How to Grow and Care for Garden nasturtium

Garden nasturtium, also known as Indian cress, Monks cress, Climbing nasturtium, Empress of India, Alaska nasturtium, Canary creeper, Empress of India

Garden nasturtium is known for its vibrant flowers and easy-care profile, thriving in sunny locations with well-draining soil. Special care for garden nasturtium includes consistent watering while avoiding waterlogged conditions, and applying a light fertilizer during the growing season for optimal blooming. This plant often requires minimal maintenance and is resilient to common pests, making it a popular choice among gardeners of all experience levels.

Watering schedule: Every week

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

In This Article

Planting and Growing Garden nasturtium

Toughness	High
Care Level	Medium
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Annual, Perennial, Biennial
Watering Schedule	Every week
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil Type	Garden Soil
Soil pH	5.5-7
Planting Time	Spring, Early summer
Hardiness Zones	7-11

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Varieties of Garden nasturtium

Garden nasturtium 'Ladybird Rose'

Garden nasturtium 'Ladybird Rose' is distinct for its pale, rose-colored flowers with bold red spots. A cultivar of Trapeolum majus, it gets its name from its coloration, which also boasts “ladybird” spots. Gardeners love this plant for its color and because it is easy to grow. The flowers are edible and have a sweet, spicy flavor.

Garden nasturtium 'Bloody Mary'

Where most Nasturtiums grow only single-colored reddish flowers, garden nasturtium 'Bloody Mary' produces multicolored yellow and red flowers in a variety of contrasting patterns, so they make an interesting addition to any garden. The name is likely influenced by the blood-red spatters that appear across the petals.

Garden nasturtium 'Black Velvet'

Garden nasturtium 'Black Velvet' is distinct for its deep red flowers. A cultivar of Tropaeolum majus, its name refers to its color, which is so dark as to appear almost black, and the texture of its petals. Gardeners love this plant for the contrast between its dark blossoms and pale leaves.

Common Pests & Diseases

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More General Info About Garden nasturtium

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Garden nasturtium is an annual plant characterized by its lengthy stems and distinctive parasol-like foliage. Its physical allure comes prominently from the spurred 5-petalled flowers it displays. This species comes in both climbing and low-growing bushy forms, catering to various garden designs. Dwarf bush types maintain a compact size, typically achieving heights of about 12 inches (30 cm) and spreading up to 2 feet (60 cm) in width. Climbing varieties, on the other hand, exhibit a vigorous growth habit, able to reach an impressive 10 feet (3 meters) in height, ideal for adorning vertical structures such as fences and trellises.