Nasturzio

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Tropaeolaceae

Order

Brassicales

Genus

Nasturtium

Species

majus

Description

A perennial herbaceous plant, though mainly grown as an annual depending on local climatic conditions, with a creeping habit. It flowers throughout the summer, producing a profusion of brightly coloured blooms that attract pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies.

It is easy to grow and suitable for all growers. Its main uses are in the cosmetics, agri-food and ornamental sectors.
Pay attention to the plant’s light requirements and the type of soil in which you decide to grow it.

Curiosities and special features

Rich in vitamin C, it is widely used in cooking, where its rounded leaves and flowers add a fresh and delicately spicy touch to a variety of dishes, such as starters, soups, salads and pasta dishes.

Origin and distribution

A plant species native to South America (Peru).

Leaf

The leaves have around blade with a slightly wavy margin.

Fruit

The plant has several edible parts. The technical characteristics for each of these are set out below.

The leaf has a tender texture and is characterised by a single, uniform colour. The ripening period extends from spring to autumn. From a sensory perspective, they are not fragrant, but exhibit an intense aroma, a strong flavour and a distinctive taste. The variety has intermediate organoleptic characteristics, with an overall good quality profile.

The flowers have a tender texture and a variegated colour. The ripening period extends from mid-spring to autumn, ensuring a long production window. Sensory characteristics include a fragrant scent with an intense aroma and a distinctive, spicy flavour, accompanied by a strong taste. The variety is characterised by good organoleptic properties and, overall, is of good quality.

Leaf colour

Solid colours.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.2 to 2 m, depending on its growth habit.

Lifespan

Cultivated mainly as an annual.

Where to plant

Suitable for flowerbeds, pots, open ground and planters.

Stem

The stem isherbaceous; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape, of medium size, with a dialipetal corolla and multicoloured petals. It flowers from spring to early autumn. It attracts bees, butterflies and bumblebees.

Growth

Its growth is moderately vigorous.

Plant habit

It adopts a crawling gait.

PH

It requires a substrate or soil pH with optimal values between 6.0 and 7.0.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting in mid-spring, dig the soil to a depth of 20–30 cm, removing any weeds, large stones and residues from previous crops. Then work in granular organic or chemical fertiliser and, using a spade, break up the denser, coarser clods of soil. Add organic matter.

To improve drainage of excess water, thereby preventing harmful waterlogging, create a raised bed by gently mounding the soil, then carefully level the surface.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Sun exposure

It requires a position in partial shade or full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

It prefers a cool climate. The ideal temperature is between 15 and 25 °C.

The survival temperature range is between 5 and 40 °C.

Use

Due to its wide-ranging applications, it is used in the following sectors:
Agri-food Cosmetics Ornamental sector

Hardiness

Of moderate hardiness.

Soil

It prefers light, medium-textured, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

For growing in pots, use a high-quality potting compost suitable for vegetable plants.

Difficulty

Growing nasturtiums is extremely easy and requiresvery little maintenance, making them even more versatile.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation practices:
Balanced fertilisation Avoid over-watering Prefers a cool climate

Intercropping/combination

When grown alongside brassicas such as broccoli and cabbage, it can keep aphids, flea beetles and cabbage white butterflies at bay by acting as a ‘trap plant’. When planted near pumpkins and courgettes, it can encourage pollination by bees. It is also useful when grown alongside cucumber and tomato plants.

Combinations with other plants

It is also ideal as an ornamental herbaceous plant in mixed plantings with other flowering species in flowerbeds or borders.

Planting

Plant at an average density of8 plants per square metre, placing them in a raised bed and taking care not to bury the root ball completely.

Only transplant once you are sure there is no risk of late frosts.

Pruning

Do not harvest all the leaves in a single go, but pick a few at a time so that the plant can produce new ones and thus maintain a more consistent yield.

Do not harvest the flowers after heavy rain, as excess moisture reduces their shelf life.

Propagation

Sow the seeds, taking care to keep the soil moist to encourage germination; if you overwater them, the seeds may rot.

Watering

During the growing season, water regularly to prevent the soil from drying out completely, whilst also avoiding waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

When preparing the soil for transplanting, apply a base dressing by working granular organo-mineral fertiliser evenly into the soil.

Subsequently, during the spring and summer, apply water-soluble vegetable fertiliser diluted in the irrigation water, taking care not to exceed the recommended dose or frequency.

A regular supply of phosphorus and potassium promotes a profuse final flowering of the plant.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Edibility for humans

Nasturtium flowers and leaves are edible if harvested and consumed correctly.

Consider the specific circumstances.

Tip

Do not over-fertilise with nitrogen-based fertiliser, as this promotes leaf growth but hinders the development of flowers.