How to Grow Nasturtiums in Perth WA

Name: Baileys Fertilisers
Address: Perth, Western Australia
Telephone: (08) 9439 1688

Author

Baileys Fertiliser

Published

7 July 2023

Flowers & Ornamentals

Nasturtiums are known for their bright, colourful flowers that come in a variety of shades, including yellow, orange, red and pink. They are easy to grow and can thrive in most conditions.

Both the flowers and leaves of nasturtiums are edible and have a peppery flavour, they are a good source of vitamins A and C and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They can also be used as a natural insect repellent.

Nasturtiums have been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments, including colds, flu, sore throats, and coughs. As Perth temperatures plummet this winter help boost your immune system with Nasturtium tea, simply steep the leaves or flowers of nasturtiums in hot water for 5-10 minutes, strain & enjoy!

How to Plant Nasturtiums

Choose a sunny spot in your garden. Nasturtiums need full sun to flower their best.

Before planting, enrich the soil with Baileys Soil Improver Plus which contains compost and manure that will encourage strong and healthy growth. If you have very sandy soils, use Baileys Clay & Compost. If growing in pots or tubs, choose Baileys Veg & Herb Premium Planting mix.

Nasturtiums are best sown directly in the garden in Perth in early spring, once the soil has warmed up to at least 16 degrees. You can also start nasturtium seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. Sow the seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart.

Nasturtiums need regular water, especially during the first few weeks after planting. Once they are established, they can tolerate some drought.

How to Care for Nasturtiums

Once the plants are established, water them deeply once a week. Use an organic-based fertiliser such as Baileys Soil Matters Garden or Blood & Bone Mix every 4-6 weeks.

Deadheading regularly will encourage more flowers to bloom.

Nasturtiums are generally pest- and disease-free. However, they can be susceptible to aphids and powdery mildew. If you see any pests or diseases, treat them immediately.

Nasturtiums are a good companion plant for tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans. They help to deter pests and attract pollinators.

Varieties of Nasturtiums

Trailing nasturtiums are the most common type of nasturtium grown in Perth. They are vines that can grow up to 6 feet long and have bright, colourful flowers. Trailing nasturtiums are a great choice for hanging baskets, trellises, and fences.

Bush nasturtiums grow to be about 12-18 inches tall and have smaller flowers than trailing nasturtiums, but they are just as colourful. Bush nasturtiums are a good choice for containers and small gardens.

Canary creeper is a trailing variety that is native to South America. It has bright yellow flowers that are fringed with orange.

Ornamental nasturtium is a bush variety that has bright yellow flowers with a white centre.

Jewel of Africa is a trailing variety that has variegated leaves and blooms in red, gold, yellow, cream, or peach.

Nasturtiums can be seen around Perth throughout the spring, especially on banks in larger gardens and adjacent to the Rivers Swan and Canning. Share your Nasturtium photos and growing tips with us @baileysgrowsgardens.