Nasturtiums are an amazing plant that every gardener should have. Firstly they are super easy to grow, fast growing, need very little attention, and are extremely hardy. They are an attractive flowering perennial with a spreading habit getting to 40cm high an abundance of edible yellow-orange flowers produced throughout winter and spring.
Every part of the nasturtium is edible. The leaves and flowers have a mildly peppery flavour that is sweetish (similar to watercress). They are packed with vitamin C and contain manganese, iron, flavonoids, vitamins B1, B2, B3, calcium and beta carotene.
Nasturtiums flowers have a long medicinal history as well. They’re known as an expectorant and disinfectant with antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antibiotic properties. These properties make it useful at treating mild infections and disinfecting wounds and cuts, also try using nasturtiums to coughs, colds, and other respiratory issues.
When the flower dies off, a seed head forms. The seed head also tastes peppery. Every flower produces 2-3 new pale green seeds. If you don’t pick and save these, they will voluntarily drop to the ground and self-sow.
You can get your Nasturtium Flower seeds here.
Good companion plant and ground cover for growing amongst fruit trees or in the vegetable garden. Flowers and leaves can be used in salads.
For great ideas and recipes check out: https://practicalselfreliance.com/.
