Nasturtium is a southern flowering vine. Planting nasturtium seeds in the ground

Nasturtium is very popular among amateur gardeners. It grows and blooms on rather poor soils; on soils rich in organic matter, a huge green mass develops to the detriment of flowering. This is an annual plant, its thick succulent stems reach a length of 2-3 m. There are also bush varieties of 25-30 cm.

The leaves of the flowers are round and shield-like, shiny, covered with a waxy coating, bright green. The flowers are large, up to 5 cm in diameter. The color can be cream, salmon, yellow, red, pink, cherry.

When choosing species and varieties for planting in your summer cottage, you should carefully study their differences.

Plant species

Nasturtium bush

The plant is an annual and is a pretty flowering bush that is ideal for landscape design. It is used for vases and balconies, and is used to decorate the area in borders and mixborders.

Nasturtium climbing

An annual plant that is used to form hedges or standard vertical gardening, for example, the flower is planted along balconies, gazebos, fences and walls.

Nasturtium amelia

A cute plant that also participates in vertical gardening. Suitable for decorating residential buildings - terraces, balconies, walls.

Terry nasturtium

An annual often used for decoration dacha area. IN in this case a flower can serve as a landscaping plant for a veranda, house, balcony, and so on.

Climbing nasturtium

A beautiful perennial plant that is grown in pots (at home) and in flower beds (country floriculture).

Growing conditions

If you want to grow beautiful greens and colorful flowers, and not a mixture of plants that simply got mixed up and began to fade, strict adherence to agricultural practices is necessary.

By properly caring for the plant and taking the necessary steps, you will achieve excellent results, both in the country and at home.

Selecting a location

The plant is light-loving and heat-loving, and therefore you should forget about partial shade and silence shady garden, because the place of nasturtium is in a flower bed, near the fence of the territory, in landscape decoration or even in single plantings.

Try to plant the flower in places that are well protected from drafts, because almost all plants do not respond well to cold winds.

Most suitable soil

The flower prefers moderate soil, both in terms of moisture and nutrients. As we mentioned above, the plant gains green mass on well-manured soil, but shows poor flowering, so it’s up to you to decide on this fact.

You should not fertilize nasturtium with fresh organic matter, as the plant may burn, but mineral fertilizers It is simply necessary to add it to the soil, since it reacts to such substances with abundant flowering.

Using nasturtium (video)

Watering the plant

Watering should be systematic, but very moderate, which is most important for young plantings. During flowering, nasturtium is watered only on the driest days; during the standard warm season, watering can be stopped altogether.

How to prolong flowering?

It is necessary to understand that constant heavy watering can lead to rotting of the plant, especially on heavy soils. Therefore, it is worth observing timely irrigation, but do not forget to do pruning. Removing weak branches and faded buds will significantly prolong flowering.

Transplantation and propagation

How to replant nasturtium?

Our plant is considered quite delicate, and therefore requires special attention when replanting it. The superficial root system is very sensitive to various kinds of disturbances, and therefore replanting occurs together with an earthen lump that must not be disturbed.

After transplantation, the plant must adapt, but this takes time. Don't be discouraged if the nasturtium looks limp at first, you just have to keep going. regular watering and expect.

Propagation by seedlings

Nasturtium can be propagated by seeds or by growing seedlings. If you want to plant flowers on the site already in the form of seedlings, then initial stage cultivation will be the distribution of seeds into peat cups, 2-3 for each cup. Within 10-14 days you will notice seedlings that can be transplanted into open ground in early June. It is necessary to plant a flower with a lump of earth or together with a glass.

We propagate the flower by seeds

You can also try growing nasturtium with seeds, which is not difficult. Seeds are prepared in water or a special nutrient solution, and planted in a warm area after the night frosts in the spring have ended. A few seeds per hole a couple of centimeters deep will be enough to get plant sprouts within 2 weeks.

Propagation by cuttings

Propagation of nasturtium by cuttings is used extremely rarely and mainly for new varieties. Rooting of young cuttings of the plant occurs in water or wet sand, then the cuttings can be planted directly in open ground, avoiding schooling.

Features of cultivation

• Planting occurs only in heated soil and only with a clod of earth.
• Early flowering can be achieved if you use the seedling growing method.
• Excessive fertilization with organic matter promotes abundant green mass, correct fertilization with minerals ensures long-lasting flowering.
• If you create nasturtiums favorable conditions, she herself will drop seeds that can overwinter in the soil and produce young plants already next spring.
• Seed germination is maintained for 4 years.

Nasturtium can be safely called unpretentious flower, but if you provide the plant with proper care, it will look much more beautiful than an abandoned wild specimen in a summer cottage.

Growing nasturtium in the country (video)

Reviews and comments

(10 ratings, average: 3,90 out of 5)

Anastasia 09/25/2010

Very beautiful plants, but during frosts they freeze (

irina 04/23/2014

My nasturtium leaves are turning yellow and drying up, help, what can I do to help it?

Nikolay 07/24/2014

And nasturtium attracted me with its red flowers and of course leaves!

Olga 02/14/2015

Nasturtium pleases me with its splendor and brightness. I'm collecting flowers. And fill it with 6-9:% vinegar. The vinegar becomes aromatic, has a beautiful color and is used for dressing salads and dumplings. Store in the dark.

Natalya 08/23/2015

I wanted to ask: what animals can damage nasturtium seedlings and how to deal with it?

Olga 09/24/2015

Nasturtium let me down this year - the seeds didn’t sprout (((I was so hoping that it would please me with its flowering... I really like the foliage of this plant, which is also decorative. Next season I will buy it again, maybe I’ll have better luck.

Lyudmila 09/28/2015

This year we planted Zebra nasturtium for the first time. She “sat” for a long time, and now it’s wonderful in September lush flowering- we rejoice! thanks for useful tips, next year we will try to plant and different varieties and seedlings, we hope to see this beauty as soon as possible.

From my experience of growing Nasturtium, I can say that it prefers moderately fertile and moist soils, but does not tolerate either excess fertilizers (especially nitrogen and fresh organic fertilizers, such as manure), or excessive watering (especially during flowering). As a result, it blooms very poorly, although the leaves grow wonderfully. In addition, nasturtium does not tolerate lime, but, on the contrary, it really needs phosphorus fertilizers.

Lydia 12/30/2017

I planted bush and hanging nasturtiums, but I didn’t see the difference. Only at the end of autumn the tree began to produce long lashes. And another question - I collected seeds from a white hanging nasturtium, the next year the flowers turned yellow. Why? It doesn't seem to be a hybrid.

Mari28 01/06/2018

Nasturtium leaves change color due to improper agricultural practices. High humidity soil, poor lighting, lack of certain minerals or mosaic disease. You can restore health to a flower only by regulating the care of the plant. Cut off all yellowed leaves and burn. Apply azofoska to the soil. Watering is done only in the morning or after sunset, regularly but moderately. On particularly hot days, protect the flower from direct sunlight and provide shelter for it.

Mari28 01/06/2018

Flowers can only be protected from animals such as cows, sheep, goats with the help of a fence. If we're talking about about pests: aphids, cabbage moths, white moths or spider mite, which most often attack nasturtium, then only spraying with insecticidal preparations (Iskra, Actellik, Fufanon, Fitoverm) will help. If there are few pests, then they are effective folk remedies. Sprinkling with wood ash, spraying with soap solution. And remember, plants with healthy immunity are not attacked. Therefore, spend correct agricultural technology growing.

Mari28 01/06/2018

There may be several reasons why the flower changed its color. Cross-pollination, excess or deficiency of a mineral, as well as a reaction to a certain feeding. Most likely, during the budding period, you fed fertilizer containing ammonia, which changes the color of pigmentation. By the way, white petals turn yellow if watered or sprayed with a solution ammonia.

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Nasturtium is a delicate herbaceous plant from the Nasturtium family. His homeland is Latin America. Flexible shoots, like a vine, spread along the ground or branch, forming a bush. In domestic gardening, nasturtium is loved for its large, bright flowers and ease of care. And the fact that it is edible and has medicinal properties makes the plant simply irreplaceable. Except scientific name, the flower can be found under the name “capuchin”.

Description of the plant

Nasturtium is a flowering annual or perennial. The latter can hardly tolerate even slight frosts, so in central Russia all nasturtiums are grown in open ground as annuals. The fibrous rhizome is located at the very surface of the soil. Long, flexible stems can grow up to 2-3.5 m. The shoot forms lateral shoots.

All vegetation is covered with alternate petiolate leaves of lobed, thyroid or palmately divided shape. The edge of the leaf is entire, slightly wavy. Lighter veins diverge from the center of the leaf plate to the edges, like rays. The smooth leaves are light green.

At the beginning of summer, nasturtium blooms large, gramophone-like flowers. They grow singly on long stalks, in the axils of the leaves. The calyx consists of five petals, the same number of stamens and an ovary. Bisexual flowers exude an intense, pleasant, although somewhat pungent, aroma. Petals can be yellow, orange, pink, crimson, scarlet. Replacing each other, the buds delight the eye until the beginning of autumn.

Pollination is carried out by various insects, and in wildlife also a hummingbird. After it, a fruit is set - an achene. When ripe, it opens and splits into 3 separate seeds. From afar, the rounded seeds with longitudinal grooves resemble small helmets.

Types of nasturtium

The herbaceous annual forms creeping, branched shoots that become tangled, forming a dense tangle up to 50 cm high. Underground stems (stolons) grow elongated, embossed ivory-colored tubers with purple eyes. The ground shoots bear five-lobed bluish-green leaves. At the end of June, buds on long peduncles grow in the axils of the leaves. The calyx of five petals with a spur is colored in a gradient red-yellow shade.

A long flexible vine (up to 3.5 m) climbs well over a support, so it is used for vertical gardening. Light green corymbose leaves of almost round shape form a continuous green cover. In July, funnel-shaped flowers about 2 cm in diameter appear. They are painted bright yellow.

A plant with a bare, fragile stem grows up to 2.5 m. Some varieties take the form of a bush up to 70 cm high. Rounded dark green leaves grow on long petioles. In June, bright flowers with a diameter of 5-6 cm bloom. They have a simple or double shape. Varieties:

• Alaska - a subshrub 25-30 cm high, densely covered with large marbled leaves and large yellow or pink flowers;
• Vesuvius is a low-growing subshrub with pink flowers covered with burgundy spots;
• Peach melba – delicate flowers peach-colored with a red spot at the base of the petal;
• King Theodore - bright red simple flowers;
• Salmon baby is a vine with semi-double salmon flowers.

An annual vine with side shoots that quickly covers large areas. It is used for landscaping verandas, gazebos, balconies, and fences.

Herbaceous shoots form a dense subshrub up to 35 cm in height. Small, petiolate, thyroid-shaped leaves grow on it. In June-October the plant is covered with pale yellow flowers up to 3 cm in diameter. Varieties:

• Black velvet - a subshrub up to 30 cm high, blooms large (6 cm in diameter) black and burgundy flowers;
• Cherry rose - a spherical bush no more than 30 cm high blooms with scarlet double buds.

Reproduction methods

The most convenient way to propagate nasturtium is by sowing seeds. They can be sown immediately in open ground after the frost leaves at the end of May. To do this, prepare grooves 1.5-2 cm deep with a distance of 25-30 cm. It is not difficult to arrange large seeds evenly. It is better to place 2-4 seeds together to form a lush rosette. They are covered with a small layer of earth, and in severe cold weather - with film. Shoots become noticeable after 10-15 days. The seedlings will bloom in 1-1.5 months.

To get earlier flowering, nasturtium is sown as seedlings in April. 2-3 seeds are distributed into peat pots with sandy-peaty soil. They are buried 2 cm. The containers are kept in a well-lit place with a temperature of +20...+22°C. It is important to monitor the lighting. If there is a lack of it, the plants become very stretched and get sick.

To preserve the varietal characteristics of highly ornamental plants, nasturtium is propagated by cuttings. Most often, this method is practiced by breeders in greenhouse conditions. Mature, well-grown shoots with 3-4 leaves are cut off. The lower cut is treated with Kornevin. Cuttings take root in wet sand or water. Once the roots appear, the flowers are planted in prepared soil in containers or open ground. Care must be taken not to damage the delicate tissue when planting. root system.

Planting and care in open ground

In the garden for nasturtium, you need to choose the brightest place with well-drained, slightly acidic soils. The presence of lime is contraindicated for plants. They are planted in open ground in early June. In order not to damage the very delicate root system, planting is done together with peat pots. The land should be moderately fertile. With a large share organic fertilizers Leaves and shoots grow better, but flowering becomes less lush. The proximity of groundwater is unacceptable, as the roots are vulnerable to rot.

When planting flowers, maintain a distance of 20-40 cm. Immediately after the procedure, the soil is mulched, then the weeds will not bother you so much, and after watering a dense crust will not form. Nasturtiums need to be watered frequently, but so that the water has time to drain away. Large leaves evaporate a lot of moisture, and the underdeveloped rhizome cannot extract water from the depths. With the beginning of the flowering period, watering is slightly reduced.

The liana is prone to growing green mass; in order to achieve abundant flowering, mineral fertilizers with a high content of phosphorus and potassium are applied. The seeds ripen quickly and scatter on the ground on their own. This leads to uncontrolled self-seeding. To counteract this phenomenon, fading flowers are cut off immediately.

In the fall, watering begins to be reduced and, when the ground shoots dry out, the nasturtium is destroyed, since it will not withstand wintering in the open ground. The area is being dug up and cleared for a flower garden next year.

All parts of the plant emit a specific, but not repulsive odor to humans. At the same time, the aroma is unpleasant to insects, so nasturtium itself is an insecticide and pests do not bother it. It is also not very sensitive to diseases, only if agricultural practices are violated, rust, gray rot, leaf mosaic, and ring spot can develop. Affected shoots and foliage must be cut off and destroyed. The rest of the plant is treated with a fungicide.

Nasturtium in a pot

Nasturtium can be used not only for landscaping the garden, but also for decorating a balcony or veranda. To do this, a plant with drooping shoots is planted in a pot. Caring for it is not much different. The container should be wide and not very deep.

Nasturtium is placed in a well-lit place or on open balcony. The liana is either hung in a flowerpot on fresh air, or ventilate the room more often. The plant is regularly watered and fed twice a month with a composition for flowering plants.

In the fall, indoor nasturtium will delight you with abundant flowering longer. It can be grown as a perennial. For the winter, the plants are transferred to a cool room (+13...+15°C) and watered moderately. By spring, the stems may stretch out, so radical pruning and cuttings are practiced.

Use of the plant

Nasturtium in landscape design used for vertical and horizontal gardening. It forms a continuous green cover on the soil or trellis. Plants with bright, fragrant flowers look good in mixborders, in the foreground of the flower garden and on the walls of gazebos. They are effective in combination with bells, delphinium, and ageratum.

Nasturtium flowers and foliage are used in cooking for preparing and decorating salads, sandwiches, and soups. The leaves are similar in taste to watercress leaves. They have a bitter, refreshing taste. Dried flowers have an intense aroma and are used in tea bouquets. The fruits of the plant are pickled; they taste like capers.

The medicinal properties of nasturtium are very great. It is a herbal antibiotic and contains rich vitamin complex. They use decoctions and alcohol tinctures, which they drink to strengthen the genitourinary system, fight colds and sore throats, and treat scurvy. Rinse hair with decoctions to strengthen it and wipe problematic facial skin.

Contraindications to nasturtium are limited to people prone to allergies. Also, excessive consumption irritates the gastrointestinal tract and mucous membranes.

Thank you

A plant called nasturtium from time immemorial has enjoyed deserved popularity thanks to its medicinal properties and taste characteristics (not to mention the fact that this very beautiful and elegant plant can decorate any garden). About how and when to collect nasturtium, how to properly use this plant in medicine and cosmetology, what useful and delicious dishes You can cook it from it, and we’ll talk in detail in this article.

Description of the plant

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum) is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant (can be tuberous or climbing), belonging to the nasturtium family.

In Russia, this plant, imported from Holland, was known under the name Capuchin, which is due to the shape of the flower itself, imitating the hood of a monastic cloak. The fact is that “capuchin” and “hood” are brother words. Later, the name “nasturtium” stuck.

But the official name is Tropaeolum - this beautiful plant given by K. Linnaeus, who found the similarity of nasturtium leaves with the shields of soldiers, while the flowers of the plant reminded him of the blood-stained helmets of defeated enemies that were hung on columns (this is how Roman soldiers commemorated victory). Such columns were called tropaeolum.

Interesting fact! To this day, in Germany, bags of nasturtium seeds bear the following inscription: “kapuziner tropaeolum,” thereby combining several theories of the name into one.

Nasturtium is an edible plant

All parts of nasturtium (except for the roots) are edible: for example, the succulent leaves, as well as the flowers of this plant, have a pleasant peppery taste, similar to the taste of watercress. In addition, the aerial parts of nasturtium, rich in ascorbic acid, add a certain piquancy to many dishes due to their spiciness and slight sourness, making them not only tasty, but also extremely healthy.

What does nasturtium look like?

The erect, creeping or climbing stems of nasturtium are distinguished by their fleshiness, juiciness and pronounced branching. The length of the stem can reach 2–4 m.

The round, veiny, shield-shaped leaves of the plant with a waxy coating, having solid edges, are arranged in an alternate order on fairly long petioles.

Single large flowers of irregular shape have a delicate and pleasant aroma; they are located on long peduncles. The brightly colored calyx of flowers has spurs at the base. Nasturtium flowers can be simple, semi-double or double (it all depends on the plant variety). The corolla consists of five petals of yellow, orange or red color.

The fruit of nasturtium is prefabricated, over time it breaks up into three identical wrinkled fruits of a rounded kidney shape small sizes. Each fruit contains one seed inside.

Interesting fact! Nasturtium flowers are bright orange and seem to “flare up” during the bright red “western” sunset.

Where does nasturtium grow?

In total, there are about 80 species of nasturtiums, mainly growing in South America (mainly in the Andes). However, thanks to its unpretentiousness, this plant has taken root well in Europe and Russia (in fairness, it should be noted that annual species of nasturtium predominate in Russia, since this plant does not tolerate frost).

Nasturtium prefers in moderation wet soils With good drainage, but this plant does not tolerate fresh organic fertilizers, as well as excess moisture.

Nasturtium is warm and light-loving, so you can find it in all its glory in sunlit areas or in light partial shade of trees. With insufficient light, nasturtium will have a pitiful appearance, characterized by stunted shoots and a lack of flowers.

Nasturtium varieties

Of the variety of nasturtium varieties used with therapeutic purpose, the most common in Russia are foreign, large and cultural. Let's talk about them in more detail.

Foreign nasturtium

This type of nasturtium is often called "Canary" (the official name of the variety is Tropaeolum peregrinum).

Foreign nasturtium is a herbaceous climbing plant, the light green stem of which reaches 4 m in some cases. It grows wild in the northwestern part of South America.

This plant has small, five- or seven-part leaves and small flowers with yellow corrugated petals, as well as green spurs. The upper petals have fringed edges.

This plant is edible: for example, its young leaves are enriched with vitamin C, and they contain twice as much ascorbic acid than, for example, green parsley.

Externally, preparations from foreign nasturtium (especially juice) are used in the treatment of skin itching, scabies and baldness. Internal infusions and decoctions from the plant are indicated for heart disease and hypertension.

Large nasturtium

Large nasturtium (or Tropaeolum majus) reaches a height of 10–70 cm (in some cases, the length of the stem can reach up to two meters).

This plant has a creeping, bare, succulent, branched and slightly curly stem.

The leaves of nasturtium are large, alternate, entire and long-petioled; they are distinguished by uneven edges and the presence of 10 veins on each leaf. The upper side of the leaf is light green, while the lower side is gray (in some cases Bottom part the leaf has a purple tint).

Single flowers are placed on long peduncles with a cup with a spur. Yellow, orange or bright red flowers have five unfused petals.

Large nasturtium has long been used in folk medicine and cooking. So, fresh leaves of the plant, hard flower buds, as well as unripe green seeds with a pungent taste, are used as a seasoning for meat and vegetable dishes. Pickled flower buds, like green fruits, resemble the taste of capers in their taste characteristics.

IN folk medicine Preparations based on nasturtium major are used in the treatment of diseases such as scurvy, anemia, skin diseases, urolithiasis, hypertension, chronic bronchial catarrh, and baldness.

Nasturtium cultivated

The name cultivated nasturtium (or Tropaeolum majus) combines mainly hybrids of two varieties of nasturtium - large and shield-bearing.

It's densely leafy annual plants with green or purple shield-shaped leaves, the shade of the flowers can vary from light yellow to orange-red.

Simple or double fragrant flowers of the plant can be 5 cm in diameter.

It should be noted that cultivated nasturtium varieties can differ not only in the color of the flowers, but also in the shape of the bush itself: for example, plants can be compact (their height does not exceed 50 cm), creeping (the length of the shoots reaches 4 m), dwarf ( maximum height plants are 20 – 25 cm).

In folk medicine, cultivated nasturtium is used similarly to large nasturtium.

Collection and storage

For medicinal purposes, the above-ground part of nasturtium is used mainly, namely leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds.

Leaves and flowers in fresh are used throughout the summer.

When harvesting the aboveground part of the plant for future use, it is necessary to carefully cut off the leafy flowering stems. The stems are dried in the fresh air, but in the shade, while the raw materials are laid out in one thin layer and mixed regularly until drying is complete.

Nasturtium fruits for use in cooking are cut off unripe, while for use in folk medicine this part of the plant should be harvested as it ripens, drying it in air or at a temperature of 40 degrees using dryers. Seeds are extracted from dried fruits.

Important! Nasturtium grows quickly, for this reason its above-ground part can be collected two to three times during the growing season.

Dried raw materials are stored in cloth bags (preferably in well-ventilated areas).

Shelf life is two years.

When does nasturtium bloom?

Nasturtium blooms from early summer until early autumn.

Seed collection

Large nasturtium seeds are in a thick protective shell.

It should be noted that nasturtium seeds do not ripen simultaneously, but as the plant fades (from August to September), that is, 40 - 50 days after the petals fall.

Ripe seeds of the plant spontaneously fall off. The maturity of the seeds is indicated by their appearance: So, from green they turn whitish, and they should be easily separated from the peduncle.

Nasturtium seeds are stored in cardboard boxes.

Composition and properties of nasturtium

Vitamin C
Action:

• normalization of central nervous system functions;
• reduction of uric acid in the blood;
• stimulation of the endocrine glands;
• normalization of redox processes;
• ensuring a complete process of hematopoiesis;
• strengthening capillaries;
• ensuring normal formation and growth of bone tissue;
• strengthening immunity;
• improving iron absorption.

Important! The amount of ascorbic acid in nasturtium reaches 500 mg or more, which is 10 times higher than the content of this vitamin in lettuce leaves!

Tropeolin
Tropeolin is a mobile, light-colored liquid that has a sharp, specific odor.

This substance has inotropic properties, that is, it is capable of changing the strength of heart contractions, due to which it is used to normalize cardiac activity. In addition, tropeolin improves coronary blood flow.

Essential oil
Action:

• normalizes the functions of the cardiovascular system;
• removes carcinogens;
• softens cough and enhances the separation of mucus, as well as sputum from the bronchi;
• increases performance;
• improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• normalizes the functioning of the central nervous system;
• relieves inflammation;
• accelerates wound healing;
• stimulates the immune system;
• eliminates pain syndrome;
• normalizes hormone levels;
• improves memory and concentration;
• slows down the aging process.

Mustard glycosides
Action:

• promoting urine excretion;
• increased appetite;
• vasodilation;
• neutralization of microbes;
• increased mucus excretion;
• increased secretion of gastric juice;
• relieving inflammation.

Carotene
Action:

• restoration of redox processes;
• increased protein synthesis;
• regulation of metabolism;
• participation in the formation of both bones and teeth;
• prevention of premature aging;
• strengthening immunity;
• prevention of colds.

B vitamins
Action:

• providing muscles, brain, as well as peripheral nervous system energy;
• elimination of mental and physical fatigue;
• ensuring carbohydrate metabolism;
• participation in the synthesis of nucleic acids;
• normalization of the nervous system;
• improvement of eye condition.

Phytoncides
Action:

• protecting the body from infections;
• removal of toxins;
• strengthening the immune system.

Iodine
Action:

• enhances basal metabolism;
• helps increase enzyme activity;
• ensures normal growth, general physical and mental development;
• has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and hair;
• normalizes the functions of the nervous system;
• regulates the functioning of the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, reproductive, and musculoskeletal systems.

Potassium
Action:

• relieves mental and physical stress;
• accelerates the body's recovery after injuries and intoxications;
• removes toxins;
• regulates heart rhythm;
• maintains water-salt balance;
• lowers the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood.

Phosphorus
Action:

• ensuring almost all metabolic reactions;
• providing the body with energy;
• regulation of acid-base balance;
• normalization of the central nervous system and cardiovascular system;
• ensuring the formation of bone tissue.

Medicinal properties of nasturtium

• Anti-inflammatory.
• Diuretic.
• Antiseptic.
• Antiscorbutic.
• Antitussive.
• Expectorant.
• Uroseptic.
• Antibiotic.
• Diuretic.
• Laxative.
• Anthelmintic.
• General strengthening.
• Antitumor.
• Tonic.
• Blood purifying.
• Antibacterial.
• Antifungal.

The benefits and harms of nasturtium

Benefit

1. Neutralization of pathogenic microbes.
2. Normalization of metabolic processes.
3. Strengthening the body's protective functions.
4. Elimination of angina attacks.
5. Relieving pain syndrome.
6. Feeling better.
7. Blood purification.
8. Removing toxins.
9. Relieving symptoms of intoxication.
10. Removing worms.
11. Vasodilation.
12. Improving blood supply to the heart muscle.
13. Increased appetite.
14. Normalization of the central nervous system.
15. Improved metabolism.

According to the results of clinical trials, in patients suffering from chronic coronary insufficiency caused by atherosclerosis, after taking nasturtium preparations, angina attacks stopped after 2–3 minutes, pain was relieved, and overall health improved.

Harm

Consumption of nasturtium preparations in high dosages (including fresh leaves and flowers of the plant) can cause stomach and intestinal irritation.

Treatment using nasturtium

Nasturtium preparations are used in the treatment of:

• bronchitis;
• lung diseases;
• colds;
• respiratory tract diseases;
• gallstone and kidney stone diseases;
• menopause;
• scurvy;
• depression;
• increased irritability;
• nervous excitability;
• loss of strength;
• kidney diseases;
• anemia;
• skin rashes;
• atherosclerosis;
• fever;
• intoxications;
• lesions of the oral mucosa;
• impotence;
• pneumonia;
• ischemia;
• cystitis;
• nonspecific urethritis;
• infantile thrush;
• burns;
• lipomas;
• warts;
• polyps;
• diseases thyroid gland;
• rheumatism;
• gout;
• angina pectoris;
• baldness;
• hypertension;
• scabies.

Nasturtium seeds

Preparations from nasturtium seeds help fight depression, feelings of depression and increased irritability.

The seeds of this plant are used as a remedy for impotence. To prepare such a product, the seeds are ground into powder, after which a teaspoon of the resulting raw material is poured with a glass of boiling water, wrapped and infused for two hours. The infusion is drunk after five in the evening in several doses.

Taking preparations from nasturtium seeds is indicated orally for the treatment of urinary tract inflammation in the acute and chronic stages.

Flowers

The flowers of the plant are used to prepare remedies that relieve the symptoms of male and female menopause (we are talking about general weakness, increased nervousness, melancholy and depression).

Also, preparations from this part of the plant help restore metabolism and are used for diseases of the cardiovascular system, kidneys and urinary tract.

Leaves

The leaves are widely used in the treatment of depression, scurvy, colds and flu. Remedies based on nasturtium leaves (not to mention taking them fresh) increase appetite, eliminate fever, and calm the nervous system.

Fruit

Unripe nasturtium fruits are mainly used in the treatment of scurvy. In addition, this part of the plant is widely used in cooking, replacing capers.

Use of nasturtium in medicine

Infusion

An infusion of dried nasturtium leaves is prepared as follows: 1 tbsp. of raw materials, pour 200 ml of boiling water and infuse for half an hour, then filter the infusion and drink one third of a glass three times a day for colds and lung diseases.

Tincture

The tincture is recommended for the treatment of chronic bronchitis.

1 tbsp. crushed buds, seeds and leaves of nasturtium are poured with 150 ml of vodka. The product is infused for two weeks in a dark place, shaking occasionally. The finished tincture is filtered and taken three times a day, 25 drops.

Decoction

The decoction is indicated for kidney diseases. To prepare a decoction, pour a tablespoon of nasturtium fruits and buds into 400 ml of boiling water. The mixture is placed on water bath, where it languishes for 15 minutes. The removed broth is infused for another 45 minutes, filtered and consumed 100 ml three times a day.

The same decoction will help speed up the healing process for urolithiasis, as well as diseases of the urinary tract.

Juice

The juice of the plant is used externally in the treatment of burns, lipomas, warts and polyps, while this remedy is taken internally for diseases of the thyroid gland, liver, anemia, rheumatism and gout. Drink juice from fresh nasturtium leaves three times a day, one dessert spoon.

The use of nasturtium in cosmetology

Nasturtium is also widely used in cosmetology due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Thus, nasturtium essential oils promote rapid healing of small wounds on the skin and elimination of acne. For this reason, products with nasturtium are recommended for people with problem skin.

In addition, nasturtium extract is used in the manufacture of anti-aging cosmetics, since the extract from this plant rejuvenates the skin, gives it elasticity and smoothes out wrinkles.

The whitening effect of this plant has also been proven.

Nasturtium for hair

Nasturtium is rightfully considered a unique remedy that stimulates hair growth (and all thanks to the presence of sulfur-containing essential oil in the plant).

Fresh nasturtium juice, rubbed into the scalp every other day for 15 days, helps prevent baldness and eliminate dandruff. After 15 days, a 10-day break is taken, after which the course of treatment is resumed (a total of three such courses are recommended). When carrying out the described procedure, it is necessary to avoid getting the juice into the eyes, which will eliminate the possible development of an inflammatory reaction.

To consolidate the result, it is advisable to take an infusion of leaves and flowers of the plant, for the preparation of which 20 g of raw material is poured with 200 ml of boiling water, then the product is boiled for 5 minutes, infused for one hour and drunk 2 - 3 tbsp. three times a day before eating.

Collection for baldness
To prepare the collection, nasturtium leaves and cinquefoil roots are taken in equal quantities, passed through a meat grinder, from which the juice is squeezed, mixed with water and used to rinse hair.

Nasturtium lotion
The following remedy will prevent hair loss, strengthen the roots, and also activate the skin capillaries.

Lotion ingredients:

• flowers, leaves or seeds of nasturtium - 100 g;
• fresh nettle leaves – 100 g;
• boxwood leaves – 100 g.

The resulting collection is poured with 500 ml of alcohol and infused for 15 days, after which the product is filtered and flavored by adding a few drops of any essence.

This lotion is regularly rubbed into the scalp using a hard brush, avoiding getting the product into the eyes.

Nasturtium in cooking

Nasturtium is used not only in medicine and cosmetology, but also in cooking, because the above-ground part of this plant is not only enriched with many useful elements, but also has a pleasant taste. Therefore, it is not surprising that nasturtium is used to prepare vitamin salads as a seasoning or a separate component.

All parts of nasturtium (except for the roots) are used for food: fresh leaves, seeds (preferably unripe), as well as hard flower buds. Leaves for fresh use are collected from spring until late autumn, while fruits for pickling should be collected immediately after the flowers fall.

Interesting fact! At one time, the monks added both leaves and flowers of nasturtium to salads, and they reliably protected recipes with nasturtium, which was called “Cardinal's salad” (it was believed that this plant is a source of youth and health). In the 19th century in Europe, this plant was also often used, which has a spicy taste and a pleasant pungent odor that stimulates the appetite.

Today, the flowers of this plant are infused with aromatic vinegar, they are stuffed with all sorts of fillings and even frozen for drinks.

Green nasturtium fruits are perfect as a marinade for pickling vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, squash, and Brussels sprouts.

In addition, the ascorbic acid-rich leaves and stems of nasturtium can add piquancy to salads, entrees and regular sandwiches, while extracts from the plant's flowers are added to cheeses and butter.

If you care not only about the taste, but also about the aesthetic qualities of the prepared dishes, then nasturtium can become an edible decoration in salads, soups, side dishes, cold appetizers or drinks.

Capers – pickled nasturtium

When properly prepared, nasturtium fruits can replace delicious and expensive capers. For this, uncolored buds are used along with green seeds (yellow seeds are unsuitable for consumption).

The seeds and buds are washed, dried a little and placed in sterilized jars, filled with hot marinade and immediately sealed with lids. Pickled seeds, which do not require additional sterilization, are stored in a cool place.

To prepare 500 ml of marinade you will need the following ingredients:

• salt – 1 tbsp;
• 9 percent wine vinegar - 2 tbsp;
• sugar – 1 tbsp;
• bay leaf – 1 pc.;
• allspice – 1 – 2 peas;
• cloves – 1 – 2 pcs.

To prepare the marinade, all of the above ingredients must be added to cold water, after which the resulting mixture is sent to the fire, brought to a boil and cooked for two minutes.

The resulting pickled “capers” are used in the preparation of aromatic fish soup.

Nasturtium seeds in cooking

Dried, peeled and ground nasturtium seeds have a spicy peppery taste, thanks to which they are used as an aromatic seasoning for various dishes.

Interesting fact! During World War II, black pepper in many countries was often replaced with ground nasturtium seeds.

Important! You can pickle nasturtium seeds using the technology for pickling the fruits of this plant described above.

Nasturtium salads

Important! Firstly, if you decide to treat yourself to a nasturtium dish, make sure you are not allergic to this plant. Secondly, so that the plant (and it doesn’t matter whether it’s nasturtium or any other “representative” flora) saved maximum amount useful substances, it must not be subjected to prolonged heat treatment. Therefore, it is recommended to include fresh nasturtium in salads.

Fresh nasturtium leaves are combined with boiled potatoes, green peas, hard-boiled eggs, nettles and horseradish.

Radish salad
Ingredients:

• nasturtium flowers and leaves – 20 g;
• radishes – 70 g;
• vegetable oil– 20 g;
• mustard, salt and pepper - to taste.

The above-ground part of the nasturtium is washed and finely chopped. Radishes are cut into slices and mixed with nasturtium. The resulting mixture is salted, peppered, seasoned with mustard and vegetable oil.

Salad with cucumbers and egg
Ingredients:

• nasturtium leaves – 10 pcs.;
• cucumber – 2 pcs.;
• green onions - to taste;
• hard-boiled egg – 1 pc.;
• salt and mayonnaise - to taste.

All ingredients are chopped, mixed and seasoned with salt and mayonnaise.

Salad with nuts and tomato
Ingredients:

• nasturtium flowers – 60 g;
• walnuts or hazelnuts – 30 g;
• tomato – 1 pc. (can be replaced with 50 g of tomato sauce);
• honey – 10 g;
• vegetable oil – 1 tbsp.

Nasturtium flowers are thoroughly washed and finely chopped along with the stems, after which they are mixed with ground or crushed nuts. The resulting mixture is seasoned with tomato sauce (or the juice of a grated tomato), honey and vegetable oil. The salad is mixed well (before serving, you can decorate it with a nasturtium flower).

Nasturtium dishes

Seasoning with nasturtium
Fresh leaves, as well as nasturtium flowers, are washed and finely chopped, and then mixed with red currants, grated through a sieve. Crushed garlic, salt to taste and vegetable oil are added to the resulting mass. The seasoning is mixed and placed in small jars, which must be stored in a cool place.

Stuffed eggs with nasturtium
Ingredients:

• pickled nasturtium fruits – 60 g;
• boiled grated beets – 60 g;
• canned green peas – 80 g;
• butter – 20 g.

All components are ground into a homogeneous mass, which is used to stuff halves of eggs from which the yolk has previously been removed (if desired, the yolk can also be a component of the minced meat).

Nasturtium drink
Ingredients:

• nasturtium leaves – 50 g; consult your doctor.

  Recipes with nasturtium

  

  Infusion for fever and intoxication

  30 g of fresh nasturtium leaves are infused for 10 minutes in one liter of boiling water, after which the infusion is filtered and taken three cups per day. This infusion will help relieve fever and facilitate the discharge of sputum during bronchitis.

  Infusion for ischemia and coronary insufficiency

  2 tsp dried nasturtium seeds, ground to a powder, steam in 400 ml of boiling water, and then wrap and leave for about two hours. The resulting infusion is drunk in the evening in several doses.

  Infusion for vitamin deficiency

  Pour 100 g of plant leaves into 600 ml of boiling water, leave in a warm place for two hours and take one-fourth of a glass 3 times a day, 30 minutes before eating.

  Infusion for hypertension and atherosclerosis

  2 tbsp. pour a glass of boiling water over crushed nasturtium leaves, then leave the product for one hour, strain and drink 2 tbsp. before eating.

  Decoction for bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchial asthma

  1 tbsp. chopped nasturtium herb is poured with a glass of boiling water and sent to boil in a water bath for 20 minutes. Then the broth is filtered, cooled and brought to its original volume. A third of a glass is consumed three times a day.

  Infusion for heart disease

  Pour 20 g of dry crushed nasturtium flowers into a glass of hot water, then leave the product for an hour, strain and drink 3 tablespoons no more than four times a day.

  Decoction for inflammation of the lymph nodes

  Boil 30 g of leaves, as well as buds and fruits of nasturtium in one liter of water in a water bath for 20 minutes. The cooled broth is filtered and thoroughly squeezed. The remaining broth is brought to its original volume using boiled water. The decoction is consumed three times a day, 200 ml.

  Tincture for emphysema

  30 g of crushed leaves, buds and seeds of the plant are poured into 200 ml of vodka, after which the product is sent to a dark place for two weeks to infuse, during which the tincture should be shaken periodically. Use tincture 30 drops three times a day.

  Wine infusion

  A liter glass container is filled to the top with fresh nasturtium leaves, which are poured with dry white wine. The product is infused for two weeks in a dark place and always at room temperature, after which it is filtered and drunk one teaspoon three times a day, before meals. Before use, you should consult a specialist.

Flower name nasturtium derived from the Latin words nasus and tortum. The first means “nose”, the second means “twist”. This is a hint of the plant's aroma. It is so strong that it seems to “bite” your nose. The Indians were the first to notice this, because the homeland of nasturtium is America and nearby islands.

The flower was brought to Europe by the Spanish conquistadors. In the 16th century they returned from Peru. One of the trophies was an outlandish plant. Nasturtium quickly took root in Western gardens and even became a potted crop. Let's learn the wisdom of its cultivation and the characteristics of the species.

Features of nasturtium

Nasturtium flowers belong to the Capuchin family. Its representatives are mainly grasses. Most of them are annuals, but there are also perennials. The latter includes the lion's share nasturtium. Varieties grown as annuals only in harsh climatic conditions. Flowers do not survive cold winters.

Nasturtium annual photo

A strong aroma is a feature of all plants of the Capuchin family. The smell is pungent, but not repulsive to humans. Insects don't like the smell nasturtiums Growing flowers are being taken care of in order to protect the remaining plantings from Colorado potato beetles, aphids, and mites. Repels grass and rodents. Wherein, nasturtium flower beds does not spoil, but only decorates. The plant is attractive in appearance.

Representatives of the Capuchin class are also distinguished by long, curly, creeping stems. Nasturtium has exactly that. The length of the shoots is about 3 meters. Withdrawn and dwarf varieties. The foliage of both natural specimens and hybrids is round. The veins diverge from the center to the periphery.

All green grass is edible. Leaves and stems are used in salads. Flowers serve as an edible decoration for dishes. The buds bloom in the leaf axils nasturtiums Photo botanists make plants at sunset. At this time, yellow and orange petals appear scarlet. The change in color does not depend on the intensity of the rays or the color of the setting Sun.

As the buds fade, they turn into baskets with seeds. They have a peppery aroma. Therefore, grains are used as a seasoning for soups and stews. Unripe seeds also serve as a substitute for capers. They are an important ingredient in Olivier salad, according to traditional French recipes.

Nasturtium seeds also used in medicine. The grains act as antiseptics. Seed infusions are considered antibacterial. The drug is useful for upper respiratory tract infections and inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system.

In the homeland of the herb, its tubers are also used. They are not considered medicinal. Most people do not see the attractiveness of the taste of rhizomes. But the Redskins do not agree with this. For the Indians growing nasturtium from seeds It is valuable precisely for obtaining tubers - a favorite delicacy of the indigenous population of America.

Types of nasturtium

5 species are grown in culture nasturtiums Photos of flowers Large groups are distinguished by highly branched, bare and fragile stems. In some varieties they creep, growing up to 250 centimeters. In other varieties, the shoots are erect, no higher than 70 centimeters.

Large nasturtium stands out not only for the size of the stems, but also for the leaves. They reach 8-9 centimeters in length. The buds are also large. Flowering is abundant and long lasting. The first buds open in early June. The latter close with the onset of cold weather and sub-zero temperatures.

Large nasturtium photo

It was the Big View that first came to Europe along with the conquistadors. Having been in cultivation since the 16th century, this nasturtium has become the basis for dozens of varieties. But the Foreign species does not have them. There is only one flower option: - climbing nasturtium, large (about 350 centimeters), with light green leaves. The grass is used for weaving arbors and trellises. In apartments, the plant decorates stone masonry and arches.

Nasturtium color Foreign yellow, canary tone. The buds are small, despite the impressive size of the stems and leaves. But the buds have corrugated petals. When grown in the middle zone, the seeds of Foreign nasturtium do not ripen completely. This is associated with a decline in popularity. In the same Large varieties, the grains not only ripen, but are also able to sprout on their own after falling to the ground.

The attention of gardeners was also attracted by Shield-bearing nasturtium. Landing it is rarely carried out in apartment conditions - the plant is large. The stems stretch up to 400 centimeters. Shoots and foliage are dark green. Against this background, red buds look impressive.

Nasturtium shield photo

I want the flower to be not only in the garden, but also at home. Therefore, breeders developed upright varieties. Lucifer, for example, grows only 30 centimeters, the bushes are compact. This is an option for a pot.

Malaya is also classified as potted nasturtium. Planting and care facilitated by the unpretentiousness of the appearance. It has yellow, speckled buds, up to 3 centimeters in diameter. Some of the petals are velvety. The bushes of the plant are compact, 15-25 centimeters in height. They are covered with flowers, like all nasturtiums, in June, pleasing the eye until September and October. Another pleasant bonus is the perennial appearance.

The last type of cultivated nasturtium is called Cultural. The group combines hybrids of 2 wild versions - Big and Shield-bearing. Cultivated varieties are the first delights of breeders. Some nasturtium types were developed as early as the 17th century. All plants of the group are annual.

They are distinguished by particularly dense foliage and medium (about 5 centimeters) size of single buds. Among the Cultivated varieties there are dwarfs. Their top bar is 20 centimeters. The medium-height group grows up to half a meter. Tall varieties reach 400 centimeters.

Caring for nasturtium at home

Nasturtium, whose care is discussed, loves light and warmth. Cold and drafts are not for her. Otherwise, the plant is unpretentious. The soil is quite loamy. The best fertilizers are ordinary humus and compost. Manure should be avoided. Nasturtium,properties which depend on the composition of the soil, may stop blooming. This is a consequence of an excess of nitrogen contained in manure. Nitrogen mixtures are given to flowers only during the dormant period, in winter.

Phosphorus can increase, rather than reduce, the number of buds. In its presence, the color of flowers also improves, becoming more saturated and bright. It is recommended to apply fertilizing at the same time When And plant nasturtium. Some experts fertilize the substrate 2 weeks after planting cuttings or germinating seeds. By the way, at home the shoots can begin to bloom earlier than June.

An important nuance of care, if decided buy nasturtium, - watering. It is abundant during the dormant period and stingy during flowering. While there are buds on the plant, water is given only after the soil has completely dried.

Nasturtium price

“Nasturtium – growing from seeds, when to plant”- the most popular request on the Internet. It shows that most gardeners receive plants and grains. They are available and have good germination. The price of the package is from 9 to 23 rubles. The cost depends on the number of seeds in a pack, the manufacturer and the decorativeness of the variety. Thus, nasturtiums with velvety buds are usually more expensive.

Nasturtium seedlings cost from 11 rubles per cutting. This is for bulk orders. Shoots can be purchased individually for at least 20 rubles. Only private individuals sell nasturtium in pots. There are no offers from flower shops. The grass is considered mainly garden grass. You can take a pot with a plant from your hands for 50-100 rubles.

Small creeping shrubs with lush green leaves and bright funnel-shaped flowers of bright orange or yellow color often found in gardens middle zone, in summer cottages and in balcony cassettes. These catchy flowers, flaming against the backdrop of bright greenery - nasturtiums.

Nasturtiums have become so familiar that we don’t see anything unusual in them, and yet they are not just a beautiful plant.

Amazing facts about nasturtium:

• Tubers formed on the roots of some perennial species Nasturtiums are edible and have a pleasant taste.
• You can eat not only the roots of the flower. Young shoots and leaves are used as one of the ingredients in green salads, buds and green fruits are pickled or pickled, and the seeds serve as a spicy seasoning for a variety of dishes.
• Green ovaries of nasturtium fruits are sometimes used instead of capers.
• Nasturtium is considered medicinal plant, helping to cure respiratory and digestive diseases, as well as skin ailments. Nasturtium is rich in vitamins C and A, and therefore is used to prevent vitamin deficiency.
• The original name of nasturtium - capuchin - comes from the resemblance of the flowers to the pointed hoods of the Catholic Capuchin monks.
• In the setting sun, nasturtium flowers seem to flare up and flame with bright fiery colors.

Nasturtium, also known as capuchin, is a large genus herbaceous plants. In the Latin classification, the genus is called Tropaeolum and is divided into many species and subspecies. Nasturtium gave its name to a whole family of dicotyledonous cabbage plants, the homeland of which is considered to be Central and South America. Among more than 90 species there are both annual and perennial. Unfortunately, in the rather harsh conditions of the middle zone, nasturtiums do not tolerate wintering in open ground, so only annuals are used in gardening.

In the article we will look at the main types and varieties of plants, their characteristics and use for decorative purposes, and also provide some recommendations for caring for the plant.

Species suitable for growing in open ground and popular varieties

Since the homeland of nasturtiums is South America, where the climate is much milder and the ground does not freeze in winter, there are perennials of this kind. In our climate with cold winters and seasonal freezing of soils for garden decor You can use only annual subspecies or perennial ones, but only for one season. The most common of them are listed below, with a mention of the characteristic features of the species. For each subspecies there is a list of popular horticultural varieties derived from this species.

Large nasturtium(lat. Tropaeolum majus), also known as large capuchin or May nasturtium, is an annual plant species that is most often used to decorate large areas. Creeping form has long twisting stems up to 2-3 meters long. Standing varieties reach a height of half a meter. Large nasturtium reproduces by self-sowing, so additional planting is not required every season. The seeds remain viable for several years. The leaves of the plant have a rich green color and are cup-shaped; the flowers are single, large, orange and fiery red. The species has multiple creeping, erect and shrubby varieties, including:

• "King Theodore" - with large and bright red flowers;
• “Pitch Melba” – with polychrome inflorescences (cream and red);
• “Salmon Baby” - the flower petals have a pink-salmon hue; depending on the variety, the flowers can be simple or double;

N. "King Theodore", N. "Pitch Melba", N. "Salmon Baby"

• "Ladybug" resembles Melba, but the tone of the inflorescences is apricot;
• "Strawberry Ice" - creamy yellow petals decorated with a bright red pattern at the base;
• "Empress of India" - small bright red flowers against a background of dark green leaves.

N. “Ladybug”, N. “Strawberry Ice”, N. “Empress of India”

Nasturtium shieldbearing(lat. Tropaeolum peltophorum) is the second popular species, which is distinguished by the color of the leaves: dark green, not saturated. Against the background of dark leaves, bright red and red flowers look more contrasting. According to its life form, this type of nasturtium belongs to creeping shrubs. Individual brittle stems can reach 4 meters in length. Among the varieties of this species, one standing and several liana-like varieties stand out:

• "Lucifer" grows up to 30 centimeters, has dark leaves, common to the species, but with a reddish tint. Large (up to 6 cm in diameter) inflorescences are red-red in color.

Nasturtium cultivated(lat. Tropaeolum cultorum) combines the features of a large and shield-bearing one. The leaves on the shoots are densely arranged and, depending on the variety, have a dark green or reddish-brown tint. The variety of flower colors ranges from pale yellow to deep red. Cultivated nasturtium blooms, like other plant species, from early summer until autumn (until the first frost) and is quite unpretentious to soil and care. There are standing, creeping and dwarf varieties:

• “Sparkling Mahogany” is a standing variety, grows up to 40 cm, has large double inflorescences of scarlet color;
• “Golden Globe” is a small spherical shrub about 35 cm in diameter, the inflorescences are also double, but golden in color. The leaves are light green in color.
• “Moonlight” is a creeping creeping variety with brittle stems up to 2 meters long and pale yellow funnel-shaped flowers.

N. "Shimmering Mahogany", N. "Golden Globe", N. "Moonlight"

Small nasturtium(lat. Tropaeolum minus) is another popular species, hardy enough for planting in open ground. Presented in standing varieties 20-30 cm in height. Features of this species are small leaves on relatively elongated petioles and relatively small inflorescences (only 3 cm in diameter) in shades of orange and red. The most popular varieties of the species:

• “Cherry rose” grows up to 25-30 cm, the leaves are small, the flowers are double scarlet;
• “Black corduroy” is a special variety whose flowers sometimes appear black due to their very dark burgundy hue. The maximum plant height is up to 30 cm.
• "Just Peaches" is a variety with delicate creamy-orange flowers, the middle of which is decorated with stripes of brick-red color.

N. "Cherry Rose", N. "Black Velvet", N. "Just Peachy"

Among the others known species azure, multi-leaved and tri-colored nasturtiums stand out, but they are too whimsical to grow in open ground. Many different varieties have been bred for each of the listed species, so the variety of nasturtiums available in garden sheds is truly impressive. Here we have highlighted only the most popular and unusual varieties of the flower; these varieties of nasturtium can often be found on sale and grown in your own garden.

Nasturtium in landscape design

The ability to plant nasturtium in open ground in the garden, its self-seeding propagation and rapid growth make this genus of plants an excellent solution to landscape design problems.

The long stems of creeping types of nasturtium (large, cultivated) are excellent for planting over large areas. For example, you can use a flower for terracing and covering soil slopes, as well as for edging other, larger shrubs and trees. The undoubted advantage of nasturtium in relation to the latter is the structure of its root system - thin taproots with weak peripheral development do not interfere with the nutrition of neighboring crops.

Standing and shrub varieties can be used for spot and linear planting when decorating flower beds, borders and garden paths. The dense arrangement of leaves on the stem creates the impression of a continuous strip (or cover) with a relatively sparse planting of shoots.

Climbing subspecies of capuchin are also widely in demand for decorating fences, walls, and fences. The quality of a living nasturtium hedge is ensured by the length and density of its stems, as well as its rapid growth in any direction. In one summer season Nasturtium planting can cover a significant vertical area.

The variety of plant species allows you to choose the optimal color and pattern for the area being decorated - a light or dark green background, the size and contrast of flowers, as well as the general perception of the structure of the cover (small or large leaves) can be adjusted using a wide range of varieties.

Nasturtium care

As noted at the beginning of the article, the nasturtium family consists of more than 90 species. Some of them are suitable for planting in open ground, others survive only in home or greenhouse conditions. Certain species cannot exist at all in northern and middle latitudes. Since in this article we are considering those types of nasturtium that are widely used for landscape decoration and open ground, below are the basic recommendations for garden planting.

Planting in open ground: sowing seeds, preparing and caring for seedlings, cuttings

Even a novice gardener can cope with planting nasturtiums, since this procedure can be considered basic.
Several landing methods are possible:

• sowing seeds,
• transplanting,
• cuttings

Seeds are sown directly into the ground, in a nesting method (3-4 seeds each) in a hole at a distance of 20-30 cm from each other. Sowing time is the end of May, after the end of the last frost. If there is a risk of a drop in temperature during the germination period, it is better to cover the bed (flower bed) plastic film. The first shoots usually appear within 1-2 weeks.

[!] In order for all seeds to germinate successfully, you need to: buy only fresh planting material, do not bury the seed too much in the ground, plant the seeds only in heated soil.

A technique to achieve better germination– soaking the seeds. Nasturtium seeds are immersed in water room temperature for about 15 minutes, thus accelerating the development of the plant.

Planting seedlings allows you to achieve earlier flowering of nasturtium. To do this, the seeds must be sown in advance in pots at home, one nest per pot. It is important to remember that capuchins have a very weak root system, so peat pots are used to obtain seedlings and planting in the ground is done directly in them, without diving. When caring for seedlings, you should pay attention to good lighting of nasturtium seedlings. Otherwise, the stems will become very elongated, and after planting in the garden the plant will become sick and will bloom much later. Watering the seedlings should be done with warm and soft (settled) water.

In nature, capuchins reproduce by self-gardening, but in garden conditions, cuttings can also be used to produce new shoots. To do this, cut the nasturtium stems at an acute angle close to the base and immerse them in damp sand or water. The first roots will appear in a week, after which the new shoot can be moved to a peat pot and continued care until transplanted into open ground using the technique described above.

Location, temperature, watering

After planting nasturtium in open ground in the first ten days of June, in order to achieve beautiful flowering, you need to pay attention to some important recommendations.

Firstly, seedlings and seedlings require a large amount of light, so for planting nasturtium you need to choose a bright area.

Immediately after planting, when there is a difference in day and night temperatures, it is better to cover the flower bed with young seedlings with film.

Watering nasturtiums in the first week is carried out abundantly and, if possible, with settled water at room temperature. After steady growth of green shoots, watering is slightly reduced and carried out only after the top layer of soil has dried. In waterlogged soil, capuchins can rot, and a lack of moisture will cause the stems to stretch, as well as the leaves and buds to dry out.

Soil, fertilizing

The optimal soil for nasturtiums should be light, loose, water- and breathable, and slightly acidic, with a low organic content. Unsuitable soil composition can lead to problems:

1. On soil rich in organic matter, capuchins grow many leaves, but do not bloom well.
2. If the soil is swampy and the groundwater level is too high, the nasturtium roots may rot.
3. Too poor a substrate is the reason for the appearance of small leaves and flowers, as well as elongated long stems.

[!] If the soil on your site contains a large amount of black soil or clay, add a little clean sand when planting nasturtiums.

From time to time (once every one to two weeks), nasturtium can be fed. For this purpose, beautiful flowering ones are best suited. The plant does not need nitrogen compounds that stimulate the growth of green mass.

Flowering: timing, what to do after flowering, collecting seeds

Nasturtiums bloom throughout the summer, from June until the first autumn frosts in September-October.

Since in our climate capuchins are grown only as annuals, the procedure for harvesting them after flowering is common: collect and burn the tops, and then weed and dig up the area. If you plan to plant nasturtium in the same place next year, you can final fertilize the soil with phosphates. Before destroying old plants, if necessary, you can collect seeds for next year.

Seeds ripen in early autumn, after the flowers have withered. At first greenish in color, they gradually ripen to a whitish hue. At this time, their attachment to the peduncle is very weakened, so the seeds should be collected with caution, otherwise you can lose a significant part of them. The exception is foreign nasturtium - its seeds do not have time to fully ripen by autumn. They are collected green and brought to their final state at home.

[!] Nasturtium seeds can be preserved just like any other vegetables, and then used as a snack or salad addition.

Pests and diseases

Despite the fact that nasturtium is a useful and even often eaten plant, it is rarely attacked by garden pests. Colorado beetles, aphids and whiteflies are indifferent to the bright orange flowers of nasturtium. However, capuchins are not protected against bacterial infection and gray rot. As a result of this type of illness, oppression appears lower leaves, dark and mosaic rust spots on the leaves, which result in the rapid withering of individual shoots. To get rid of infection, remove the diseased plant from the flowerbed, and treat the rest with a special antibacterial composition to prevent the spread of the disease.
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