How to grow nasturtium? Detailed guide to growing methods and care tips

The flower center of the nasturtium is slightly pink, closely resembling a lotus, and the leaves look like lotus leaves, which has won it great popularity and high ornamental value. So, how do you grow nasturtium?

1. Sowing time

Generally, spring sowing is done in February-March each year or autumn sowing in September-October. It is generally recommended to sow in spring, but in any case flower lovers can decide the sowing time according to their own circumstances.

2. Planting management

When the seedlings grow 2-3 true leaves, transplant them into flower pots, place them in a sunny spot and water them appropriately. Nasturtium likes a warm, humid environment with plenty of sunlight. The optimum growing temperature is 15-25C, and growth is inhibited above 35°C. It can only tolerate short periods of 0°C low temperatures.

3. Water and fertilizer management

The potting soil can be made by mixing 4 parts leaf mold, 4 parts garden soil, 1 part compost and 1 part sand, or a mix of garden soil, and add a small amount of soybean cake as a base fertilizer when potting. Generally, during the growing period, apply a 0.5% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution once every 10 days. Watering should be done frequently in small amounts, and during the bud stage and full flowering stage, water thoroughly.

4. Regular repotting

When the number of flower buds increases, pay attention to changing the pot and turning its direction so that it grows evenly.

5. Pest and disease control

Nasturtium is susceptible to aphids and whiteflies, and needs to be controlled frequently by manual means or spraying. Ripe fruit will fall off naturally. When the fruit skin is white and has not yet dried, it should be harvested in time.

In addition, the seeds of nasturtium can be harvested. When the outer shell of the fruit turns from green to earthy yellow, it can be harvested, placed in a cool place until dry, then packaged and sold on the market.