Not So Crafty

Nasturtium

This Nasturtium is from one of the extra seed packets I received from Wintersown.org. I wasn’t sure what to expect as the original label was faded. I have been pleasantly surprised by how well it’s been growing. I like the delicate leaves and tiny lines on the petals. Here is the evolution of the first flower.
Nasturtium

Nasturtium

Nasturtium is an edible flower that can be used in salads. Apparently, it tastes like water cress. There are two varieties one is more like a bush and the other is a climbing variety. I believe I have the bush version of the plant. They can get quite large but since they are an annual they will die off at the end of the season. They need minimal care just plenty of sun and occasionally watering. They are considered great for the garden because they attract predatory insects away from the vegetables. They also attract a number of beneficial insects.
Now I’m kicking myself for not growing more.

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Kristi Dvorak

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7 responses to “Nasturtium”

  1. Zoe Avatar
    Zoe

    They do taste good, slightly peppery, as you say , like water cress. The flowers work well in salads along with prepared borage flowers; they taste like cucumber. Thats a really pretty variety with the marbled leaves, can you tell me which it is?

    Thanks!

    Reply
  2. Sabina Avatar
    Sabina

    I love Nasturtiums – they are so easy to grow and taste great in salads. Although I can’t quite convince everyone in my family that they are indeed edible!! I have a special section in my garden just for edible flowers.

    Wonderful upclose photos!!

    Reply
  3. Nancy Bond Avatar
    Nancy Bond

    Nasturtiums are always part of my gardens. When nothing else will grow, they will, not being so fussy about soil, etc. I like them as much for their foliage as for their bright, cheery blooms. You have some interesting colors.

    Reply
  4. nkristis Avatar
    nkristis

    Wow, I didn’t realize they were that good. Now I may have to try to grow some more.

    Nancy: I’m sure the specific variety. I received just a few seeds through a seed exchange program and the label was faded and damaged. I’ll have to look at it again to see if I can decifer it.

    Reply
  5. sandy (momisodes) Avatar
    sandy (momisodes)

    I had no idea they were so helpful! I remember eating them for the first time in California 🙂 They’re beautiful!

    Reply
  6. Elaine E Avatar
    Elaine E

    Gorgeous photographs. I think you should submit them to the company so they put them on their next season’s nasturtium seed packets. I’d buy them. (I often base my seed selections on the pictures.)

    Reply
  7. Lotus Avatar
    Lotus

    Ooh, I’m looking forward to growing these! They are quite pretty. I’m mainly growing them for insect control, I had so many aphids last year and no predatory insects to take care of them. I love the first picture; it looks like she’s sticking her tongue out, saying “nya nya, I’m prettier than you.” 🙂

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