Growing nasturtiums in pots

 

Actually Nasturtium plants are trailing plants with big and vibrant yellow, orange, red or mahogany blooms. Nasturtium plants are a perfect fit for containers. If you are interested in growing nasturtium plant in containers, continue reading to learn how. 

How to Grow Nasturtium Plants in Pots

Growing nasturtium plants in a pot couldn’t be easier, even for kids or beginning gardeners. You can start the nasturtium plant seeds indoors about a month before the last expected frost in your area, and then easily move them into a container when they have a few sets of leaves. While occasionally finicky about transplanting, to eliminate this problem, just start the nasturtium plant seeds in peat pots. That way, you can simply pop the little peat pots directly into the larger pot without disturbing the roots. Soak the nasturtium plant seeds overnight before planting. Although soaking the nasturtium plant seeds isn’t absolutely necessary, it can speed germination time and get the nasturtiums off to a flying start. Plant the seeds directly in the pot after you’re sure all danger of frost has passed. Fill your pot with good-quality potting mix. Nasturtium in containers don’t need rich soil, so start them with a potting mix without pre-added fertilizer. Too much fertilizer can produce lots of foliage but with few blooms. Also, be sure the container has a drainage hole in the bottom. Plant a few nasturtium seeds in the container, at a depth of about ½ inch (1.27 cm.). Water lightly. Continue to water the seedlings as needed to keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy or saturated. Place the container in a warm spot where the seeds are exposed to full sunlight.

Caring for Nasturtium Plant in a Pot

Thin the tiny plants if they appear too crowded in the container; one healthy plant is plenty in a small container while a larger container may accommodate 2 or 3 plants. To thin potted nasturtium plants, just remove the weak plants and allow the stronger plants to continue growing. Once the potted nasturtium plants are up and established, you can water only when the top 2 inches (5 cm.) of the soil feels dry to the touch. Nasturtium plants are drought-tolerant and may rot in soggy soil. Keep in mind that a nasturtium plant in a pot will dry out much faster than a plant grown in the ground. Nasturtium in containers may need water every day during hot weather. If their growth appears weak, feed the container growing nasturtium plants using a very diluted solution of a general-purpose water-soluble fertilizer.