Tropaeolum majus
Nasturtium, Indian Cress
Type Annual
Height 18" to 30" / 45cm to 75cm
Growth rate Fast
Form Rounded and spreading or horizontal
Exposure Full sun
Persistence Evergreen
Bloom Color Orange and yellow
Bloom Time Summer and Fall
Environment This plant tolerates some drought.
This plant will grow in dry to moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is a neutral soil.
Leaf Color Green, variegated and yellow
This plant has attractive foliage.
Culture Notes Habit of this plant can be either mounding or trailing. Nasturtium is easily grown, prefers full sun, tolerates poor soil and dry conditions. Propagate by seeds directly sown or by sowing under glass in early spring. Will bloom throughout summer in cooler areas only. The foliage stays fresh looking provided the plants receive some afternoon shade, and looks best when provided with occasional irrigation when the weather gets dry.
Nasturtium has several interesting benefits. Because it attracts aphids, it could prove beneficial in the garden, planted next to weaker plants, to protect them from these troublesome pests. It also has several culinary and purported medicinal uses. For example, fresh or dried Nasturtium leaves can be used as a peppery flavoring (although it's quite strong) in sandwiches and salads. Many believe this plant also helps prevent colds, relieves itching and soothes the scalp.
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