Nasturtium Flower: A Complete Guide to Nature's Colorful Delight 🌸
Nasturtiums are among the most cheerful and vibrant flowers that you can grow in a garden. With their bold colors, uniquely shaped leaves, and edible parts, they have earned a special place among flower lovers and gardeners. In this detailed blog post, we’ll dive into everything about nasturtium flowers — from growing them, understanding their symbolism, using them in food, to their presence in India.
🌼 Introduction to Nasturtium Flower
The nasturtium is a fast-growing, easy-to-care-for flowering plant that belongs to the genus Tropaeolum, not to be confused with the watercress genus Nasturtium aquaticum. With their vivid orange, red, and yellow blossoms and distinctive shield-shaped leaves, nasturtiums add an instant burst of life and color to any setting. These plants are popular not just for their ornamental value but also for their edible flowers and leaves, which have a peppery flavor.
🌱 Nasturtium Plants: Appearance and Growth
Nasturtium plants come in bushy, trailing, and climbing varieties, making them versatile for containers, borders, trellises, and hanging baskets. Their rounded green leaves look like mini lily pads and serve both decorative and culinary purposes.
Some popular nasturtium varieties include:
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Tropaeolum majus – the common garden nasturtium
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Tropaeolum minus – compact or dwarf types
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Tropaeolum peregrinum – the canary creeper with fringed petals
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Blue nasturtium flower – though not naturally blue, some hybrid varieties are advertised for their bluish tones in cooler light.
🌿 Nasturtium Leaves and Edibility
One of the unique features of nasturtiums is that every part of the plant is edible — the flowers, leaves, and even the seeds. The leaves have a peppery, slightly spicy taste, similar to arugula, and can be used in salads, pesto, or garnishes.
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Nasturtium leaves: Tender and flavorful, perfect in sandwiches or salads.
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Nasturtium flower edible: Adds color and flavor to gourmet dishes.
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Nasturtium seeds: Sometimes pickled and used as a substitute for capers.
🌸 Symbolism: What Does the Nasturtium Flower Symbolize?
The nasturtium flower symbolizes victory, strength, and patriotism.The name originates from the Latin words nasus tortus, meaning ‘twisted nose,’ a nod to the plant’s sharp, pungent aroma. In the language of flowers, it can also represent courage and conquest, making it a bold and meaningful addition to gardens or bouquets.
🌞 Do Nasturtiums Like Sun or Shade?
Nasturtiums thrive in full sun. These plants thrive in bright, sunny spots where the soil drains easily. While they can tolerate light shade, you’ll notice more blooms and healthier plants in full sunlight.
✅ Tip: Avoid overly rich soil — nasturtiums actually prefer poor soil as it encourages more flowers than leaves.
🧂 Nasturtium Seeds and Growing Tips
Growing nasturtiums from seed is one of the easiest ways to enjoy this flower.
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Nasturtium seeds for sale: Widely available online and in garden stores.
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Planting time: Sow directly in soil after the last frost or start indoors 3-4 weeks before planting out.
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Germination time: Usually 7–14 days.
Steps for growing from seeds:
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Soak nasturtium seeds overnight before planting.
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Sow 1 inch deep and 10–12 inches apart.
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Water lightly but consistently.
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Expect flowers within 6–8 weeks.
🌿 Nasturtium Plants for Sale: What to Look For
When buying nasturtium plants for sale, check for healthy green leaves, no yellowing, and compact growth. Look for bush or trailing types based on your need — bush for pots and borders, trailing for hanging baskets or trellises.
🌀 Do Nasturtiums Come Back Every Year?
Nasturtiums are generally grown as annuals, completing their entire life cycle within a single growing season. However, in mild climates or tropical areas of India, nasturtiums can reseed themselves naturally, returning the following year without replanting.
🇮🇳 Nasturtium in Indian Context
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Nasturtium Flower Season in India: Best grown in cooler months, from October to February. In hilly regions, they can be grown during summer as well.
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Nasturtium flower in Hindi: It is often referred to as "तरकार फूल" (Tarkaar Phool) or sometimes known simply by the English name.
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Indian name for Nasturtium flower: There is no widely used traditional name; most Indian gardeners refer to it by its English name.
🌍 Nasturtium Aquaticum vs Tropaeolum
It’s important to differentiate between Tropaeolum (garden nasturtium) and Nasturtium aquaticum, which is actually watercress — a different genus altogether, but often confused due to the botanical naming.
🌸 Benefits of Growing Nasturtiums
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Pest control: Nasturtiums act as trap crops, attracting aphids and other pests away from vegetables.
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Edibility: Leaves and flowers are a unique addition to dishes.
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Low maintenance: Perfect for beginner gardeners.
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Fast growing: Visible results within weeks of planting.
🌱 Care Tips for Nasturtium Plants
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Watering: Moderate — don’t let the soil stay soggy.
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Fertilizer: Minimal — avoid overfeeding.
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Deadheading: Pick off old blooms to encourage more flowers.
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Support: Use trellises for climbing varieties.
🌈 Final Thoughts: A Joyful Addition to Any Garden
The nasturtium flower isn’t just pretty — it’s practical, edible, symbolic, and great for pollinators. Whether you’re planting them in a sunny balcony pot or letting them spill over a garden border, nasturtiums are a perfect choice for those who want color, function, and beauty all in one plant.
From nasturtium seeds to nasturtium leaves on your salad plate, this flower deserves a spot in every garden — beginner or expert. 🌿🌸
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