Nasturtium is a large cultivation. Planting and caring for nasturtium in the open field - is everything as simple as we are told? Photo gallery: varieties of nasturtium that decorate the home garden

The name of nasturtium comes from the Latin word 'trophae' - trophy, from the helmet-like shape of some parts of the flower and the thyroid leaves.

Or Capuchin ( Tropaeolum) is a genus of herbaceous plants of the family Nasturtium ( Tropaeolaceae), which includes about 90 species native to Central and South America.

Nasturtiums are annual and perennial herbaceous or semi-shrub plants. Stems are fleshy, juicy, highly branched, erect, creeping or curly, up to 200 cm long. The leaves are arranged in regular order, rounded, thyroid, with a solid margin, on long petioles and with a waxy coating.

Flowers of nasturtium with a delicate, pleasant aroma, irregular, on long peduncles, solitary, located in the leaf axils. Calyx with a spur at the base, brightly colored. The corolla is free-flowing, with five yellow, orange or red petals. The fruit of nasturtium is a composite one, which breaks down into three identical, rounded kidney-shaped, wrinkled fruits. In 1 g there are 10-40 rounded-kidney-shaped seeds, the germination of which lasts 4-5 years. When sowing, seedlings appear on the 12-14th day.

In ornamental gardening, the following species are most often grown: Large nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), Foreign nasturtium (Tropaeolum peregrinum) and Beautiful nasturtium (Tropaeolum speciosum).

In pre-Columbian America, perennial nasturtiums that form tubers underground were widely used for food. it tuberous nasturtium (Tropaeolum tuberosum), which was cultivated by the ancient Indians in the mountainous regions of Peru, Chile, Bolivia, and fine-leaved nasturtium (Tropaeolum leptophyllum) - it was grown in Ecuador and Peru.

Growing nasturtium

There are five secrets of growing nasturtium that must be considered for novice growers.

1. Nasturtium is very thermophilic, so there is no need to rush to sow nasturtium seeds in the garden. Frozen nasturtium seedlings will inevitably die. For landscaping the balcony and for early flowering in the garden, sow nasturtium seedlings in April.
2. Nasturtium does not tolerate transplanting well (this plant has a superficial and delicate root system). Therefore, it is better to grow seedlings in peat cups or in cups with a retractable bottom.
3. Nasturtium loves a bright location - plant it in the sun or in partial shade under trees. With a lack of light, nasturtium has a miserable appearance: it forms stunted shoots, grows and almost does not bloom.
4. Nasturtium prefers moderately fertile and draining soil. On fertile and fertilized soil, nasturtium develops a lot of greenery, but blooms very weakly; does not tolerate fresh manure. The plant responds well to fertilizing with potassium and phosphorus, continuously forming an abundance of flowers.
5. Nasturtium prefers moderately moist soil. Young plants need to be watered regularly, then they grow well. After the beginning of flowering of nasturtium, it is necessary to water it only when the soil is very dry (otherwise the plant will have few flowers and a lot of foliage). On heavy soil, with an excess of moisture, the roots of nasturtium rot.

Sowing nasturtium

Under favorable conditions, nasturtium sets many seeds, which, crumbling, are able to overwinter in the soil.

The seeds of nasturtium are large, enclosed in a thick protective shell. The seeds on the plant do not ripen at the same time, as the flowers fade (40-50 days after the petals have fallen off). Seed germination lasts 3-4 years.

Ripe seeds - "peas" of nasturtium spontaneously fall off, so if you want to collect seeds, be careful. Remove the seeds as they ripen (from green, they turn whitish, easily separated from the peduncle). If seeds are not needed in large quantities, then faded flowers must be removed regularly to prolong abundant flowering.

• Nasturtium seeds are sown directly into the ground in May, after soaking them in water for a day.
• Swollen seeds are planted in the garden in nests: 3-4 seeds in each hole, keeping the distance between the holes 25-30 cm
• Nasturtium seeds germinate in two weeks.
• Flowering begins about a month and a half after germination.
• Until the beginning of flowering, nasturtium seedlings are fed with full complex fertilizer (3-4 times a month).

For an earlier flowering of nasturtium, seedlings can be grown. Sow in early May in 9 cm pots of 3 pieces. Seedlings appear in two weeks. Planting in the ground is carried out only with an earthen clod in early June.

Propagation of nasturtium by cuttings

Propagation of nasturtiums is possible by cuttings, which root perfectly in water and in wet sand. This technique is used when breeding new, and especially terry varieties. Since nasturtium is a perennial plant, you can leave the most outstanding specimens to winter in a pot on a bright cool window with limited watering, and cut them in the spring.

Using nasturtium in design

Low-growing species and varieties of nasturtiums are suitable for vases, borders, flower beds in the form of wide ribbons. Species and varieties with long shoots are used as ampelous plants, for vertical gardening, and as a ground cover.

The use of nasturtium in cooking

In common garden nasturtiums, all parts of the plant are edible except for the roots. Fresh young leaves and stems rich in vitamin C give some piquancy to salads and sandwiches, flower extracts are added to cheeses and butter, vinegar is infused on nasturtium flowers, they are stuffed with various fillings, and also used as an edible decoration in salads, soups and drinks. Finally, dried, peeled and ground seeds have a spicy peppery flavor and are used as a condiment to a wide variety of dishes (it is said that in many countries they used ground nasturtium seeds quite actively instead of black pepper during the Second World War).

Useful properties of nasturtium

Nasturtium is used not only as an ornamental and edible plant, but also as a medicinal plant. It treats vitamin deficiency, anemia, skin rashes, nephrolithiasis, bronchitis and other diseases, it promotes hair growth. Nasturtium has proven itself especially well as an antiscorbutic agent. The amount of vitamin C in it is ten times higher than in ordinary lettuce leaves!

It is even richer in strong antimicrobial substances: phytoncides and provitamin A. Clinical trials of tropolein, a substance isolated from the essential oil of nasturtium, showed that when it was used in patients with chronic coronary insufficiency caused by atherosclerosis, angina attacks stopped, pain disappeared, and well-being improved. Nasturtium began to enjoy great popularity when it was found that dishes made from it have dietary and medicinal properties in a number of diseases, and especially in atherosclerosis and metabolic disorders associated with age-related changes. It has been established that tubers in tuberous species contain substances that reduce the level of testosterone in the body and thus act as an anti-Viagra

Popular varieties of nasturtium

• Nasturtium Vesuvius - Erect bush, up to 30 cm in height, becomes semi-creeping as it grows. The leaves are large, rounded, dark green. The flowers are simple, up to 5 cm in diameter, salmon-pink with an orange tint, on the two upper petals a dark red spot with strokes around. The calyx is yellow.
• Nasturtium Garnet Jam (Garnet Gem) - Erect bush, compact, up to 30 cm tall. The leaves are large, rounded, light green. The flowers are double, rather large, up to 6 cm in diameter, garnet-red with an orange tint. The upper two petals have brown streaks. The calyx is bright yellow.
• Nasturtium Golden Globe (Golden Globe) - Bush compact, spherical, erect, 25 cm high, up to 40 cm in diameter. The leaves are rounded, light green. The flowers are double, large, up to 6.5 cm in diameter, golden yellow, without spots. The calyx is yellow.
• Nasturtium Globe of Fire (Globe of Fire) - Erect bush up to 45 cm tall. Leaves are light green. The flowers are double, large, up to 7 cm in diameter, bright orange. The upper two petals have dark brown streaks. The calyx is dark yellow.
• Nasturtium Kaiserin von India (Kaiserin von Indien) - Erect bush, 20-25 cm tall, compact, spherical. The leaves are small, dark green with a purple bloom, gray-gray underneath. The flowers are simple, up to 4.5 cm in diameter, dark red with brown-red streaks at the base of the two upper petals. The calyx is orange-red outside.
• Nasturtium Foyeoglantz (Feuerglanz) - Creeping bush up to 25 cm tall. The leaves are large, light green. The flowers are large, up to 6 cm in diameter, double, fiery orange with dark red strokes on the two upper petals. The calyx is orange-red.

We wish you success in growing this wonderful plant! Looking forward to your advice!

Bright flowers and delicate greenery make nasturtium a frequent guest of summer cottages. An unpretentious plant adorns parks and city flower beds. Nasturtium is popular because the charming look of flowers energizes and positively.

Origin

The native land of nasturtium is in Central and South America, where it grows as a perennial. The flower was brought to the European continent from India. The original name for nasturtium is capuchin.

Name

Nasturtium (Tropaéolum) belongs to the nasturtium family of about 90 species.

Description

The annual capuchin is found in the form of a shrub, like a herb or liana. It has creeping, succulent stems with a smooth surface, from 30 cm to 3 m long. On long petioles, lobed or thyroid-rounded leaves are alternately located. They are colored green in light and dark tones. The edge of the leaf blade is even or slightly wavy.

Flowers of irregular shape, simple or double. Formed from 5 sands, sepals, ovaries and funnels with nectar. They have a scent that attracts insects and bees. The color is bright, most often orange or yellow, scarlet red. The inflorescences are large, about 5 cm in diameter. The arrangement is single in the leaf sinuses. Flowering lasts from June to autumn frosts.

The root system is superficial. It is located in a layer of earth at a depth of 10-12 cm. A few lateral processes extend from the central core.

The flower ripens fruits with three wrinkled lobes. Rounded seeds, 5-7 mm in size, are covered with a light yellow film.

Existing species and varieties

Nasturtium is represented by a large group of varieties and species.

The list of varieties is popular:

Where to plant

Loose soil of average fertility is required for nasturtium. The composition of the soil is slightly acidic. On ship and heavy soils, the flower loses its decorative effect, the stems become bare and wither. Before planting, a complex fertilizer rich in phosphorus is applied to the ground. Excess nitrogen leads to overgrowth of leaves and delayed flowering.

The place is allocated sunny, without drafts. It is not recommended to keep nasturtium under the scorching sun. For potted culture, a balcony or veranda on the east and west side is suitable. In the shade, with a lack of light, the plants will be weak and give small flowers.

Reproduction

There are several ways to grow nasturtium.

How to care

Watering the flower should be regular, which is most important during the growing season. With the beginning of flowering, the amount of incoming moisture is reduced, otherwise more leaves will grow to the detriment of flowering.

The best feeding during growth is ash and urea. The ash solution is prepared in a 5: 1 ratio. During flowering, the bushes are fertilized with a mineral complex, from which the flowers increase in size and bloom until October.

Further care consists in pruning dry stems and inflorescences, loosening the soil. Natural fertilizer is periodically sprayed onto the leaves. On hot days, the bushes shade. The weeds around the nasturtium should be removed and the soil mulched.

In the open field, nasturtium does not hibernate. The plant can be kept until next year if removed indoors. Wintering takes place at a temperature not higher than + 15 °.

To obtain seed for next year, several inflorescences are left for ripening. Mature bolls are harvested and seeds are removed. They are dried to a whitish color in a shaded place. The seeds can be stored for 4 years.

Nasturtium quickly spreads through the flower bed by self-seeding. However, the plants are obtained with small leaves and flowers, and the stems spread along the ground. In warm autumn, they manage to germinate, and then die in winter.

Damage by pests

Among the main diseases of nasturtium: rust, gray rot, mosaic, leaf spot, bacterial wilting. Leaves and stems with signs of damage must be removed. The rest of the vegetation is treated with a fungicide.

Nasturtium also has pests, despite its ability to repel insects. So, the caterpillars of the cabbage butterfly can pretty much spoil the leaves of the flower. sometimes infecting leaves and producing ring spots, which are identified by light spots. To kill insects, they are treated with pesticides. An ash solution will help to remove the earthen flea. Alcohol is effective against the insidious, with which the plant and the soil are irrigated.

Nasturtium in a flower bed

Nasturtium is often used to decorate balconies and vertical supports, flower beds. Terry flowers with long legs are suitable for cutting and are popular with florists. Varieties with dark color of leaves are of decorative value.

Bush species are planted in a flower bed in groups. Sowed in rabatkah, supplemented with flowers perennials and shrubs.

Beneficial features

Nasturtium has a rich composition of vitamins and minerals. Contains carotene, vitamin C, many minerals.

Young leaves and inflorescences are used in cooking. Their taste can be compared to watercress. Salads, soups, sandwiches, pastries and marinades from seeds are prepared with them. The spicy aroma of nasturtium makes the meat pungent.

Nasturtium is a part of cosmetics for dandruff and skin irritations on the head. The components of the plant help to stimulate hair growth. From the seeds, infusions and decoctions are prepared for rinsing hair.

An essential oil is extracted from nasturtium, which removes toxins, stimulates digestion and strengthens the immune system. Flowers successfully relieve inflammation, therefore they are used in wound healing ointments and remedies for relieving joint pain. Preparations with nasturtium flowers are taken for hypertension and heart ailments. Nasturtium is also used for colds.

All nasturtiums are useful in the garden and on the plot. The flower is one of the best honey plants. The smell of flowers repels harmful insects. The plant is used to combat pests: cabbage, wingless, Colorado beetles and ticks. Capuchin disinfects the soil against fungal infections. Asters and sweet peas grow well in the area after nasturtiums.

Watch also the video

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum), also called capuchin, is a member of the Nasturtium family. This genus is represented by herbaceous plants, it unites about 90 species. The homeland of nasturtium is Central and South America, however, it has been grown in mid-latitudes for a very long time, and it is quite popular. This plant is unpretentious to growing conditions, and it also possesses demanded taste characteristics and medicinal properties. And also during flowering, nasturtium looks extremely impressive, and can become a decoration of any garden plot. This plant was brought to Russia from Holland, and at first they began to call it capuchin there, which is associated with the shape of the flower, which looks like a hood. However, over time, this plant increasingly began to be called nasturtium. The scientific Latin name "Tropaeolum" was given to the flower by Carl Linnaeus.

What time to plant

Planting of nasturtium seedlings in open soil is carried out in the first decade of June. For planting, you need to choose a sunny area that has reliable protection from cold winds. If this flower crop is grown in a shaded place, then its flowering will not be so lush and spectacular. The soil needs a light, nutritious, slightly acidic, and well-drained. If there is too much organic matter in the soil, then the greens near the bushes will grow very intensively, but they will not bloom. When nasturtium is grown on overly depleted soil, its leaf plates become small, which makes the shoots look bare, and the flowering loses its high decorative effect. If you choose stagnant wet soil for planting, then the plant will rot.

Growing nasturtium

There are five secrets of growing nasturtium that must be considered for novice growers.

1. Nasturtium is very thermophilic, so there is no need to rush to sow nasturtium seeds in the garden. Frozen nasturtium seedlings will inevitably die. For landscaping the balcony and for early flowering in the garden, sow nasturtium seedlings in April.
2. Nasturtium does not tolerate transplanting well (this plant has a superficial and delicate root system). Therefore, it is better to grow seedlings in peat cups or in cups with a retractable bottom.
3. Nasturtium loves a bright location - plant it in the sun or in partial shade under trees. With a lack of light, nasturtium has a miserable appearance: it forms stunted shoots, grows and almost does not bloom.
4. Nasturtium prefers moderately fertile and draining soil. On fertile and fertilized soil, nasturtium develops a lot of greenery, but blooms very weakly; does not tolerate fresh manure. The plant responds well to fertilizing with potassium and phosphorus, continuously forming an abundance of flowers.
5. Nasturtium prefers moderately moist soil. Young plants need to be watered regularly, then they grow well. After the beginning of flowering of nasturtium, it is necessary to water it only when the soil is very dry (otherwise the plant will have few flowers and a lot of foliage). On heavy soil, with an excess of moisture, the roots of nasturtium rot.

Sowing seeds

The seeds of nasturtium are large, germinate quickly, the seedlings are intensively gaining green mass, so there is no great need for growing seedlings. Flowers are recommended to be sown directly into the soil.

Sowing dates are calculated based on the time of seed germination (12-14 days) and the disappearance of the threat of recurrent night frosts. In the middle lane, this is the second half of May.

The flower bed is loosened, too poor soil is filled with compost at the rate of 1 bucket / m². If you know that there will be no time for feeding, you can fill the bed with prolonged-release fertilizers. These are capsules that will dissolve gradually under the influence of rain and watering.

To accelerate the germination of nasturtium, it is recommended to cover the plantings with agrofibre - the material retains heat and does not interfere with the care of the seedlings.

Growing seedlings

If, nevertheless, there is a desire to get an earlier flowering, they practice growing seedlings. This is done 1–1.5 months earlier than the intended sowing in open ground, approximately in late March - early April.

What you need to know about growing nasturtium seedlings?

1. The plant does not tolerate transplantation, so plant the seeds in cups, from which the seedling then rolls over into the open ground with a lump of earth.
2. Don't dive for nasturtium! Her root system is weak, any injury stops growth and slows down the development of the plant.

The seeds are sown in the same way as in the soil. To maintain the optimal temperature and humidity, the planting container is covered with polyethylene, another transparent material, and kept in a bright place, for example, on a windowsill, until shoots appear.

Seedlings are planted when the soil warms up to 10–15⁰ and the threat of frost has passed.

How to achieve abundant flowering?

Nasturtium loves to loosen, but since it weaves along the ground, it is extremely inconvenient to do this. As a way out, you can offer mulching of the soil in the projection of the bush - it can be rotted sawdust, bark, decorative expanded clay.

If the soil was properly tilled during planting, during the summer nasturtium can be left without feeding. The exception is ampelous varieties growing in a small volume of soil. They need to be watered with a nutrient solution every 1.5–2 weeks, reducing the recommended fertilizer dose by half.

Planting nasturtium in flower beds can also be fed 2-3 times per summer. To do this, prepare a liquid solution or use granular fertilizer (a pinch under the bush).

If you do not plan to collect seeds, remove the ovary immediately after the flower wilts. The plant spends up to a third of the nutrients on the formation and ripening of seeds - let them be better for flowering.

How to collect nasturtium seeds

Nasturtium usually produces abundant self-seeding, which, under favorable conditions, will germinate the next year. The seeds are harvested after flowering, they remain viable for at least 4 years. They are removed from the most liked copies. Mature seeds are brown in color. After collecting, they are dried and stored in paper bags. Perennial species are planted in the spring (5-7 plants per 30-45 cm container at a distance of 15-20 cm from each other) and put on a well-lit windowsill.

Wintering of perennial nasturtium and storage of tubers

In the fall, the bushes are cut to the ground. And in cold climates, the tubers are dug up and stored in a cool place in a box with dry peat.

Perennial species are propagated by dividing tubers in March. After that, they are laid out for germination or immediately planted in pots with nutritious soil, and after the onset of warm days they are taken out into the street. Perennial species of this tropical beauty have just begun to conquer the market, while little known.

Propagation of nasturtium by cuttings

Nasturtium can be grafted. This method is used when breeding terry varieties. The cuttings are rooted in wet sand or a glass of water, after processing them with root. They plant 1 cuttings in a glass; when transplanted into open ground, they do not violate the earthen coma. The main method of reproduction of nasturtium is still seed. It is the simplest, most readily available, and is widely used.

Pests and diseases

It is affected by gray rot, rot, mosaic. If changes are found in the form of a mosaic pattern, wilting of the lower leaves, small brown spots, the damaged parts of the plant should be removed.

It will not be superfluous to additionally process the plantings with special preparations. Usually diseases develop actively in damp weather and in thickened, poorly ventilated plantings. Observe the recommended sowing distance. This is one of those cases when it is better to plant less often, and then your flower garden will not be afraid of many diseases.

Pests of nasturtium are aphids, spider mites and cruciferous fleas. Chemicals can be used to combat them. If you eat the plant for food, use folk methods - daily pollination of plants with a mixture of ash and tobacco dust or spraying with vinegar (1 glass of 9% vinegar or 2 tablespoons of vinegar essence in a bucket of water). Ash can be scattered around the bushes.

Nasturtium helps to increase the yield of vegetables. It distracts insect pests, which willingly choose the capuchin for laying their eggs. Therefore, by growing nasturtium near vegetable beds, you will protect them from whitefly, cabbage butterfly, Colorado potato beetle. You can combine planting by mixing nasturtium with vegetables or making decorative curtains from it. Nasturtium is one of the most sought-after flowers of many gardeners. It is unpretentious, blooms for a long time and pleases the eye with a lush outfit, serves as protection from many insects.

Popular varieties of nasturtium

The use of nasturtium in cooking

In common garden nasturtiums, all parts of the plant are edible except for the roots. Fresh young leaves and stems rich in vitamin C give some piquancy to salads and sandwiches, flower extracts are added to cheeses and butter, vinegar is infused on nasturtium flowers, they are stuffed with various fillings, and also used as an edible decoration in salads, soups and drinks. Finally, dried, peeled and ground seeds have a spicy peppery flavor and are used as a condiment to a wide variety of dishes (it is said that in many countries they used ground nasturtium seeds quite actively instead of black pepper during the Second World War).

Useful properties of nasturtium

Nasturtium is used not only as an ornamental and edible plant, but also as a medicinal plant. It treats vitamin deficiency, anemia, skin rashes, nephrolithiasis, bronchitis and other diseases, it promotes hair growth. Nasturtium has proven itself especially well as an antiscorbutic agent. The amount of vitamin C in it is ten times higher than in ordinary lettuce leaves!

It is even richer in strong antimicrobial substances: phytoncides and provitamin A. Clinical trials of tropolein, a substance isolated from the essential oil of nasturtium, showed that when it was used in patients with chronic coronary insufficiency caused by atherosclerosis, angina attacks stopped, pain disappeared, and well-being improved. Nasturtium began to enjoy great popularity when it was established that dishes made from it have dietary and medicinal properties in a number of diseases, and especially in atherosclerosis and metabolic disorders associated with age-related changes. It was found that tubers in tuberous species contain substances that reduce the level of testosterone in the body and thus act as an anti-Viagra

It looks like splashing sun or bright lanterns blazing in emerald foliage. Planting nasturtium and caring for it in the open field at one time was described in great detail, because the flower was reputed to be one of the favorite in the horticultural environment. Then it was somewhat pushed aside by more elegant and hardy annuals. Today, the flirtatious inhabitant of the flower bed is back in fashion - the same cheerful, cheerful, flaunting new outfits.

Yellow-orange gamut - signature for nasturtium

Modest and effective: description and pedigree of a tropical flower

Nasturtium is another "tropical bird" that came to our latitudes during the Great Geographical Discoveries. Her homeland is the jungle of the New World (Mexico, Peru, Ecuador).

The herbaceous plant of the Nasturtium family is classified as a perennial, but in our harsh climate it can only grow in an annual crop. The genus includes over 50 species. Cultivated as natural species introduced into cultivation — nasturtium is large, foreign, shield-bearing, but the most widespread N. cultural, representing a large family of varieties and hybrid forms of the plant.

With a relatively small root system, the annual forms a massive amount of greenery. Its stems are thick, succulent, actively branching, capable of growing lashes 1.5–2 m long.

Nasturtium has very beautiful leaves - large, thyroid, on long petioles, which gives the plantings an additional decorative effect and, with proper care, provides a rich green color before frost.

But, of course, flowers make a bright and spectacular annual. Someone in the form of a corolla sees a hood, someone - a helmet - on long pedicels they rise above the leaves and blaze with red-orange petals. Each flower is single, 5–6.5 cm in diameter, unusually graceful, with a delicate aroma. In mass, they create a lush flowering cap that contrasts beautifully with the green background of the foliage.

The seeds of nasturtium are large, irregular in shape, collected in 3 pieces per fruit. From above, they are covered with a wrinkled peel, which is recommended to be soaked in warm water before planting and removed. This will speed up germination.

How to choose varieties?

When planning the planting of nasturtium, it is necessary to choose not only the appropriate color and shape of the flower, the habit of the plant, the ability of the culture to branch, and the nuances of caring for it in the open field are important.

We offer a selection of highly decorative and unpretentious varieties for various kinds of decorating tasks - decorating borders, vertical flower beds, carpet flower beds, flowerpots.

Undersized

This is a group of compact varieties and hybrids, forming neat lush bushes 25-30 cm high. Among low-growing nasturtiums, there are also real dwarfs 15-20 cm high. They are used to frame flower beds and paths, create flower beds, bouquets, planted in small flowerpots, pots.

Examples of varieties:

• Vesuvius is a lush, low variety with dark green foliage. The flowers are salmon pink with orange and red strokes on the petals.
• Tutti Frutti is a variety with large, elegant flowers of a yellow-orange-red palette. Forms a compact bush up to 30 cm, abundantly dotted with flowers.
• Alaska Type Top - undersized series with colors of all shades of orange and red. Differs in unusual foliage - dark green with irregular white spots.
• King Theodore is a plant with a slightly larger habit, forming a bush 40 cm high. In the group, it stands out with large purple flowers with orange strokes along the edge of the petals.

Long-braided (curly)

Long-leaved nasturtiums are sometimes called vines, although this is not entirely true. The plant does not have antennae to cling to the support; its branches hang down or spread over the soil at will. Develops lashes 150-200 cm long. This group is perfect for vertical gardening, decoration of terraces, balconies, gazebos. With its help, it is easy to decorate the flaws of buildings.

• Golden Flash is a powerful branchy plant with large golden yellow flowers. Extends beards up to 150 cm.
• Python - fully justifies the name, growing shoots up to 2 m long. Without support, it covers the soil with a thick, lush carpet. Flowers 5-6 cm in diameter, color - red-orange, yellow, pale yellow, terracotta, some corollas come with contrasting strokes along the petals.
• Gloss is a modern hybrid that forms lashes up to 3 m. Flowers are large, semi-double, most often in a mixture of colors from beige to purple-burgundy.
• Vasilisa the Beautiful is another hybrid with 3-meter shoots and double flowers.
• Mahogany is a bright medium-sized nasturtium, which grows shoots up to 150 cm. The eyes are attracted by double flowers of maroon color up to 7 cm in diameter.

Semi-double and terry

There is a growing interest in planting terry nasturtium hybrids, because with high decorativeness and unusualness, caring for it in the open field is not much different from simple varieties.

• The Purple Legion is a climbing hybrid with multi-layered flowers in deep purple red. Forms shoots 1-1.2 m.
• May Terry Salmon is a delicate, refined nasturtium with two rows of petals in a flower basket.
• The jewel is a semi-double hybrid of the undersized group. Bushes 25–30 cm high are decorated with a cap of velvety flowers of pink and fawn.

Unusual color

Fans of flower novelties will like nasturtiums with an unusual color for us, since planting and caring for them is the same as for other varieties.

• Day and night - mixture of undersized group. An original combination of two colors of nasturtium - cream and maroon.
• Ladybug is a compact bush hybrid with milky flowers, the petals of which are decorated with red spots.
• The Yeti is a climbing nasturtium with creamy petals and a yellow heart.
• Creamy strawberries are an original mix of their red and white flowers with red strokes.

Loves, does not love - the secrets of agricultural technology

Knowledge is behind the unpretentiousness of the flower and the simplicity of its agricultural technology, as always. About its origin, biological characteristics, vegetation cycle. Nasturtium has secrets too.

Sun flower

She is light and heat-loving, like a real native of the tropics. If you plant nasturtium in partial shade, it will “wrap up” in leaves and bloom much worse. To reach her full potential, she needs the sun. A lot of sun.

Watering it also needs "tropical" - infrequent, but plentiful, so that the soil gets wet to the last root. During flowering with watering, it is generally better not to rush, wait for the soil to dry out, and then give a moisture-charging dose.

The heat-loving nature of the flower is also manifested in the fear of the slightest frost. Never rush to sowing, and even more so, planting seedlings, wait for steady spring heat.

More a gourmet than a glutton

Installation - the more fertile the soil, the better, it does not work for nasturtium, and this must be the fate of planting and caring for the plant.

On greasy soil, rich in humus, it drives foliage and blooms worse. It is also not necessary to keep it from hand to mouth, but it is better to feed it less often with targeted "goodies" - mineral complex fertilizers for flowers. It is better to refuse manure, mullein, humus and other organic matter altogether.

Flower cultivation technology

Knowing these traits will help you go from planting to flowering nasturtium without loss or frustration.

Sowing seeds

The seeds of nasturtium are large, germinate quickly, the seedlings are intensively gaining green mass, so there is no great need for growing seedlings. Flowers are recommended to be sown directly into the soil.

Sowing dates are calculated based on the time of seed germination (12-14 days) and the disappearance of the threat of recurrent night frosts. In the middle lane, this is the second half of May.

The flower bed is loosened, too poor soil is filled with compost at the rate of 1 bucket / m². If you know that there will be no time for feeding, you can fill the bed with prolonged-release fertilizers. These are capsules that will dissolve gradually under the influence of rain and watering.

To accelerate the germination of nasturtium, it is recommended to cover the plantings with agrofibre - the material retains heat and does not interfere with the care of the seedlings.

Growing seedlings

If, nevertheless, there is a desire to get an earlier flowering, they practice growing seedlings. This is done 1–1.5 months earlier than the intended sowing in open ground, approximately in late March - early April.

What you need to know about growing nasturtium seedlings?

1. The plant does not tolerate transplantation, so plant the seeds in cups, from which the seedling then rolls over into the open ground with a lump of earth.
2. Don't dive for nasturtium! Her root system is weak, any injury stops growth and slows down the development of the plant.

The seeds are sown in the same way as in the soil. To maintain the optimal temperature and humidity, the planting container is covered with polyethylene, another transparent material, and kept in a bright place, for example, on a windowsill, until shoots appear.

Seedlings are planted when the soil warms up to 10–15⁰ and the threat of frost has passed.

How to get nasturtium off to a good start?

In order for the plant to bloom for a long time and profusely, it is necessary to stimulate the growth of the vegetative mass at the start. For this, two weeks after germination, it is recommended to feed the seedlings with complex fertilizer. A little nitrogen won't hurt at this point.

Fertilizer options:

• herbal infusion (organic);
• wood ash (potassium) + superphosphate;
• nitroammofoska or other fertilizer of this series;
• targeted complex fertilizer for garden flowers (Kemira lux, Agricola).

Do not forget to water the flower bed abundantly before feeding.

How to achieve abundant flowering?

Nasturtium loves to loosen, but since it weaves along the ground, it is extremely inconvenient to do this. As a way out, you can offer mulching of the soil in the projection of the bush - it can be rotted sawdust, bark, decorative expanded clay.

If the soil was properly tilled during planting, during the summer nasturtium can be left without feeding. The exception is ampelous varieties growing in a small volume of soil. They need to be watered with a nutrient solution every 1.5–2 weeks, reducing the recommended fertilizer dose by half.

Planting nasturtium in flower beds can also be fed 2-3 times per summer. To do this, prepare a liquid solution or use granular fertilizer (a pinch under the bush).

If you do not plan to collect seeds, remove the ovary immediately after the flower wilts. The plant spends up to a third of the nutrients on the formation and ripening of seeds - let them be better for flowering.

The many faces of nasturtium

A story about nasturtium, planting and caring for it would be incomplete without mentioning its many properties and merits.

1. It is a medicinal plant. Few people know that nasturtium is the richest source of vitamin C; its flowers contain many valuable essential oils. Water extracts from them are used as an antidepressant and sedative, with their help they strengthen the immune system, activate metabolism and cleanse the body. Broths help in the treatment of stomatitis and thrush, the plant is part of the choleretic, cardiac, renal collections.
2. Nasturtium attracts bees and protects garden crops from pests. This property is used when planting flowers in the near-stem circles of fruit trees and between rows of vegetable ridges. With its bright colors, it attracts bees, contributing to the pollination of crops. The smell also scares away such pests as whitefly, white butterfly, stops the spread of certain fungal diseases, for example, late blight.
3. All parts of the plant are edible. Young leaves of nasturtium are used in salads, and capers are prepared from the buds and milk-wax ovary. Dried seeds are good as a savory spice for appetizers and meat dishes.
4. The plant is a wonderful green manure. German gardeners actively use the flower as a green fertilizer. It is not necessary to plow it in during the budding period, like other green manures. It can be allowed to bloom until the end of the season, and then left for the winter in the trunks of trees and shrubs. Delicate juicy tops are a great treat for earthworms.

As you can see, nasturtium is a beautiful and healthy flower. It is a pleasure to grow it.

Planting and caring for nasturtium:

The nasturtium flower is extremely popular among amateur flower growers. And it is no coincidence. The plant is beautifully flowering, fast-growing and completely unpretentious. It is planted as in summer cottages, vegetable gardens, at the entrances of houses, and is also used for landscaping a balcony, veranda, and is formed. Since nasturtium blooms for a long time, it will be a wonderful decoration for any garden.

Juicy thick stalks of nasturtium can grow up to 3m in length. The leaves of an annual have a rounded shape, rich green, covered with a waxy bloom. there are both simple and terry, of various shades: cherry, pink, yellow, red, cream. They grow up to 5 cm in diameter and consist of 5 petals. Nasturtium has a number of medicinal properties.

You can find the peculiarities of the care and cultivation of nasturtium in the section. After reading the detailed information about this amazing plant, you will find out where to plant it, what are necessary, climatic conditions acceptable for the plant, what types, varieties there are, what medicinal properties it has.

Before buying, check out your nasturtium varieties to determine which variety will suit your flower bed better than others. You should also consider the following nuances inherent in the plant:

• It is better to plant nasturtium in seeds without using the seedling method.
• Before planting the seeds, so that they rise faster, it is better to hold them in hot water (45 degrees) for 15 minutes. Then pour warm water for two weeks.
• Nasturtium has a specific smell, so it will be a good companion for all plants in the garden.

Types of nasturtium

Before planting a plant, you must familiarize yourself with the types of nasturtium. They differ significantly from each other:

• Terry
• Curly
• Bush
• Climbing
• Ampelnaya
• Shield-bearing
• Big and small

Growing nasturtium

Seat selection

Since the plant is thermophilic and light-loving, nasturtium should be planted in open ground in flower beds, well-lit places that are reliably protected from drafts. The plant does not tolerate partial shade and cold gusts of wind.

Nasturtium prefers moderate. By adding mineral fertilizers to the soil, the plant will bloom profusely and densely. The flower does not need fresh organic matter.

Growing nasturtium from seeds

It is possible to sow nasturtium in open ground already in mid-May, but provided that the soil is sufficiently warmed up. You should not rush, since the plant does not tolerate frost.

Having made holes to a depth of no more than 3 cm, nasturtium seeds are sown in several pieces. The distance should be: 30 cm from each other. After two weeks, interesting shoots of the plant will appear.

You can propagate nasturtium by seeds that you have collected yourself. It's easy to stock up on them. They are collected together by 3 peas. As soon as they become whitish and are well separated from the peduncle, you can start collecting seeds. We need to collect them in time, before they begin to crumble. They should be stored in cardboard boxes.

You can also use the seedling method. However, the plant does not tolerate well when transplanted. Therefore, it is sown in separate special containers (), so that when transplanted into the ground, it does not disturb its root system.

Plant care

Nasturtium needs minimal care:, weeding, fertilizing with fertilizers. Abundant watering is especially needed during the growth period. Once the plant has bloomed, watering should be moderate as the soil dries out. In the warm season, during the flowering period, nasturtium should be watered very rarely.

Dried flowers must be picked in time. Nasturtium needs to be fed with potassium-phosphorus fertilizers only until it blooms. It is possible to extend the plants if you cut off weak branches, buds that have already faded in a timely manner and regularly.

Healing properties

Leaves and flowers of the plant are used in cooking, adding to soups, salads, sandwiches. The fruits of the plant are even pickled. Everything can be eaten except its roots.

Due to its medicinal properties, it is used for a number of diseases: skin rashes, anemia, to stimulate hair growth, atherosclerosis.

If you grow the plant in the country, you can modify it, enjoying the exquisite beauty of nasturtium for a long time.