Nasturtiums, with their vibrant flowers and distinctive, peppery leaves, offer both beauty and culinary appeal. These versatile plants are well-suited for container gardening, providing color and unique foliage in confined areas. Their adaptability and ease of care make them a popular choice for patios, balconies, or small yards.
Why Nasturtiums Thrive in Containers
Nasturtiums are naturally inclined to flourish in containers due to their inherent characteristics. Their growth habits, ranging from compact forms to long, trailing vines, lend themselves well to various pot types, allowing for diverse display options. They tolerate leaner soil conditions common in containers, which promotes more blooms over excessive foliage. Their colorful, trumpet-shaped flowers and unique, round foliage also create significant aesthetic appeal.
Selecting the Perfect Container
Choosing the right container is important for nasturtiums. Traditional pots like terracotta or plastic, hanging baskets, and window boxes are suitable. Repurposed items such as old colanders, tin cans, or wooden crates also work as creative planters. Regardless of the material, proper drainage is essential; containers must have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Trailing varieties need containers at least 10-12 inches in diameter; bush varieties thrive in smaller pots, around 6-8 inches for a single plant, while larger pots or window boxes suit mass plantings.
Creative Container Planting Ideas
Nasturtiums offer numerous possibilities for creative container arrangements, allowing for diverse aesthetic and functional designs.
Solo and Mixed Plantings
Solo plantings of a single nasturtium variety create a striking focal point, especially bush types like ‘Empress of India’ or ‘Jewel Mix’ for their compact form and vibrant blooms. For mixed plantings, nasturtiums pair well with herbs such as parsley or chives, sharing similar light and watering needs. Marigolds also make good companions, complementing nasturtiums’ sunny colors and attracting beneficial insects.
Vertical Displays
Vertical displays showcase trailing nasturtiums’ cascading nature. Hanging baskets are an excellent choice, allowing vines to spill over the sides, creating a waterfall of color and foliage. Tiered planters can also be used, with nasturtiums on upper levels to drape downwards, adding depth and movement.
Edible Arrangements
Edible arrangements are a popular and practical option, combining different nasturtium varieties with other edible plants like small leafy greens for a functional and beautiful harvest. Consider combining nasturtiums with plants like lettuce or spinach in a wide container for a fresh salad garden.
Color Schemes
Color schemes enhance visual impact. Warm tones, featuring orange, yellow, and red flowers, create a cheerful display. A mix of brights, incorporating varied hues, provides a lively look. Some nasturtium varieties offer cream, salmon pink, or burgundy blooms for nuanced palettes. Planting nasturtiums with other sun-loving annuals with complementary flower colors or foliage textures also creates appealing container gardens.
Care Considerations for Container-Grown Nasturtiums
Caring for nasturtiums in containers differs from in-ground planting due to limited soil volume.
Watering
Container-grown nasturtiums require more frequent watering, as pot soil dries faster. Water thoroughly until moisture drains from the bottom, but allow the top inch or two of soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. While nasturtiums are somewhat drought-tolerant once established, consistent moisture promotes the best bloom production.
Soil and Fertilizing
Nasturtiums prefer well-draining potting mix that is not overly rich. A standard, good-quality potting mix is suitable; some gardeners amend it with grit or perlite for enhanced drainage. Avoid heavily fertilized soils, as excessive nitrogen leads to abundant foliage at the expense of flowers. Nasturtiums in containers typically need very light feeding, or none at all. If growth appears weak, a very diluted, general-purpose fertilizer can be applied sparingly.
Sunlight and Pest Management
Nasturtiums need full sun for optimal blooming, receiving at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. In extremely hot climates, afternoon shade can prevent leaf scorch. Common container pests, such as aphids, can be managed with a strong spray of water from a hose. Choosing robust varieties and ensuring good air circulation also helps deter pests.