Growing and Using Nasturtiums

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Tropaeolum majus is a familiar easy to grow tender annual. As the seeds are large and reliable and the plants grow quickly, nasturtiums are a popular flower for children to grow. For best results, sow the seed direct into the soil, or push a few into hanging baskets when they’re first planted up. Nasturtiums are available in bush and trailing/climbing types, but in rich soil, they all tend to grow vigourously. They will grow well on poor soil and once established can cope with dry conditions. It’s often said they don’t flower well in good soil; this isn’t true. However the leaves can grow so lushly that in some varieties many of the flowers are hidden. That isn’t a problem if the plants are allowed to trail or climb. If given suitable supports, such as twigs or other plants, nasturtiums can grow to above six feet. They hold on by twisting leaf stems around their supports.

The large round leaves are generally bright green, but darker, almost purple ones are available as well as some with yellow variegation. For a lively display grow all three together in the full range of flower colours. The large flowers can be anything from pale cream to deep mahogany and any version of red orange or yellow in solid or bi-colours. Seeds of either a single colour or mixtures can be obtained.

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The peppery leaves are delicious in salads and sandwiches.

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The flowers are also edible and tasty and make a lovely decoration to cold savoury dishes if added just before serving.

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Fresh unripe seeds can also be added to salads and salsa or included in pickles. The flavour is quite strong, so not many are needed. Dried and ground seeds may be used in place of pepper.

Nasturtiums are rich in vitamin C, so a useful salad herb that can promote healthy skin and eyes and aid the body in fighting infections. They are also said to prevent hair loss and benefit the scalp. To make a lotion for this, chop a mix of flowers and leaves and cover with alcohol. Allow the mix to infuse for two weeks, then strain and add a few drops of scented essential oil. The mixture should be rubbed into the scalp daily. Don’t blame me if it doesn’t work!