An Andean trailing annual with round shield-shaped leaves and bright orange, yellow, or red spurred flowers, all parts edible and pleasantly peppery.
Description
Nasturtium has fleshy stems, round green leaves resembling tiny lily pads, and large flowers with a long nectar spur. Climbing varieties scramble several metres up a fence in one season.
Cultivation
Easy from seed in poor soil and full sun, nasturtium dislikes rich feeding which produces lush leaves but few flowers. Hot dry summers stop bloom; cool autumns restart it.
Uses
Leaves and flowers are eaten raw in salads and add a watercress-like bite. Pickled seed pods substitute for capers. Nasturtium is also a popular trap crop for aphids and cabbage white caterpillars.
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Nasturtium starts with N and ends with M. Browse other plants along the same letter.
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