Nasturtium [Tropaeolum majus]

The perennial nasturtium is a tea, vegetable and medicinal plant that has been used since the Inca civilization to treat infected wounds. A versatile plant that is used as a natural antibiotic. Ideal for direct sowing, pot culture possible, sowing spring-summer, good for mixed culture, harvesting the flowers and leaves.

 Description 
Nasturtium is an ancient perennial tea, vegetable and medicinal plant with its origins in South America. It was already known as a medicinal plant in the advanced culture of the Incas, who used it to treat infected wounds. The frost-sensitive and fast-growing plant forms entire-edged, shield-shaped, large and round leaves that spread as ground cover or climb up trellises, fences or privacy walls, reaching impressive sizes. Flowers, buds and leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. The aroma of the leaves is particularly strong with a slightly sharp and spicy taste reminiscent of mustard or cress. The young buds are edible and can be pickled in vinegar, salt and oil and eaten like capers. The ripe seeds can be dried and ground to make a seasoning powder. A classic summer bloomer that is used as a natural antibiotic.

 General information 
Plant family: Tropaeolaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 100 days
Plant height approx.: 40 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to 3°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, sandy, loamy, humus

pH value: 6 to 7

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 2-3 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 16-21 °C
Germination time: 10-21 days
Plant and row spacing: 50x100 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Potato, Pepper, Tomato, Zucchini, Fruit trees
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from February to June is recommended. The plants should ideally be located in a sunny spot and protected from the wind.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from April to May is recommended. The plants should ideally be located in a sunny spot and protected from the wind.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing.
Nasturtium ideally prefer soil that is nutrient-rich, moist, permeable and sandy, and contains loam and humus. They do not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
Summer sowing reduces aphid infestation. Higher exposure to light on the plants leads to increased flower formation, while less light leads to stronger leaf growth. A high nutrient supply promotes leaf growth. High exposure to light increases the water requirement. The rootstock survives in areas without ground frost and sprouts again in spring. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds or cuttings.

 Plant care 
Regular watering results in faster growth. Fertilizing with plant manure in the spring of the following year is recommended to encourage strong new growth.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Tropaeolum majus
English names: Nasturtium
German names: Kapuzinerkresse
Portuguese names: Capuchinha, Nasturcio
Spanish names: Capuchina
French names: Capucine

 Origin 
Country: Portugal