Hardy Annual

Culinary, Ornamental

1-1/2 feet high (6 feet with support), to 6 feet wide

Full Sun to Partial Shade

Moist, well-drained soil

Nasturtium, Tropaeolum majus

In the Language of Flowers Nasturtium is for Patriotism

Nasturtiums are frequently cultivated for the color they bring to herb and flower gardens. What a delightful surprise to discover the light peppery flavor their leaves and flowers lend to a salad or sandwich.

Nasturtiums originated in the New World where they were occasionally called "indian cress" due to the tartness of the leaves. Sailors ate the pickled seeds as a remedy against scurvy. Today they are valued as a source of vitamin C, iron and sulfur.

Plants are annuals or tender perennials in mild-winter regions. Open, trumpet-shaped flowers bloom in brilliant colors of gold, orange, scarlet, rose and a range of hues in between. Five-petaled flowers are carried well above the compact, bright-green, pancake-shaped leaves by thin hollow stems. They bloom all summer and into first cool days of Fall.

There are several types of nasturtiums. Sprawling and climbing vine types grow with support up to 6 feet. These are ideal for a cool greenhouse or protected sunporch where the soil will not freeze. The more common and dwarf and bushy types, "Tom Thumb" or "Whirlybird," rarely reach more than 1-1/2 feet high. They make colorful edgings for garden beds or in window boxes and planters.

Planting and Care:

The big wrinkled seeds are easy to press into the soil, a perfect opportunity to get children involved in the garden.

For winter gardens in mild climates, start seeds in pots in August or September. Plant in early Fall when the warm soil encourages rapid germination. For spring gardens, plant in the full sun to partial shade in ordinary moist soil with good drainage.

Harvesting and Use:

Chop fresh leaves to add a tangy taste to a salad or use whole like its cousin, watercress, in rolled tea sandwiches. President Eisenhower added finely chopped nasturtium flowers, leaves and stems to his vegetable soup. LIkewise, use them in green salads for color and flavor. Mince flowers and leaves into whipped sweet butter for savory dinner rolls. Blossoms serve as unusual, colorful containers for dips and sandwich fillers.

Nasturtium Hors D' Oeuvres recipe:

For Hors D' Oeuvres that are a real conversation piece, stuff large Nasturtium leaves with Tuna, Shrimp, Crab, Chicken Salad or Guacamole.

Use about a teaspoon per leaf. Roll up, secure with toothpicks and cover with French Dressing. Marinate before serving.

Coriander, Cilantro, Coriandrum sativum
Coriander, Cilantro was our herb of the month in September 2007. CLICK HERE

Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis
Lemon Balm was our herb of the month in August 2007. CLICK HERE

Basil, Ocimum basilicum
Basil was our herb of the month in July 2007. CLICK HERE

Epazote, (Chenopodium amborsiodes)
Epazote was our herb of the month in June 2007. CLICK HERE

Sage, (Salvia species)
Sage was our herb of the month in May 2007. CLICK HERE

Lavender
Lavender was our herb of the month in April 2007. CLICK HERE

Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis
Our herb of the month in March 2007. CLICK HERE

Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis
Our herb of the month in February 2007. CLICK HERE

Tarragon, Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa
Our herb of the month in January 2007. CLICK HERE

Ginger, Zingiber officinale
Our herb of the month in November 2006. CLICK HERE

Chamomile, Roman or German Chamaemelum nobile or Matricaria recutita
Our herb of the month in October 2006. CLICK HERE

Nasturtium, Tropaeolum majus
Our herb of the month in September 2006. CLICK HERE

Horsetail, Equisetum arvense
Our herb of the month in August 2006. CLICK HERE

Cayenne, Capsicum frutescens
Our herb of the month in June 2006. CLICK HERE

Lemon Verbena, Lippia citriodoro
Our herb of the month in May 2006 . CLICK HERE

Scented Geranium, (Pelargonium species)
Our herb of the month in April 2006 and Herb of the Year 2006 . CLICK HERE

Mexican Mint Marigold, (Tagetes Lucida)
Our herb of the month in March 2006. CLICK HERE

Rose, Rosa Species
Revisit Rose, our herb of the month in February 2005. CLICK HERE

Sweet Bay, (Grecian Laurel)
Laurus nobilis
Our herb of the month in January 2006. CLICK HERE

Herbs of the Bible
Our herb of the month in Decembers 2005. CLICK HERE

Sage, (Salvia species)
Sage was our herb of the month in November 2005. CLICK HERE

Lemongrass, (Cymbopogon citratus) Tender perennial
Lemongrass was our herb of the month in October 2005. CLICK HERE

Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale
Dandelion was our herb of the month in September 2005. CLICK HERE

Borage, Borago officinalis
Borage was our herb of the month in August 2005. CLICK HERE

Basil, Ocimum basilicum
Basil was our herb of the month in July 2005. CLICK HERE

Scented Geranium, Pelargonium species
Parsley was our herb of the month in May/June 2005. CLICK HERE

Parsley, Petroselinum sativum
Parsley was our herb of the month in March/April 2005. CLICK HERE

Rose, Rosa Species
Rose was our herb of the month in February 2005. CLICK HERE

Arugula, Roquette, Eruca vesiceria sub, sativa
Arugula was our herb of the month in January 2005. CLICK HERE

Calendula, Pot Marigold, Calendula officinalis
Calendula was our herb of the month in December 2004. CLICK HERE

Winter Savory, Satureja Montana
Winter Savory was our herb of the month in November 2004. CLICK HERE

Coriander, Cilantro, Coriandrum sativum
Echinacea was our herb of the month in October 2004. CLICK HERE

Echinacea (Purple Coneflower)
Echinacea was our herb of the month in September 2004. CLICK HERE

Lemon Verbena
Mint was our herb of the month in August 2004. CLICK HERE

Mint
Mint was our herb of the month in July 2004. CLICK HERE

Hoja Santum
Hoja Santum was our herb of the month in June 2004. CLICK HERE

Lavender
Lavender was our herb of the month in May 2004. CLICK HERE

Thyme
Thyme was our herb of the month in April 2004. CLICK HERE

Oregano
Oregano was our herb of the month in October 2003. CLICK HERE

Peppermint Ideas
Peppermint was our herb of the month in August 2003. Our readers sent in these ideas on how they use peppermint. CLICK HERE

Fall Herb Gardening
CLICK HERE