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Garden Nasturtium Wikimedia Commons
Tropaeolaceae

Garden Nasturtium

Tropaeolum majus

Patriotism and conquest.

Family
Tropaeolaceae
Genus
Tropaeolum
Native to
Peru, Colombia, Bolivia
Bloom season
Summer, Fall
Type
Annual
Height
30-300 cm (trailing)
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Poor to average, well-draining
Water
Low to moderate
Hardiness
2-11
Lifespan
Annual

Did you know

  • All parts of the plant are edible, with a peppery flavor similar to watercress.
  • The round leaves look like small shields and the flowers resemble helmets, which inspired the Latin name Tropaeolum (trophy).
  • Nasturtiums are excellent companion plants, attracting aphids away from vegetable crops.
  • The immature seed pods can be pickled and used as a substitute for capers.
  • Monet famously grew nasturtiums along the main path of his garden at Giverny.

Color meanings

0

Victory in battle

1

Conquest

2

Patriotism

Uses

  • Edible flowers
  • Companion planting
  • Salads
  • Container gardening
  • Ground cover