How To Grow Nasturtiums in Australia


Getting Started with Nasturtiums

If you're looking to add a vibrant and easy-to-grow plant to your garden in Australia, nasturtiums are an excellent choice. These colourful flowers not only brighten up any space but also offer a range of benefits to both your garden and your plate. In this section, we will explore how to get started with growing nasturtiums, including choosing the right varieties and considering the Australian climate.

Choosing the Right Varieties

Nasturtiums come in a variety of cultivars, each with its own unique characteristics and growth habits. When selecting nasturtium seeds or seedlings, consider factors such as flower color, plant size, and growth habit. Some popular varieties include:

  • Tropaeolum majus: This is the most common species of nasturtium, available in a wide range of colours such as orange, yellow, and red. It produces large, round leaves and vibrant flowers.
  • Tropaeolum minus: Also known as the dwarf nasturtium, this variety is perfect for smaller gardens or containers. It features smaller leaves and flowers in a range of colours.
  • Tropaeolum peregrinum: Commonly known as the canary creeper, this variety produces delicate, yellow flowers and has a trailing or climbing habit. It can add a vertical element to your garden.

Consider the space available in your garden, as well as your aesthetic preferences, when choosing the right varieties of nasturtiums to grow.

Nasturtiums and Australian Climate

Nasturtiums are well-suited to the Australian climate, particularly in temperate and subtropical regions. They thrive in warm weather and can tolerate a range of conditions. Whether you live in a coastal area with mild winters or an inland region with hotter summers, nasturtiums can be a great addition to your garden.

These flowers prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade as well. They are known for their ability to adapt to various soil types, making them a versatile choice for different regions across Australia. However, it's important to ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.

Nasturtiums can be grown year-round in many parts of Australia, but they tend to bloom most prolifically during the warmer months. By choosing the right varieties and providing them with the ideal growing conditions, you can enjoy a stunning display of colourful flowers in your garden.

Now that you've learned about choosing the right varieties of nasturtiums and considering the Australian climate, it's time to move on to the next step: planting your nasturtiums. In the next section, we will explore how to select the perfect spot for your plants and prepare the soil for optimal growth. Stay tuned!


Planting Nasturtiums

To successfully grow nasturtiums in Australia, it's important to select the perfect spot for planting and prepare the soil adequately.

Selecting the Perfect Spot

When choosing a spot for your nasturtiums, look for an area that receives full sun or partial shade. Nasturtiums thrive in bright sunlight, but they can tolerate some shade as well. Ensure that the spot you choose provides at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Consider the soil drainage as well. Nasturtiums prefer well-draining soil to prevent waterlogged roots. If your garden has heavy clay soil, it's recommended to improve the drainage by adding organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure.

Preparing the Soil

Preparing the soil before planting is essential for the healthy growth of your nasturtiums. Follow these steps to ensure optimal soil conditions:

  1. Clear the area: Remove any weeds, rocks, or debris from the planting area. This will provide a clean space for your nasturtiums to grow without competition.
  2. Loosen the soil: Use a garden fork or a tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of about 6-8 inches. This helps create a loose soil structure that allows the roots to penetrate easily and access nutrients and water.
  3. Amend the soil: If the soil is poor in organic matter, incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the topsoil. This improves the soil's fertility, water-holding capacity, and overall structure. Aim to mix the organic matter evenly throughout the planting area.
  4. Level the soil: Smooth out the soil surface, ensuring it is even and free from any large clumps or depressions. This provides a stable base for planting your nasturtium seeds or seedlings.

By selecting the perfect spot and preparing the soil properly, you are setting the stage for healthy and vibrant nasturtium plants. In the next section, we will delve into the specifics of nurturing your nasturtiums, including watering and fertilization techniques.

Nurturing Nasturtiums

To ensure healthy growth and vibrant blooms, proper care and maintenance are essential for nurturing your nasturtiums. Paying attention to watering and drainage, as well as providing adequate fertilisation, will help your nasturtiums thrive in your Australian garden.

Watering and Drainage

When it comes to watering your nasturtiums, it's important to strike a balance. These plants prefer moderate watering and can tolerate short periods of drought. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues, so it's crucial to avoid waterlogged soil.

Water your nasturtiums when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Aim to provide them with about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week. However, adjust the frequency and amount based on your specific climate and soil conditions.

To promote proper drainage, ensure that your planting location has well-draining soil. If your soil tends to retain too much moisture, you can amend it by adding compost or organic matter to improve drainage.

Fertilising Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are relatively low-maintenance plants and do not require excessive fertilisation. However, providing them with a balanced and organic fertiliser can support their growth and blooming potential.

Fertilise your nasturtiums with a slow-release organic fertiliser during the initial planting stage. This will provide nutrients gradually over time. Alternatively, you can use a liquid fertiliser diluted according to the manufacturer's instructions for regular feeding.

Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production. Follow the recommended application rates and frequency specified on the fertiliser packaging.

Remember to always carefully read and follow the instructions provided by the fertiliser manufacturer. Additionally, consider conducting a soil test to determine any specific nutrient deficiencies that may require targeted fertilisation.

By paying attention to watering and drainage, as well as providing appropriate fertilization, you can ensure that your nasturtiums receive the care they need to thrive in your Australian garden. For more tips on growing various vegetables and herbs, check out our other articles such as how to grow samphire in Australia and how to grow marigold in Australia.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Growing nasturtiums in Australia can be a rewarding experience, but like any plant, they can face certain challenges. In this section, we will discuss two common issues that you may encounter when growing nasturtiums: pests and diseases and dealing with overgrowth.

Pests and Diseases

Nasturtiums are generally known for their resilience and ability to deter pests, making them a great choice for organic gardeners. However, like any other plant, they can still fall victim to certain pests and diseases. Here are some common ones to watch out for:

Pests:

  • Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can cluster on the leaves and stems, sucking the sap and causing distortion. Regularly inspect your plants and use natural methods, such as spraying with a mixture of water and mild soap, to control aphids.
  • Cabbage White Butterflies: The caterpillars of these butterflies can cause significant damage by eating the leaves. Handpicking the caterpillars or using organic insecticides can help manage the infestation.
  • Slugs and Snails: These slimy creatures are attracted to the young shoots and leaves of nasturtiums. Use organic slug pellets or create barriers, such as copper tape, to protect your plants.

Diseases:

  • Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. Improving air circulation around the plants, avoiding overhead watering, and applying organic fungicides can help control powdery mildew.
  • Black Spot: Black spots with yellow halos on the leaves are signs of this fungal disease. Remove and dispose of affected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply organic fungicides to manage black spot.

Regularly inspecting your nasturtiums for pests and diseases, practising good garden hygiene, and using organic control methods can help keep these issues at bay. If you need more information on dealing with pests and diseases in your garden, check out our article on how to grow marigold,  in Australia.

Dealing with Overgrowth

Nasturtiums are known for their vigorous growth and can sometimes become too abundant. If your nasturtiums are taking over your garden or spreading beyond their designated area, here are a few tips to manage their overgrowth:

  • Pruning: Regularly trim back the trailing stems and remove any dead or damaged leaves to keep the plants in control.
  • Containment: Consider growing nasturtiums in pots or containers to restrict their growth. This can help prevent them from spreading excessively and taking over other plants.
  • Thinning: If your nasturtiums are overcrowded, thin them out by removing some of the plants. This will allow the remaining ones to thrive and have ample space to grow.

By taking proactive measures to manage overgrowth, you can ensure that your nasturtiums stay well-behaved and maintain a balanced garden ecosystem. For more tips on growing and maintaining a variety of vegetables and herbs, check out our other articles in our A-Z guides.

Harvesting and Using Nasturtiums

Once your nasturtium plants have matured, it's time to reap the rewards of your gardening efforts. In this section, we will explore when and how to harvest nasturtiums, as well as some creative ways to use them.

When to Harvest Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are best harvested when the flowers are fully bloomed and the leaves are vibrant and healthy. The timing will vary depending on the specific variety and growing conditions, but as a general guideline, you can start harvesting nasturtiums approximately 8 to 12 weeks after planting the seeds.

To harvest the flowers, simply pinch them off at the base of the stem. For the leaves, you can either snip them off individually or gently remove the whole stem. Remember to harvest the nasturtiums in the morning when the plants are well-hydrated, as this helps to preserve their freshness and flavour.



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