The name of the flower - nasturtium - comes from the Latin language, which means "trophy". Since the homeland of the plant is South and Central America, nasturtium is very thermophilic, but unpretentious, it develops well and blooms in our latitude.
Planting nasturtium
Nasturtium does not tolerate transplanting very well. Therefore, the plant must be planted immediately in a permanent place. The seeds are planted directly into the ground in mid-May, when the soil has already warmed up enough. To do this, you need to make a small hole about 5 cm deep, put 2-3 seeds there and cover with loose fertile soil. The distance between the holes should be at least 25-30 cm, since nasturtium grows very much.
Petunias, marigolds, annual or dwarf dahlias will be great neighbors for nasturtium. But when choosing plants for the composition, keep in mind that it grows very much and can drown out the growth of other flowers.
Nasturtium planted in this way will bloom in late July - early August. However, it is quite possible to get an earlier flowering. To do this, you need to grow a flower through seedlings. How to achieve this, because the plant practically does not tolerate transplantation? Use peat pots. Sow seeds at the end of April, 3 in each pot, and at the beginning of June, plant a flower in a permanent place with it.
Nasturtium is grown not only as a flowering plant, but also as a medicinal plant. Decoctions of nasturtium will help with vitamin deficiency, chronic bronchitis, anemia and other diseases.
Caring for nasturtium
For lush growth and flowering, find a good spot for nasturtiums. The plant is light-requiring, but it also tolerates light partial shade. The flower does not like drought, but it also does not tolerate stagnant moisture. If it is not raining, water the plant regularly after the soil is dry. During flowering, watering should be reduced, it will be necessary only if the substrate is completely dry.
Almost all parts of the plant can be used for food. Leaves, buds and flowers make a spicy salad. And from unripe seeds, you can make an excellent seasoning - capers.
Nasturtium grows well on moderately fertile soils, so it practically does not need feeding. With excessive fertilization, nasturtium grows leaves, and its flowering, on the contrary, stops.
Nasturtium is a wonderful decoration for balconies. The roots of the plant are small and close to the surface of the soil, so it grows well in pots. Place a drain on the bottom, then add regular garden soil and plant 3 seeds in one pot. In a week, shoots will appear, and in a month the nasturtium will delight you with beautiful bright sunny flowers.
