That is still not all we have to say about cucumbers. If your nasturtium hasn't started blooming within four to six weeks after sprouting, then you may need to wait for the outdoor temperatures to rise, or for weather conditions to improve. It is known to be very rich in vitamin C and is long believed to have antibiotic and healing properties. When the onion is almost translucent, finish by adding washed nasturtium leaves to gently wilt and cook. Depending on whether the nutrient is deficient in your soil, either plant may have stunted growth or perhaps die as a result. their tops. That bite is strongest in the seeds and lightest in the flowers. The blossoms can also be used as an ingredient (either whole or as petals) in salads, tea sandwiches, compound butters (how to make compound butter), or on finished omelettes. Celery is particularly vulnerable to aphids, and since nasturtium attracts pests like aphids and whiteflies away, they make a great companion pairing. Avoid planting brassicas with nightshades or mustard. They prefer full sun to a little bit of shade. Although, keep an eye on the nasturtium, as it can be a prolific grower. The flavor of the plant will actually get spicier as the day wears on, so pick early for milder tastes and later in the day for more kick. Many legumes such as clover, peas, and runner beans (along with some grasses) are also called cover crops as they are great pioneer plants for depleted soils. Garlic Avocado Pesto: Creamy and full of healthy fat, avocado is a great addition to most things. Here's how to propagate nasturtium from cuttings: Most gardeners choose to sow nasturtiums annually from seed. Select a stem from your mature nasturtium plant and cut off a 4-inch (or longer) piece with at least three leaves intact. Here are the resources we recommend. After pruning your nasturtium, it is possible, and easy, to propagate the cuttings. If the seeds come off the vine easily then they are ready to be harvested. They aid in pest prevention and draw beneficial insects, which will help you maintain the health of your garden and yard. Hi Shirley, were so pleased to hear you enjoyed our blog post and that you plan on adding nasturtiums to your garden. Begonia blossoms have a citrus-sour taste. 7 Secret Steps to Grow Roses in Pots Easy Guide, Grow Lavender in Pots 5 Important Steps. It does best in USDA hardiness zones 4-10. Fresh Nasturtium pods should be pickled immediately after harvest for the best quality and flavor. Aside from being tasty, vitamin-rich, and beautiful, nasturtiums also provide many benefits to other plants in the garden as companion plants. The Inca people consumed nasturtium in much the same way that it is used today, which is mostly in salads. As the leaves are already peppery, taste test before adding pepper. Yes, both daisies and nasturtium should do well in zone 9. These flowers are gorgeous in beds, climbing trellises, and in containers, and they provide food for your vegetable drawer. Finally, they will aid in maintaining soil moisture so that weeds around these two plants dont spread as quickly. Try planting nasturtiums with radishes if youre having difficulties growing them! Nasturtium leaves can also be stuffed and cooked like grape leaves or you can cook them down the way that spinach and other greens are cooked. If the flowers are too strong for your liking, you can remove the middle of the flower and use the petals only for a milder flavour. Nasturtium is an edible plant. AJH Trade Group is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. (via Nifty Thrify Things) 20. While any fruit tree will benefit from this flowering perennial ground cover, nasturtium grows best in USDA zones 9-11 (source), so youll likely find that tropical fruit trees are a slightly better companion than more temperate fruit trees. The seeds are composed of roughly 26 percent protein.. Add the leaves to a pasta dish in place or in addition to baby spinach. Choose 50 or 100 blossoms, leaves, or a mix. Companion planting is selecting specific plants to place together to achieve benefits, such as increasing pollination or repelling pests. In a saucepan, bring the vinegar and sugar to a gentle simmer to dissolve the sugar. Companion planting means placing different plants near one another in a garden bed for mutually beneficial reasons. Nasturtium requires well-drained soil at 6.5 pH to thrive well Full sun is needed for nasturtium flowers to bloom. Dip the cut end into rooting powder (this is not necessary, but may speed up the process). The name nasturtium is from Watercresss Latin name: Nasturtium officinale. When used as a companion in a vegetable garden, nasturtium repels whiteflies, squash bugs, aphids, several beetles species, and cabbage loopers. You can use all sizes of nasturtium leaves for the chips, but the fresher, the better. Opt for natural products, like bone meal or rock phosphate, especially if you plan on eating the flowers. All parts of the nasturtium are ediblethe leaves, the flowers, and the seeds. They are also described as tasting mildly spicy. Unfortunately, when growing nasturtiums, you may commonly have to battle pests like aphids. That means they're exhausted as soon as temperatures top 85 degrees, so grow them in early spring or fall. Nasturtium has slightly succulent stems and distinctive, rounded green leaves that resemble water lily pads. Now, lets jump into the top 10 companion plants for nasturtium. Melons, Squash From the sweet and familiar to the surprisingly savory. Wine & Food Pairing Tips You may be a red wine only drinker. 3 Cups Nasturtium leaves (25g) 2 Garlic cloves 1/3 Cup Walnuts, roasted (50g). The flower of nasturtium is milder than the leaves. I Just went an removed the seed. However, the ground will loosen naturally over time as the roots of plants penetrate it. Surprisingly, nasturtium flowers do well in relatively infertile soil with good drainage. Small brown or black spots will show on the leaves if this is the issue. You can substitute for almonds, macadamias or pine nuts. I was inspired by a Matt Preston recipe for this pesto which is amazing in pasta, topping pizza or as a dip. Roots are also great at slowing and holding groundwater. When making flavored vinegar, try using the blossoms, buds, and leaves for a peppery flavor. Picking nasturtiums to eat is as simple as plucking off flowers and leaves as needed throughout the growing season. Check out, The Top 10 Benefits of Companion Planting, The Top 10 Companion Flowers for Gardens, Vegetables, & More, Companion Planting Comfrey (Benefits, Pairings, & More), The Top 10 Companion Plants for Jasmine (Ranked), Permaculture: The Secret to Self-Sustaining Food, The 10 Best Companion Plants for Plum Trees, How to Grow Apple Trees A Beginners Guide, 3 Quick Steps to Revive A Dying Blackberry Bush . Mint spreads quickly and can smother nearby plants, especially nasturtiums. Wash the nasturtium leaves and drain off the excess water. Also, if youre using your nasturtium to make salads, radishes will make a great addition! If you grow enough, you can do both. Theyll quickly regrow new carrot roots! These nematodes often afflict home gardens and have no available chemical pesticide. Flowers can be eaten as buds or when in full bloom, but the leaves have the best flavor when young and tender, so pick off newer growth for culinary uses. If they start to go limp, you may be able to refresh them by dipping them briefly in ice water right before serving. Nasturtiums will survive moderate droughts, but blooms will likely diminish and the foliage will begin to look spindly. Then lay them out on paper towel so they are not touching each other. "Taste is the sensation reported by our tongue: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, umami and fat. If arugula is not your best bet or just unavailable in your area, you can substitute it with other leafy vegetables instead. The blooms fall into the category of edible flower along with other examples like violet and viola flowers. You can add the nasturtium leaves to any meal where you would normally use leafy greens. Nasturtium also grows great in the partial shade of fruit trees. Earlier in the morning, they will still be plump with water with a milder flavour. Nasturtium is an edible plant. Nasturtiums are plants that are often used as trap crops for attracting aphids or squash bugs. Other companions for cucumbers include corn, dill, legumes, and marigolds. Monet also had them growing in his garden. Great information I will use this wonderful plants in my garden next year thankyou. Is that the big seed that you get at the end? The microgreen nasturtium leaves are packed with nutrition, containing high vitamin C levels, manganese, iron, flavonoids, and beta carotene. For an extra sweet touch, dried nasturtium flowers can be coated in egg white and sprinkled with caster sugar to crystallize. Avoid planting other ground covers like sweet potatoes and strawberries. Happy gardening! Luckily, marigolds, are natural repellents against nematodes because they produce a substance calledalpha-terthienyl, which is deadly for the nematodes. PAIRING GUIDE MANGO FLAVOR Use this handy guide to create distinctive dishes, memorable menus and a world of variety with fresh mango. Related reading: How To Grow A Lemon Tree With Prolific Fruit At Home. Once fermented, the pods will keep 1 to 2 years when stored in the refrigerator. Tuberous Begonias (Begonia X tuberosa) - The leaves, flowers, and stems are edible. Nasturtiums are the highest plant source of lutein, a carotenoid phytonutrient believed to be. Nasturtiums are a cool-season annual. Fortunately, its easy to grow nasturtiums. They will grow in partial shade (3-6 hours of sunlight), but won't bloom as well. Rose simple syrup: Mix equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Plus, all of them provide food! Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep. Nasturtium meaning: Nasturtium meaning: conquest, courage and patriotism. If you know how to grow flowers from seeds, the basic principles for nasturtiums are much the same. You said that the seeds of the plant can even be harvested and used much like a caper would be used in the culinary world. Nasturtium is an annual that you can grow for pretty foliage, climbing cover, and pretty flowers, but it can also be eaten. The cranberries will become noticeably softer over time. Both the flowers and leaves of the nasturtium are tasty eaten raw and fresh. Linnaeus thought the leaves of the nasturtium plant looked like shields and its flowers like helmets stained with blood. Nasturtium, Beetroot, and Walnut Summer Salad, Tomato Nasturtium Salad with Dates and Pistachios, Summer Salad with Nasturtium Leaves and Flowers, Asparagus & Nasturtium Salad with Crispy Egg, Mixed Green Salad with Nasturtium Vinaigrette, Herbed Omelette with Griddled Courgette, Halloumi, and Nasturtiums, Zucchini Crust Flatbread with Asparagus & Nasturtium, Grilled Corn with Nasturtium Emulsion and Flowers, Nasturtium and Fried Rosemary Chevre Spread, Gluten-Free Edible Flower Pistachio Shortbread Cookies, Dragons Bread with Smoky Paprika and Nasturtium, How to Eat Lilacs (and Other Ways to Use Them), 60+ Ways to Use Dandelions for Food and Medicine, Best (and Worst) Emergency Food Suppliers (2022 Update), Foraging and Using Spicebush (Lindera benzoin). Sage Plant near: cabbage. A cool fact about nasturtium is that its long flowers dont produce glucose like other flowering plants, but sucrose (which is way sweeter and attracts more pollinators!). However, if planted too close together the nasturtium could be crowding on the roses, blocking sunlight and taking away any nutrients in the soil. They will grow in partial. Start trimming your nasturtiums within 1-2 months of planting them with a pair of hand pruners. Brassicas are a huge friend and companion to nasturtium. For outdoor planting, sow seeds directly into soil that is at least 55 to 65 F, and plant them 1/2 inch deep and 10 to 12 inches apart. Allow each plant to grow up to 4 leaves. Pruning your plant may also help if you planted a variety that holds flowers under its leaves. Nasturtium flowers make a wonderful sandwich garnish. Firstly, yes, you can eat nasturtium. Herbs such as rosemary, dill and sage help repel pests with their distinct aromas. I was told they are the three little pods on the stem which I see very few of, and you should let them ripen by turning dark at which time they easily fall off. Fill the pot with potting soil. It's also nice with sweet wines such as moscato. Quickly chop up a table-spoon of. Reduce Coughs and Bronchitis . Add the bay leaf and any other optional flavor enhances (mentioned above). Along with tomatoes, cucumbers, bean plants, and nasturtiums, squash makes an excellent companion plant. Keep your plants adequately watered, especially when it is hot outside, to avoid the stress that changes the flavor of the leaves and blooms. And when you are ready to grow them yourself, you might like to read our article How to Grow Nasturtium in the Vegetable Garden. Broccoli loves plenty of calcium. Nasturtiums improve radishes' flavor. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. In most climates, nasturtiums are considered an annual and only last for one growing season. You can try replacing the nasturtium with other companion plants like yarrow or coreopsis, these are known to grow well with roses. How to Grow Nasturtium in the Vegetable Garden, How To Grow A Lemon Tree With Prolific Fruit At Home. Health concerns: Nasturtium contains oxalic acid, which binds with certain minerals and reduces their absorption. Keep in mind that carrots need rich, loose, and well-draining soil. This plant prefers almost sandy soil, so make sure there is ample drainage in the location you select. Drain and set aside. The corn provides a trellis for the beans to climb, the squash provides a ground cover, and the beans fix nitrogen in the soil. In Zones 2 to 8, plant them after the last spring frost for spring and early summer flowers. She has 30 years of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! In general, nasturtium flowers tend to the hot end of the color spectrum. Once planted, nasturtiums generally takes care of themselves, requiring the same amount of water as you would give surrounding plants. Nasturtiums begin to bloom when temperatures rise, so make sure your plant is in a sunny, warm location to assure maximum color. Wildflowers aredefinedasany flower that has not been genetically manipulated (source). You can also get a jump start on growing nasturtium plants by starting seeds indoors 4-6 weeks prior to the last frost and plant seedlings directly in the ground after hardening and after all danger of frost as passed. Nasturtiums are cheerful, versatile, and rewarding plants to add to any garden landscape. Wildflowers alsoattract beneficial insect predatorssuch as birds, ladybugs, and beneficial wasps, which naturally keep pest populations down. The seeds form after the flower has finished, so you may have to decide if you want to eat the flower or wait for the seed. Get Our FREE Top 5 Essential Tips For Successful Edible Gardening! Nasturtiums make excellent plant companions. However, brassicas are fairly vulnerable to pests, which is where nasturtium can help. The plant was brought to Spain in the 16th century by Nicolas Monardes, a Spanish physician and botanist. If your plant's foliage looks crinkled, or otherwise unhealthy, aphids might be the problem. Part of theCindermintfamily: PepperScale,SPICEography, andFiery Flavors. Its plant is edible in its entirety, making a cheerful addition to any salad, soup, or on summer plates and desserts. Soil should be well-draining. Nasturtiums grow exceptionally well in containers, spread amply as a groundcover, and add height and dimension on vertical structures. This plant grows best in soil with a neutral pH (6 to 8) and can tolerate dry conditions, although a moderate amount of moisture is appreciated. In my research for nasturtium companion plants, Ive found many instances of gardeners mentioning their cucumbers have improved flavor and growth by planting nasturtium with it. Nasturtium is a self-sowing flower and drops its seeds on the ground each season. Jewel Mix - Jewel mix will sprawl but doesn't vine. The fruiting varieties of nightshade also attract pollinators for nasturtium. Here are some other beneficial flowers for nasturtium: Any of the above flowers work great as a companion plant for just about any fruit, vegetable, or herb plant. High temperatures and dry air are known to cause roses to wilt, so can too much watering. Full sun to part shade is the best exposure for nasturtiums. Because of this small overlap in climate between celery and nasturtium, if youre not in a tropical climate (zones 9-11) youll likely need to grow these two plants as annuals. Best of luck with your nasturtiums, we hope transplanting them is helpful. I fin$ the seed extremely difficult to harvest. Avoid planting with other ground covers. Give at least 5 to 10 feet between your nasturtiums and any rows of broccoli or cabbage you wish to grow. They grow exceptionally well in average to poor, well-draining soil with an optimal pH of 6.5. I have always been interested in natural foods like plants and flowers and this was very useful! 2/3 Cup Parmesan cheese (50g) 1/3 Cup Extra virgin olive oil (80ml) 1/2 Lemon, jucied Salt and pepper to taste Instructions Wash the nasturtium leaves and drain off the excess water. Plant climbing nasturtium seeds a 1/2 inch deep and space them 10 to 12 inches apart at the base of a trellis, fence, or other structure. Oxalic acid can also cause other problems like kidney stones and gout. Well, thats exactly what got me excited about growing my own food. By the end of this course, youll have createda detailed plan for your homestead, including optimal selection and placement for crops, livestock, and infrastructure. Radishes also contribute to the healthy and virulent-free maintenance of the soil. Of course, since marigolds are flowering plants, their appearance and nectar also attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which benefit nasturtiums. Whole Viola flowers should be used immediately for the best quality and flower and will keep 2 to 6 days when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. They prefers daytime temperatures in the 70s F and can survive a light frost, but not a cold freeze. A note on flavor: While many articles, books and blogs on the internet use the term mild to describe the peppery spicy flavor of nasturtium, there are people who find that the taste nearly knocks them over. However, nasturtium can compete with cucumbers if theyre both allowed to grow along the ground. You may also want to grow a new plant from a cutting if a large portion breaks off or if you want to replant the same variety in another part of your garden. Reduce to a simmer and stir in dried or fresh rose petals. Soil should be well drained and not overly fertile. Genus Name. Another wonderful thing about nasturtiums is that they thrive in poor soil and don't need much babysitting at all. Additionally, as celery prefers plenty of water to grow, the ground cover and water retention from nasturtium go a long way. Simply put the seeds of both plants in the same garden bed to grow cucumbers and nasturtiums together. It is best to start growing nasturtium in an area with full sun that receives a minimum of 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. After soil calculation results select bag size to match size of soil bag you will use for your project. Seeds can besown directlyin the garden once thesoil haswarmed,or started indoors two to four weeks before the average last spring frost date. They prefer full sun to a little bit of shade. Can I plant nasturtium with Beach Sun Daises in zone 9? Soil should be well drained and not overly fertile. As a result, these two are one of the BEST companion plant pairings out there. With some trial and error, I learned that the best way to make sure food was fresh was to grow it myself. See our Edible Flower Guide , Choose 100 - 400 blossoms | Free Shipping, Customers who bought this item also bought, Approximately 800 microflowers | Free Shipping, Choose 50 or 100 blossoms | Free Shipping, Marx Companies, LLC, dba MarxFoods.com - All Rights Reserved. The flowers are the most mild component of the flower, and obviously add lovely, bright colors (often reds and oranges), while the leaves offer a deep, earthy green. All parts of the nasturtium plant are edible: flowers, leaves, stems and young seed pods (mature seed pods have a very hard, unpleasant seed inside). The nasturtium is used with root and leaf. It can be infused in teas, cocktails, and desserts. Let us know if you have any questions. (via Kitchnn) 19. This antioxidant is associated with improving and maintaining eye and skin health. Nasturtium flowers also contain vitamin C. Just 100 grams of flowers contain roughly 130 milligrams of vitamin C.. You can substitute for almonds, macadamias or pine nuts. Hey, I'm Tyler Ziton. For the kumquat, there is a clear emphasis on bitterness. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Nasturtium leaves can also be tossed in salads, stuffed like grape leaves, or used (chopped) to top finished dishes (particularly soups or egg dishes) as you would microgreens. But there are a lot of factors to consider when buying, cleaning and cooking sardines, so we turned to two expert chefsJames Kelly of Lupa and George Mendes of now-defunct One Star Aldea, both in New York City . nasturtium leaves and . The next great plant in our list of the best nasturtium companion plants is the cucumber. Nasturtium plants grow full, with rounded leaves and colored blooms peeking out behind their greenery. Your livestock gets free food, many pests are deterred, and your nasturtium gets an amazing fertilizer in the form of manure. Get garden plans, the latest tips, and more from our gardening experts. Drain and transfer to ice-water bath until cool. Avoid planting carrots near radish, parsnip, and dill. After a decade of health issues, I found the only thing I needed was to eat fresh food. Traditional uses for nasturtium in Central and South America included as an expectorant and a disinfectant. And you can too with just a few tips here, so lets get started! Incorporate the nasturtium into meals for a peppery flavor. So are you saying seen is in the bloom? Theyve even been shown to increase crop yields. (50g). If you use our referring links, it costs you nothing extra. Root rot can also affect nasturtium if the soil is water logged. These vibrant bloomers are remarkably drought-tolerant, but for a more robust plant with plentiful blooms and lush foliage, it is best to keep them hydrated and to pinch off any spent leaves and flowers to keep them looking in prime shape. In the spring I planted 4 climbing roses at the base of pillars. After that, soak the seeds for 2-4 hours in warm water. Select a stem from your mature nasturtium plant and cut off a 4-inch (or longer) piece with at least three leaves intact. Nasturtiums also assist to enrich the soil, keep rabbits and deer away, and enhance the flavor of your meals! Spicing It Up With Exotic Culinary Herbs: Exotic Herbs To Grow In Your Garden, Nasturtium Flowers - How To Grow Nasturtiums, Nasturtiums As Pest Control Planting Nasturtiums For Pest Management, Southern Flowering Shrubs and Evergreen Bushes, Gardening For Bees In Nebraska And West North Central Region, Ornamental Grasses Ohio Valley Gardeners Should Grow, Making Beets Sweet: Tips For Growing Beets That Are Sweeter, Aleppo Pine Information: How To Grow An Aleppo Pine Tree, Oxblood Lily Info: How To Grow Oxblood Lilies In The Garden, What Is Boxwood Decline: Learn How To Treat Boxwood Decline, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. Some edible flowers may wilt or change color when exposed to vinegar, so if using a vinegar-based dressing on salads containing edible flowers, test it on a few . Rosemary-Tomato Pesto: Sun-dried tomatoes and fresh rosemary keep the classic Italian taste that comes with traditional pesto but add an exciting new flavor twist. Im having a hardtime with my nustrutiums. When grown on a trellis, cucumbers benefit nasturtium by creating partial shade, attracting pollinators, and deterring some pests with their spiky leaves and fruit. Gather garden sheers, a pot with drainage holes, potting soil, and rooting hormone powder (optional). In this way, you can think of nasturtium as a trap or sacrifice plant for pests. The leaves are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber and folate.. For this reason, tree or bush legumes such as pigeon peas often work best. Plants with abundant foliage but no blooms may be an indicator of rich soil conditions. Nasturtiums are grown in the flower garden for their array of bright colors. Additionally, avoid vining plants such as squash, zucchini, and grapesunless you provide a vertical trellis for them. For best results, provide celery with at least 6 hours of sun and some afternoon shade. Its a great community where beginning to advanced gardeners share tips, ask questions, and help one another with their gardens. Nasturtium LeavesDark green with white lines drawing into their centers, nasturtium leaves have more bite than the blossoms, they can also be used as a garnish or as a salad green as part of a mix. The flowers are great for eating but also for decorating. You can minimize or prevent the problem by providing ample airflow between plants and watering with drip irrigation, as opposed to sprinklers, as this condition spreads by splashing water. I love the information on nasturtiums. Seedlings should emerge in 7-12 days. But can you eat it? Heres a list of the benefits that gardens gain from companion planting: For more about the benefits of companion planting, check out my other post: The Top 10 Benefits of Companion Planting. When to eat & gift: When you're on the verge of achieving a big dream, eat some nasturtiums to manifest your heart's greatest desires.An arrangement of nasturtiums will always be a great choice as a celebratory gift or award, and it can also . They also help other plants by repelling pests such as cucumber beetles and other squash pests (source). Because they make excellent ground cover, nasturtiums prevent water from splashing back on the low-hanging tomato and pepper leaves. Additionally, if you grow nasturtiums and tomatoes together, your tomatoes may experience blossom end rot as a result of too much moisture near the end of their fruiting season. The sooner you use them, though, the fresher they will look. As the nasturtiums are getting bigger and starting to climb the pillars the roses are all starting to wilt. Lets take a closer look. While nasturtium provides a ground cover for nightshade plants, nightshades benefit nasturtium by providing an understory layer (see the graphic above for a visual). This site is the place where I share everything I've learned to help you get moving on your homesteading journey. Using synthetic fertilizers is usually not recommended, as many gardeners grow them to eat. Here's how to propagate nasturtium from cuttings: Gather garden sheers, a pot with drainage holes, potting soil, and rooting hormone powder (optional). However, its a good idea to keep an eye on the radishes until theyre more mature. These herbaceous flowers are native to South and Central America and known for their rich, saturated, jewel-toned colors. Beans Broccoli Cabbage Cucumber Radish Squash Strawberry In most areas, though, nasturtiums are a single-season planting that has a bit of longevity. Be sure its not shading or encroaching on the daisies, blocking them from getting sun. It can improve your immune system, stopping sore throats, coughs, and colds, as well as bacterial and fungal infections. You can find packets of seeds in a variety of sizes at True Leaf Market and from Eden Brothers. If you live in a tropical climate where freezes never come, plant them in the fall for winter blooms. However, nasturtium can be easily grown as an annual in colder climates (as well as in containers). Heres what I found. This amazing plant has many other companions too! Business Solutions; PC Repair; Apple Repair; Networking; Data Recovery Services This was very informational! (And How to Eat Them), Eating Purslane the Edible Weed (with Recipe Ideas), How to Grow Cucumbers: Planting, Growing and Harvesting, Tomato Growing Problems Solved: Common Pests and Diseases. Besides its boastful blooms and natural benefits, nasturtiums offer another reward to gardeners in the form of seed production. Nasturtium was documented by English herbalist John Gerard in 1597. Since nasturtium leaves keep their flavoring as they mature, we can let the plants grow a few leaves before harvesting. If you are lucky enough to live in planting zones 9, 10, or 11, many nasturtium varieties can be treated as perennial plants, returning again and again with happy colors. To plant out seedlings, wait until all possibilities of frost have passed.