Description
Description
A frost – tender perennial that readily self seeds, dwarf Nasturtiums are a distinct species from the trailing Nasturtium and grow as a more manageable bush. Nasturtiums are a beautiful flowering plant with a wide range of uses. Leaves and flowers are edible, with a peppery taste. Seed pods can be pickled and used like capers. The plant is both very attractive to insects and very tolerant of damage; aphids and cabbage white caterpillars will preferentially munch on nasturtiums and do less damage to other crops. The showy flowers do of course attract pollinators to the garden.
Care
Nasturtiums are tolerant of heat, shade and of low fertility, and have few pests and diseases of significance, but do not tolerate drought and require reasonably well draining soil. Plants can be sunk 5 – 10cm below the soil surface when planting to keep more moisture in the root zone and support fragile stems. Water in well and ensure the soil does not dry out as the plant becomes established.
