Climbing Nasturtium(Tropaeolum majus), also known asGreater Nasturtium , is a flowering annual plant used for planting arbors, pergolas or hanging pots on the balcony.Growing the climbing nasturtiumis extremely simple, and the effect of lush flowers in warm colors is very satisfactory. We suggest whatsowing seeds of climbing nasturtiumin home gardens and whatrequirements for nasturtiummust be met for this plant to grow he althy and bloom abundantly!
Climbing Nasturtium - Tropaeolum majus
Fig. depositphotos.com
Climbing nasturtium - what it looks like, application
Climbing nasturtium is an annual climbing plant with disc-shaped leaves, the shoots of which reach up to 3 m in length.The flowers of the climbing nasturtiumreach 6-7 cm in diameter. Depending on the variety, they can be orange, pale yellow, red or pink-salmon. Interestingly, the flowers of the climbing nasturtium are characterized by a high content of vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds. For this reason,greater nasturtium flowers also have a culinary useas a colorful decoration of salads.Nasturtium leaves are also edible , which are used in salads and as a green addition to sandwiches. The taste is spicy and slightly burning.
Greater Nasturtium blooms profusely from spring until the first frostIt can therefore be classified as a long-flowering plant, all summer and autumn.Nasturtium leaves and flowers are extremely decorativeand look good when planted in pots on a terrace or balcony, climbing a balustrade or hanging freely from a pot.A blooming nasturtium planted next to a balustrade is a very good idea to effectively cover the balcony from the street side.
Climbing nasturtium can be sownat pergolas, walls and fences to act as a cover. Climbing nasturtium in the garden is also a plant that repels snails, as they do not like the smell of nasturtium flowers and the bitter taste of its leaves.
Climbing Nasturtium - Tropaeolum majus
Fig. pixabay.com
In addition to the greater (climbing) nasturtium, in gardens there is also a dwarf nasturtium, also known as a lesser nasturtium (Tropaeolum minus). It has definitely shorter shoots and takes on a tufted form. The flowers and leaves of the dwarf nasturtium are slightly smaller than those of the greater nasturtium. However, the cultivation requirements of both species are identical.
Climbing Nasturtium - sowing seeds
The cultivation of climbing nasturtium is started with sowing seedsNasturtium seeds are sown directly on a permanent site or for inspection in order to obtain seedlings.By growing a plant from seedlings, we will accelerate the flowering period. However, the more popular form of sowing seeds directly into the ground is becausenasturtium does not like transplanting
However, if we want to prepare a nasturtium seedling that will bloom quickly, I recommend sowing the seeds in peat pots. When the seedlings reach the appropriate size, the plants are not pulled out of the ground, but together with a peat pot, they are planted on the target site. The peat pot will decompose in the ground over time, further fertilizing it. In this waywe avoid the risk of transplanting nasturtium seedlings
We start the production of climbing nasturtium seedlings in MarchThen we sow 2-3 seeds in 10 cm pots with a mixture of compost soil, sand and peat. Nasturtium is not quilted because, as we mentioned before, it does not like overdoing it. Therefore,seeds of greater nasturtium are sown intopots, which we place in a warm greenhouse or on a window sill at home.During the growth of seedlings, we ensure that the substrate remains moist. From mid-May, when the risk of frosts is over, plant the seedlings after hardening them.
Climbing Nasturtium - Tropaeolum majus
Fig. depositphotos.com
In mid-May, you can also sow seeds of climbing nasturtium straight into the ground , in freshly prepared soil. We sow 2-3 seeds into the well and water them regularly. After the seedlings emerge, choose the stronger one. It is best to keep a distance of about 15 cm between plants.
Climbing Nasturtium - cultivation
Climbing nasturtium prefers loamy-sandy fertile soils. The bestplace to grow climbing nasturtiums is in a sunny position , sheltered from the wind. In partial shade, nasturtium will also do well, but it will bloom much less.
This plant does not tolerate drought, but also too moist soil.Interestinglyin the cultivation of climbing nasturtium, we should not fertilize it too intensivelyIt is enough to apply a dose of long-acting fertilizer during planting, which will gradually be released and provide the plant with the necessary ingredients. It is important that it is a fertilizer for flowering plants, rich in phosphorus and potassium, but with a reduced amount of nitrogen.Nasturtium fertilized too abundantly with nitrogen begins to bloom less and less , producing more and more leaf mass.
MSc Eng. Joanna Białowąs
