I sowed two varieties of nasturtium seeds on June 20th, 7 weeks ago. All the seeds germinated by day 10 and now after 49 days of coddling, these are the survivors and thrivers. Several plants succumbed to heat-stroke and a couple provided tasty munching for plump worm-like bugs that I hope were, in turn, food for the birds. I also harvested a few leaves to add a peppery flavour to salad.
Today I observed lot of leaves and a few buds. Flowering is supposed to begin within 10 weeks of sowing. When the first flowers appear, I will write up the results of this “experiment” in late season sowing and growing in small containers. I recall reading somewhere that nasturtiums like to put their roots deep and wide so I think they are probably too cramped. I may also have used soil that is a bit too rich — it contains my mom’s superb compost.
Here are the two dominant puppies in the litter:
I love nasturtiums but can never manage to prevent infestations of blackfly, and I won’t use insecticide. Any tips gratefully received!
Hello, nice Tess — yes, I read your blog this morning. Good for you. I agree with the award.
I think I’ve been more lucky than smart with nasturtiums. Usually I am plagued by blackflies and aphids.
My mom’s nasturtiusm succumbed to blackfly a couple of weeks ago and we’re growing our plants under similar conditions. I check mine several times a day. I also ensure they have good air circulation.
I do use the squish method (application of extreme thumb and finger pressure) to rid my plants of bugs. Like you, I don’t use insecticide.
I believe I’ve read some people intentionally grow nasturtiums as pest traps with the hope the bugs will leave the more desirable plants alone.
If I find out any more info on growing healthy, prolific nasturtiums, I’ll post it here.
Thanks for visiting.
Elaine
Hi. I just wanted to say thank you for adding my (other) blog to your roll, but there doesn’t seem to be any way to email you. As you’ll gather, I’m a gardener myself, with a passion for diversity, but currently without even a handkerchief of soil to call my own. Reading garden blogs like yours is the best I can do, so thanks.
Hi, Jeremy.
Thank you for stopping by and reading.
I discovered your Agricultural Biodiversity Weblog through Alex Steffan’s recent Worldchanging post. I really admire what you’re doing and look forward to learning a lot from you.
I feel not only responsible for tending the flora and fauna (including beneficial insects) on my small balcony, which is just a little bigger than a handkerchief, but also “the big tent” (as you call it) beyond.
They look so healthy! I do love nasturtiums, I like all the really old flowers. I gave up on trying to grow them. I never have any trouble with bugs or anything like that – but I get tons of leaves and very few flowers. I don’t know what it is I do wrong. I’ll be looking forward to seeing your blossoms.