Nasturtium
should not be fertilized at all...Poorer the soil, better they will perform.
They like dry conditions.
If fed good (Water & fertilizer), they will have lot of foliage but less flowers, also because flower will be hidden under the foliage.
They make a very good Mound.
Pinching leaves will promote further bushier growth.
They can tolerate light frost.
Nasturtiums are early to flower in Spring as compared to other Spring annuals and will be last annual flowering along with plants like Petunias and statice.
Seeds should be soaked in water for few hours before sowing to enable quick germination.
Nasturtium very much dislike transplanting(unless started in individual plugs).....Sow in situ and they will amaze you with their performance.
Nasturtium benefit from deadheading. The more you deadhead, more flowers they will make till the time you are tired of deadheading
Another way of deadheading Nasturtiums is to cut back the entire plant. They will respond in a week with fresh growth. In this way their season can be further increased.
Importantly, Nasturtium seeds can be harvested at any time. They will not dry out(or take ages)....as soon as you see a green pea like seeds (pod having 3 seeds) it can be harvested and stored.
Vines or Rambler type specie is also available.
Nasturtium seeds come true.
Nastrutium seeds should not be saved in plastic bags as they contain lot of moisture. Paper envelopes/Bags serve the purpose well. Let the seeds dry at a shady place for couple of days to ensure that they are moisture free.
Nasturtiums are drought tolerant.
Nasturtium can be sown as early as October.
