How to grow nasturtium seeds? Detailed sowing methods

Nasturtium is not only used as medicine, with effects such as clearing heat and detoxifying, nourishing yin and reducing internal heat, but it is also highly ornamental thanks to its green leaves and beautiful flowers, with leaves resembling those of bowl lotus. It is precisely because both the flowers and leaves of this flowering plant are extremely ornamental that it is very suitable for growing as a potted plant. Placed on a balcony, windowsill, or even on an indoor desk, side table or similar spot, it often provides a very good decorative effect.

Although nasturtium is a perennial plant, when grown in pots it is generally cultivated as an annual or biennial, which gives a better ornamental effect. Nasturtium is also mostly propagated by sowing to raise seedlings, so how do you grow nasturtium seeds? Below, the editor will share with you the method for growing nasturtium seeds.

1. Collecting seeds

The flowering period of nasturtium is relatively long, and besides allowing you to enjoy the flowers for a long time, it also readily produces seeds. However, freshly harvested seeds should not be stored immediately; they generally need to be dried in the sun for a few days, and stored once they have become dry. Of course, if necessary, they can also be sown directly.

2. Sowing time

Nasturtium can be sown in spring and autumn. In southern regions, as long as the temperature is suitable, it can be sown. However, because northern regions are often too hot in summer and too cold in winter, sowing in autumn is generally more suitable than sowing in spring, and it will not affect the growing period, with flowering likewise lasting a long time.

3. Soaking seeds to promote germination

To increase the germination rate of nasturtium seeds and let them sprout smoothly as quickly as possible, you can generally use the paper towel germination method to pre-sprout the seeds. First soak the seeds in warm water for 1 day, and after they have fully absorbed water and swollen, place them on a damp paper towel in a warm environment to germinate. Once the seeds show white fibrous roots, they can be sown. The germination process takes about 3 days.

4. Seedling management

After the nasturtium seeds have germinated, they can be sown into the soil. For the original growing medium, you can use peat soil, perlite and vermiculite, then mix them in equal proportions. If both the temperature and humidity conditions are met, they will generally sprout smoothly in 3-5 days. When the seedlings have produced 5-6 leaves, promptly pinch them out to encourage budding, leaving about 4 large leaves.

5. Potting up and setting out

When the outdoor temperature rises back above 10°C, we need to promptly transplant and set out the nasturtium seedlings, but to help the seedlings establish faster, they usually need to be transplanted with soil. The soil mixing method is roughly the same as before, except that to increase the fertilizer in the potting soil, you can also mix in 10% chicken manure and worm castings as a base fertilizer.

6. Care and management

After the seedlings have smoothly established, in addition to normal watering, you also need to provide light and do a good job of top-dressing. After all, nasturtium seedlings grow relatively slowly, and appropriately supplementing nutrients can effectively promote growth and strengthen the seedlings. Next, you also need to adjust the plant shape as needed, and you can encourage branching by pinching out and topping.

7. Trellising and shaping

Nasturtium is a semi-trailing flowering plant. If a support is not set up in time, its branches will gradually grow by twining. If a support is set up in time, its side branches can be kept growing in an orderly way, and of course you also need to pinch them out as needed at any time. In this way, when the flowering period arrives, it will present a scene of abundant flowers and lush leaves.

8. Getting through summer safely

Nasturtium has relatively poor tolerance to high temperatures, especially in midsummer. Because the weather is too hot, growth is often stunted, the amount of flowering is also very small, and newly sprouted leaves may also show albinism. So, to help it get through summer safely, the potted plant usually needs to be moved to a cool, ventilated place, and water can be sprayed appropriately to lower the temperature. After it has smoothly gotten through summer, the flowers and leaves will gradually return to normal.