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The nasturtium has the botanical name Tropaeolum, it can be sown and cultivated both outdoors and on the balcony. The annual plant not only provides a beautiful color with its bright flowers and lush green leaves, both parts of the plant are also very tasty and completely suitable for consumption. Not only is sowing very easy to do, the plant is also easy to care for and quickly grows vigorously.
Sowing outdoors
Sowing the nasturtium is not particularly difficult, so even beginners should be able to do it without any problems. The seeds required for this can be obtained from well-stocked garden stores. Anyone who plants the tropaeolum in your neighborhood or in a circle of friends may be able to spare a few seeds if asked kindly.
The plant looks very nice in a cottage garden next to other herbs and useful plants, especially because of the bright and colorful flowers. There are varieties with different flower colors and different sizes to choose from. Since the plant is not frost hardy, it is better to sow the nasturtium later in spring. Otherwise, ground frosts that set in relatively late can cause damage. In extremely cold temperatures, the still young and relatively tender young plants can even die completely.
- Half shade to full sun is ideal
- Prefers permeable and loose soil quality
- Sow outdoors from mid-April to mid-May
- Always wait for the ice saints at higher altitudes
- Seeds are relatively large, easy to stick in soil
- Do it either individually or in pairs
- Keep a distance of about 20 to 30 cm
- Insert seeds about 2 to 3 cm deep
- Cover with enough soil
- Plant belongs to the dark germs
- Always keep seeds well moist, but avoid waterlogging
- The first seedlings appear after about 10 to 20 days
Tip: If the nasturtium is to bloom and thrive in the garden very early, then pre-cultivation from February to March in a warm indoor area or in a greenhouse is recommended.
Sowing on the balcony
Cultivation of the nasturtium in a planter on the balcony is also possible without any problems. However, it should be considered when sowing that the tropaeolum grows strongly in width. Therefore, the size of the container should be chosen carefully to ensure that the plant has enough space to develop undisturbed. Once sown outdoors, the young plants should ideally remain in the same location and be able to thrive there in peace. The plant does not like too many changes of location and does not tolerate them well.
In this process, too, it should be borne in mind that the nasturtium does not like cold temperatures. Therefore, in cool weather conditions, pre-breeding in closed rooms is advisable. Small varieties of nasturtium with a wide variety of flower colors are ideal for planting on balconies, as the large specimens need a lot of space and climbing aids.
- Soak the seeds in a water bath for a few hours beforehand
- Large tubs and wide flower boxes are ideal
- Fill loose and nutrient-rich substrate in planters
- Plant 2 to 3 seeds about 3 cm deep in each pot
- Then sprinkle a thin layer of substrate on top
- Then slightly moisten the seeds and soil
- Then place the pots in a bright spot on the balcony
- Alternatively, place on the windowsill in cold weather
- The ideal temperature for germination is between 18° and 22° C
- Keep the substrate moderately moist during this period
- Water the seedlings regularly later on
Notice: To help when sowing the nasturtium, you can cover the pots with cling film and fix the film with a rubber band. This creates a mini greenhouse, but regular airing is required to prevent mold growth.