Plant in part afternoon shade if planting late spring

  • Fall planting often performs beautifully

Here’s a Pest ID + Companion Planting Chart for Nasturtiums, customized for Middle Tennessee (Zone 7a / Nashville area) and great for home gardens or BELL Garden classes.

Nasturtium Pest ID Chart

Pest What It Looks Like Damage Signs Why Nasturtiums Help What To Do
Aphids Tiny green/black bugs clustered on stems Curled leaves, sticky residue Nasturtiums act as a trap crop Spray off with water or use insecticidal soap
Cabbage Worms (larvae of Cabbage white butterfly) Small green caterpillars Holes in leaves Attracts egg-laying away from brassicas Hand-pick; check underside of leaves
Squash Bugs Brown shield-shaped bugs Yellowing, wilting squash leaves Distracts them from squash plants Remove egg clusters
Whiteflies Tiny white flying insects Sticky leaves, plant stress Drawn to nasturtiums first Yellow sticky traps
Flea Beetles Tiny jumping beetles “Shot-hole” leaf damage Helps protect young veggies nearby Row cover early season

Companion Planting Chart

Nasturtiums are excellent companions because they:

  • Attract pollinators 🐝

  • Repel or distract pests

  • Improve garden biodiversity

Plant Why Pair With Nasturtiums Planting Tip
Tomatoes Helps distract aphids & whiteflies Plant at base of tomatoes
Squash & Zucchini May draw squash bugs away Plant at corners of bed
Cucumbers Attract pollinators Let vines spill under trellis
Peppers Helps with aphid control Space 10–12″ apart
Broccoli / Cabbage Attracts cabbage butterflies away Plant around outer border
Beans Encourages beneficial insects Alternate rows

Layout Idea for Raised Beds (4×8 Bed Example)

Center: Tomatoes or Peppers
Edges: Nasturtiums spaced every 12 inches
Corners: Squash or Cucumbers

This creates:

  • Pest distraction on edges

  • Pollinator attraction

  • Natural ground cover

Middle Tennessee Timing Notes

  • Plant nasturtiums mid-April through May

  • Expect peak performance in May–June

  • They may struggle in peak July heat

  • Fall planting in August often works beautifully