Overview
Nasturtium officinale is a floating, submerged, trailing aquatic in the genus Nasturtium, part of the Brassicaceae family, with deciduous, semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Nasturtium officinale grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens.
About
Nasturtium officinale is a rapidly growing aquatic perennial that reaches up to 20 cm tall. It develops dense clusters of both floating and submerged stems that root in water. The plant features oval, wavy-edged leaves with a deep green hue and produces small white flowers from late spring through midsummer. This species is commonly cultivated as a salad green.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Nasturtium
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Nasturtium officinale size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Aquatic, Bogs, Herbs - Culinary
- Habit
- Floating, Submerged, Trailing
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Nasturtium officinale
- Cultivation
- Grow in humus-rich, wet soil or soil that is reliably moist through summer. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
- Pruning
- Harvest by pinching out regularly for a supply of young leaves
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, or rooted runners in spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and snails, aphids and caterpillars
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to a leaf spot and root rots
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Nasturtium officinale?
Grow in humus-rich, wet soil or soil that is reliably moist through summer. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice.
Where is the best place to plant Nasturtium officinale?
Nasturtium officinale prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Nasturtium officinale need?
Nasturtium officinale is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays poorly-drained.
How do I prune Nasturtium officinale?
Harvest by pinching out regularly for a supply of young leaves.
How big does Nasturtium officinale grow?
Nasturtium officinale reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Nasturtium officinale hardy in the UK?
Nasturtium officinale has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Nasturtium officinale?
Propagate by seed, or rooted runners in spring.
Is Nasturtium officinale good for pollinators?
Yes — Nasturtium officinale attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.