Nasturtiums are beloved annuals, cherished for their vibrant flowers and lily pad-like foliage. While they are generally hardy, gardeners often wonder if they can survive being moved. Nasturtiums can be successfully transplanted, but they require meticulous care compared to most other annuals. Success hinges entirely on understanding their delicate root system and minimizing disturbance throughout the process.
Understanding Nasturtium’s Root Sensitivity
Nasturtiums (species of Tropaeolum) are notoriously sensitive to root disturbance, the primary cause of transplant shock. This difficulty stems from their root architecture, specifically the early development of a long, delicate taproot. This taproot acts as the plant’s main anchor and water-absorption highway, penetrating deep into the soil.
Unlike plants with a dense, fibrous root ball, the nasturtium’s taproot offers little resilience against being jostled. Damage or breakage to this main root or its fine lateral feeders severely compromises the plant’s ability to take up water and nutrients. This structural vulnerability means a minor disruption during transplanting can trigger a severe shock response. For this reason, direct sowing seeds outdoors is frequently the recommended method.
Essential Pre-Transplant Preparation
The most effective way to ensure a successful transplant is to plan ahead and prevent root damage. The best strategy is starting seeds indoors in containers that eliminate the need to physically remove the plant from its pot. Biodegradable options, such as peat or coir pots, are highly recommended because the entire container can be planted directly into the garden soil.
If moving a plant already growing in a plastic pot, prepare the new planting site first to reduce root exposure time. Choose a cooler, overcast day for the move, ideally early morning or late afternoon, to minimize heat stress. Dig the destination hole approximately twice as wide as the current root ball, providing loose soil for immediate root expansion.
Executing the Transplanting Process
Water the nasturtium thoroughly in its original container about an hour beforehand to ensure the root ball is saturated and cohesive. This saturation helps the soil cling together, creating a solid mass that is less likely to crumble during the move. For plants in standard containers, carefully invert the pot while supporting the stem and gently tap the bottom to release the root ball.
Handle the plant exclusively by its leaves or the intact root ball; never pull or hold the fragile stem, which can snap the connection to the root system. Place the entire root ball into the prepared hole, ensuring the top sits level with the surrounding garden soil. Backfill the hole with loose soil, gently firming it around the sides to eliminate air pockets.
Managing Post-Transplant Shock and Recovery
Immediate and thorough watering after planting is the first step in mitigating transplant shock, as this settles the soil and provides instant hydration. The plant will likely show signs of stress, such as wilting or drooping leaves, which is a common, temporary reaction to root disturbance. If the day is sunny, protect the freshly transplanted nasturtium by providing temporary shade for the first three to five days.
Avoid applying fertilizer for the first month, as the plant’s priority is root establishment, and nitrogen can burn stressed roots. Maintain consistent soil moisture without allowing the area to become waterlogged, which leads to root rot. Persistent wilting after the first few days may require intervention, such as trimming back larger leaves to reduce the plant’s overall water demand.