Tropaeolum majus, also called “The Nasturtium flower”, is an annual herbaceous flowering plant that is also grown as a perennial in regions with hardiness zones 9 to 11. It is part of the Tropaeolaceae family and is native to South and Central America.
Tropaeolum majus leaves are almost rounded in shape with light-colored veins spreading across from their central petiole. The leaves have a deep greenish color and can grow up to 4 inches in size. Their blooms display radiant colors ranging from light yellow to dark red.
Nasturtium flowers are great climbers as they easily climb up stems, trellis, and cascade down walls. They are also good trailing plants, thereby making them perfect for growing on balconies as border plants or in hanging baskets.
The nasturtium flowers can grow up to 3 to 6 feet in height and have lots of medicinal properties. Traditionally, it is used for treating chest colds and as a strong antiseptic for wounds.
| Scientific name | Tropaeolum majus. |
| Common name | Nasturtium Flower. |
| Origin | Native to south and central America. |
| Size | Between 3 to 6 feet high. |
| Lighting | 6 to 8 hours of full sun. Can also survive under shade. |
| Soil | Moist but also well-draining loamy soil. |
| Temperature | 55 – 65 degrees Fahrenheit ( 12 – 18 degrees Celsius). |
| Fertilizer | Diluted well Balanced organic manure. |
| Toxicity | Not toxic. |
| Propagation | Stem cutting. |
Nasturtium Flower Care
Nasturtium flowers are easy to grow and maintain as annual or perennial plants. Providing them with the required lighting, water, soil, and temperature will see them grow healthy and strong without challenges.
Light Requirements
Nasturtium flowers should be grown in full sun or partial shade. When growing indoors, provide the nasturtium flowers with a daily dose of about 6 to 8 hours of sunlight. Planting them in shaded areas for a long time will see the plant trailing in the direction of sunlight. Also, the sunnier its location, the brighter and more radiant its leaves and flowers will become.
A south-facing window is ideal for growing this plant as it is exposed to full sun throughout the day.
Soil Requirements
The nasturtium flower is not picky when it comes to its soil. It can grow on almost any type of soil, provided it is moist and well drained. Avoid soggy soil at all costs.
For your potting mix, add organic compost, perlite, and coco peat to a mixture of part sandy and part loamy soil. Perlite and coco peat is to encourage fast drainage of the soil.
Ensure your pot has drainage holes drilled at the bottom for excess water expulsion.
Water Requirements
When it comes to watering, the soil used for growing the nasturtium flower needs to be kept damp and moist at all times. Before watering, always check the moisture level with your finger or a moisture meter.
The best time to water the soil is early in the morning or late afternoon. And also, try to water its trailing or hanging leaves since they might be far from the soil.
Fertilizer Requirements
With the right potting mix, the nasturtium flower will not need any form of fertilizer. When creating your potting mix initially, add organic compost or humus, and this will be enough for your plant.
In situations where the soil is very bad, you should only fertilize once, as multiple fertilizing will encourage more leaf growth at the expense of flowering.
Temperature And Humidity
Nasturtium flowers love warm and humid environments. When growing indoors, maintain a room temperature of 55–65 degrees Fahrenheit (12–18 degrees Celsius).
Annual nasturtium flowers will die during winter as a result of the cold weather. So, move the plant indoors when the temperature drops.
Pruning
Using disinfected scissors or pruning shears, you can trim off dead leaves and stems from the plant. If the plant is trailing too far, carefully cut the vines short.
As for dead flowers, you can deadhead or pinch them off. Note that deadheading can extend the blooming season.
Propagation
Propagation of the nasturtium flower can be done through stem cutting.
Make a stem cutting about 4 cm long from the plant, cutting slightly above the node. Cut off the lower leaves, leaving one or two at the top.
Dip the cutting’s base into a growth hormone (optional), and then plant it in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil.
Water the plant and place it close to a window for sunlight.
Common Health Problems/Pests And Diseases
Some common pests that might attack your nasturtium flower are cabbageworm, aphids, and leafminers. You can wash down the plant with fast running water at low pressure. Also, you can spray the plant using neem oil.
A common health problem is full and faded leaves. This is caused by the unavailability of sufficient sunlight.
FAQs
Yes. They are traditionally used to treat wounds and chest colds.
No. In fact, the nasturtium flowers are edible and used in making salads.
Nasturtium flowers can be grown annually and as a perennial flowering plant in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.
They can reach a height of 3 to 6 meters under the right growing conditions.
Yes. You can grow Tropaeolum majus from seeds.
