Grow Nasturtiums Indoors: A Complete Guide

Hey there, green thumbs! Ever thought about bringing the vibrant beauty and peppery zest of nasturtiums indoors? These delightful plants, known for their edible leaves and flowers, can brighten up your home and your plate, no matter the season. While they typically strut their stuff in the summer and fall outdoors, you can totally cultivate these beauties inside your cozy abode. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully grow nasturtiums indoors, from choosing the right variety to harvesting those delicious blooms and leaves. So, let's dive in and get our hands dirty!

Why Grow Nasturtiums Indoors?

Before we jump into the how-to, let's chat about the why. Growing nasturtiums indoors offers a bunch of awesome benefits:

• Year-Round Blooms: Say goodbye to seasonal blues! By growing nasturtiums indoors, you can enjoy their cheerful flowers and spicy foliage all year round. Imagine adding a pop of color and flavor to your winter salads – yum!
• Edible Delights: Nasturtium flowers and leaves are not just pretty; they're also edible! They have a unique peppery flavor that can add a zesty kick to salads, sandwiches, and even cocktails. Plus, they're packed with Vitamin C and other nutrients. How cool is that?
• Space Savers: If you're short on outdoor space, growing nasturtiums indoors is a fantastic option. They can thrive in containers, making them perfect for apartments, condos, or any space with limited gardening area.
• Pest Control: Nasturtiums can act as trap crops, attracting aphids and other pests away from your other precious indoor plants. It's like having a tiny, leafy bodyguard for your green companions!
• Aesthetic Appeal: Let's face it, nasturtiums are just plain gorgeous. Their vibrant flowers, which come in shades of orange, yellow, and red, can add a touch of whimsy and beauty to any room. They also look amazing cascading from hanging baskets or trailing over the edges of pots.

Choosing the Right Nasturtium Variety for Indoors

Okay, so you're sold on the idea of indoor nasturtiums. Awesome! Now, let's talk about picking the perfect variety. While all nasturtiums are lovely, some are better suited for indoor growing than others. Here's what to consider:

• Bush vs. Trailing: Nasturtiums come in two main growth habits: bush and trailing. Bush varieties are more compact and well-suited for pots, while trailing varieties are ideal for hanging baskets or allowing to cascade over the edges of containers. For indoor growing, bush varieties are generally a better choice as they take up less space.
• Compact Varieties: Look for varieties specifically bred for containers or small spaces. These tend to be more manageable indoors and less likely to outgrow their pots quickly. Some popular compact varieties include 'Tom Thumb', 'Alaska', and 'Empress of India'.
• Flower Color: Nasturtiums come in a range of colors, from vibrant orange and yellow to deep red and even creamy white. Choose a color that complements your décor and brings you joy! Think about what will make you smile every time you see it.
• Specific Cultivars: A few cultivars are particularly well-suited for indoor growing. 'Jewel Mix' is a popular choice, offering a mix of colors and a compact habit. 'Tip Top Alaska' is another great option, known for its variegated leaves and bright flowers. Do some research and see what tickles your fancy!

Getting Started: Planting Your Nasturtiums

Alright, let's get our hands dirty and plant some nasturtiums! Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Gather Your Supplies: You'll need nasturtium seeds or seedlings, a pot with drainage holes, well-draining potting mix, and a sunny spot in your home. Make sure your pot is big enough to accommodate the mature size of your chosen variety. A pot that is at least 6-8 inches in diameter is a good starting point.
2. Choose Your Potting Mix: Nasturtiums prefer well-draining soil, so avoid heavy garden soil. A good quality potting mix designed for containers is your best bet. You can also add some perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage. Nobody likes soggy roots!
3. Sowing Seeds: You can start nasturtiums from seed directly in your pot. Sow seeds about ½ inch deep and 1 inch apart. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Germination typically takes 7-10 days. Patience, young padawan!
4. Transplanting Seedlings: If you're using seedlings, gently remove them from their containers and plant them in your pot, spacing them about 4-6 inches apart. Make sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Pat the soil gently around the seedlings.
5. Watering: Water your newly planted nasturtiums thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain out of the pot. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Nasturtiums prefer slightly dry conditions, so let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings. Think of it like a little spa day for your plants – they need some hydration, but not a constant soak.
6. Light and Location: Nasturtiums need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to thrive. A south-facing window is ideal, but an east- or west-facing window can also work. If you don't have enough natural light, you can supplement with a grow light. These guys are sun-worshippers, so give them the light they crave!

Caring for Your Indoor Nasturtiums

Now that your nasturtiums are planted, it's time to learn how to keep them happy and healthy. Here are some essential care tips:

• Watering: As mentioned earlier, nasturtiums prefer slightly dry conditions. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Yellowing leaves are often a sign of overwatering, so keep an eye out for that.
• Fertilizing: Nasturtiums don't need a lot of fertilizer, but a light feeding every few weeks can help promote healthy growth and flowering. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive foliage growth and fewer flowers, so go easy on the plant food.
• Pruning: Pinching back the stems of your nasturtiums can encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Simply snip off the tips of the stems with your fingers or pruning shears. You can also remove any dead or yellowing leaves to keep your plant looking its best. It's like giving your plant a little haircut and spa treatment all in one!
• Pest Control: While nasturtiums can act as trap crops, they can still be susceptible to pests like aphids and whiteflies. Check your plants regularly for any signs of infestation. If you spot pests, you can try spraying them with insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also try attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs to your home to help control pests naturally. Think of it as enlisting a tiny army of plant protectors!
• Deadheading: To encourage continuous blooming, remove spent flowers regularly. This process, called deadheading, prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production and encourages it to produce more flowers. It's like telling your plant, "Hey, you did great, now let's make some more!"
• Temperature and Humidity: Nasturtiums prefer temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) and moderate humidity. Avoid placing them near drafts or heating vents, as this can dry them out. If your home is particularly dry, you can increase humidity by placing a tray of water near your plants or using a humidifier. They like to be cozy, but not too stuffy!

Harvesting and Using Nasturtiums

One of the best things about growing nasturtiums is that you can eat them! The flowers, leaves, and even the seed pods are edible and have a unique peppery flavor. Here's how to harvest and use them:

• Harvesting: You can harvest nasturtium flowers and leaves throughout the growing season. Pick flowers when they are fully open and leaves when they are young and tender. The seed pods can be harvested when they are green and plump.
• Using Nasturtium Flowers: Nasturtium flowers add a beautiful and spicy touch to salads, sandwiches, and even desserts. You can also use them to garnish cocktails or infuse them in vinegar or oil. They're like edible confetti for your culinary creations!
• Using Nasturtium Leaves: Nasturtium leaves have a similar peppery flavor to the flowers, but they are a bit milder. They can be used in salads, pesto, or as a substitute for watercress. They add a zesty kick to any dish!
• Using Nasturtium Seed Pods: Nasturtium seed pods can be pickled and used as a substitute for capers. They have a tangy and slightly spicy flavor that is perfect for adding a bit of zing to your meals. They're like tiny flavor bombs just waiting to explode!

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with the best care, you might encounter some problems when growing nasturtiums indoors. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

• Yellowing Leaves: Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering accordingly. If you suspect a nutrient deficiency, try fertilizing with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
• Lack of Flowers: If your nasturtiums aren't blooming, it could be due to insufficient sunlight, over-fertilizing, or high temperatures. Make sure your plants are getting enough sunlight and avoid over-fertilizing. If it's too hot, try moving them to a cooler location.
• Pests: As mentioned earlier, nasturtiums can be susceptible to pests like aphids and whiteflies. Check your plants regularly and treat any infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Leggy Growth: Leggy growth, where the stems become long and spindly, is usually a sign of insufficient light. Move your plants to a brighter location or supplement with a grow light.

Final Thoughts: Enjoying Your Indoor Nasturtium Garden

Growing nasturtiums indoors is a rewarding experience that can bring beauty, flavor, and a touch of nature into your home. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy these delightful plants all year round. So, go ahead, give it a try! You might just discover your new favorite indoor gardening obsession. And who knows, you might even impress your friends with your edible flower creations. Happy gardening, guys!