About
A fast-growing, aquatic perennial to 20cm in height, forming dense colonies of floating and submerged rooting stems and edible foliage. A popular salad crop with oval, wavy-edged rich dark green leaves, and small white flowers from late spring to midsummer.
About the genus
Nasturtium is a diverse genus of plants that may be annual, perennial, or woody. Species are cultivated for their flowers, foliage, or architectural habit and are adapted to various climatic conditions
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAquatic, Bogs, Herbs - Culinary
HabitFloating, Submerged, Trailing
FoliageDeciduous, Semi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in humus-rich, wet soil or soil that is reliably moist through summer. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
PruningHarvest by pinching out regularly for a supply of young leaves
PropagationPropagate by seed, or rooted runners in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails, aphids and caterpillars
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a leaf spot and root rots