Overview

Nasturtium is a climbing, trailing, bushy aquatic in the genus Nasturtium, part of the Brassicaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Nasturtium grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include edible flowers, ground cover, hanging baskets and containers.

About

Nasturtium is a genus of climbing, trailing, or bushy herbs in the Brassicaceae family, known for their deciduous foliage. These aquatic and bog plants thrive in full sun on south-facing, sheltered aspects with well-drained, neutral loam soil. Hardy to UK zone H2, they are valued for their edible flowers and are suitable for use as ground cover, in hanging baskets, or containers. Nasturtiums are typically propagated by seed or division and are of particular interest during the spring and summer seasons.

About the genus

Nasturtium is a genus of a small number of plant species in the family Brassicaceae commonly known as watercress or yellowcress. The best known species are the edible Nasturtium officinale and Nasturtium microphyllum. Nasturtium was previously synonymised with Rorippa, but molecular evidence supports its maintenance as a distinct genus more closely related to Cardamine than to Rorippa sensu stricto.

Wikipedia contributors, "Nasturtium (plant genus)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Nasturtium (plant genus)

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Nasturtium

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H2

Plant details

Nasturtium size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Aquatic, Bogs, Herbs - Culinary

Habit

Climbing, trailing, bushy

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Edible flowers, ground cover, hanging baskets, containers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Nasturtium

Propagation

Seed, division

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions