Nasturtium by the Numbers
By Barb Henny
Count on your fingers all the ways to love nasturtiums
1) Nasturtium flowers are entirely edible; pop a whole blossom into your mouth. They have a peppery taste and are often used in salads or as a fancy garnish. Each flower has a long spur. Children will enjoy biting off this spur to lick a drop of nectar.
Nasturtium flowers are an ingredient of ‘Paris’ perfume. Photo by Barb Henny
2) Nasturtium is an ingredient in perfumes. Brand names “Bazar,” “Eau de Patou,” and “Paris” are among luxury fragrances combining peppery notes of nasturtium with mimosa, rose, orange blossom, hyacinth, geranium, frangipani and other scent ingredients to make sweet blends.
Nasturtium leaves are a culinary specialty. Photo by Barb Henny
3) Add a leaf to a sandwich in place of lettuce. Leaves of nasturtium are round. The petiole (stem) holding each leaf is exceptionally long. The petioles join the leaf near the center. This is called “peltate.” All parts of the leaves and petioles are edible.
4) Pods of nasturtium can be made into pickles, which are similar to pickled capers. Gather the pods as soon as the blossom falls off. Put harvested green pods into a clean jar then fill with freshly boiled cider vinegar. Refrigerate and use the spiced vinegar to make a delicious salad dressing.
5) Seed pods of nasturtium can also be left on the stem to mature and harden. These may be ground up and used as a pepper substitute.
Nasturtium flower spurs, buds and peltate leaf shape. Photo by Barb Henny
6) Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is commonly called Peruvian Cress, Mexican Cress, or Indian Cress. It should not be confused with Water Cress (Nasturtium officinale).
7) South Florida may plant seeds year-round. Central and North Florida zones may include nasturtium in fall or spring plantings. In my Zone 9 garden, I have the best results planting in early spring and enjoying blooms before the hottest part of summer.
Nasturtium flowers are edible, fragrant, and ornamental. Photo by Barb Henny
8) Nasturtium seeds are readily available at garden centers or in catalogs. Sow the seeds about ½ to 1 inch deep, spaced 2 to 3 inches apart. Seeds can be directly seeded into place or can be started in pots and transplanted into the garden.
9) Choose a garden location for nasturtiums that is sunny to ensure good flowering. Nasturtiums are best grown in a sandy, well-drained area. If the growing conditions are shady or too wet, plants will produce foliage but no flowers.
10) Limit fertilizer. Overfeeding produces growth of foliage at the expense of flower production. If aphids find your nasturtiums, they can be easily controlled with organic soaps.
Barb Henny has been a gardener in Zone 9 for 40 years.
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