Nasturtiums, with their vibrant blooms and lush foliage, offer more than just aesthetic value to your garden.
These hardy plants, known scientifically as Tropaeolum, are not only easy to grow but also bring along a host of benefits for both the gardener and the ecosystem. Here’s why every gardener should consider planting nasturtiums.
Reasons to Grow Nasturtiums
1. Ease of Growing
Nasturtiums are among the easiest plants to grow, making them a perfect choice for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
They can be sown directly into the soil where they are to flourish, requiring minimal maintenance thereafter. These plants are adaptable to various soil types, although they thrive in a sunny spot.
The seeds are large and easy to handle, germinating quickly and often blooming within weeks of planting. This hassle-free growth makes nasturtiums an excellent first project for children or novice gardeners.
2. Aesthetic Improvements
The rapid growth and sprawling nature of nasturtiums allow them to cover unsightly areas of the garden quickly.
Whether you’re looking to adorn an old fence or brighten a bare wall, nasturtiums spread their cheer wherever they grow.
Available in shades of orange, yellow, and red, their flowers can transform a drab space into a riot of color all summer long until the first frost hits.
3. Attracting Beneficial Insects
Planting nasturtiums is a natural way to enhance the biodiversity of your garden. These bright flowers are not just pretty to look at; they are also a magnet for beneficial insects.
Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are attracted to nasturtiums, aiding in the pollination of your garden.
This increase in pollinator activity can help improve the yield of fruit and vegetable crops, making nasturtiums a beneficial companion in the kitchen garden as well.
4. Companion Planting Benefits
Nasturtiums serve as more than just food for pollinators; they also function as an excellent companion plant.
Known for their ability to attract various pest insects like aphids and beetles, they act as a trap crop, diverting these pests away from more valuable crops.
By drawing pests to themselves, they protect nearby vegetables and fruits, reducing the damage to these plants and minimizing the gardener’s need to use harmful pesticides.
5. Ground Cover and Soil Health
As a ground cover, nasturtiums help to suppress weeds, reducing competition and the gardener’s workload.
Their dense growth helps to maintain soil moisture and prevent erosion. In arid or drought-prone areas, nasturtiums can be particularly beneficial in protecting soil health
Moreover, when used as a green manure at the end of the season, nasturtiums can be chopped and dropped onto the soil, where they decompose and return nutrients back into the earth, enhancing soil fertility without the need for chemical fertilizers.
6. Edibility and Nutritional Value
Nasturtiums are not just ornamental; they are also edible and nutritious. Both the leaves and flowers can be eaten, adding a peppery zest similar to watercress to salads, sandwiches, and more.
Rich in vitamin C, nasturtiums are more than just a pretty garnish; they can contribute to a healthy diet.
The entire plant is known for its high levels of lutein, a powerful antioxidant that can support eye health.
Culinary Creations with Nasturtiums
The peppery taste of nasturtiums is reminiscent of watercress, making them an excellent choice for adding a spicy note to various dishes.
Both the flowers and the leaves can be used in cooking, providing a visual and flavor enhancement to everyday meals. Here are eight tasty ways to bring nasturtiums from your garden to your table.
1. Nasturtium-Enhanced Omelettes
Brighten your morning with a nasturtium-enhanced omelette. Simply chop nasturtium flowers and leaves, and sprinkle them into your beaten eggs before cooking. The flowers add a splash of color and a peppery kick that pairs wonderfully with eggs.
Add some cheese, onions, and other herbs for a more flavorful experience. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also a delightful way to start the day with a garden-fresh meal.
2. Vibrant Nasturtium Salads
A simple nasturtium salad can be a refreshing addition to any meal. Combine fresh garden greens with a handful of nasturtium flowers and leaves.
For a dressing, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and a bit of honey to balance the peppery flavor.
This salad is visually stunning and offers a burst of vitamin C and lutein, making it as nutritious as it is delicious.
3. Fresh Nasturtium Pesto
For a twist on the traditional basil pesto, try using nasturtium leaves. Blend a cup of nasturtium leaves with garlic, pine nuts (or walnuts), grated Parmesan cheese, and enough olive oil to reach your desired consistency.
This pesto is excellent on pasta, as a spread on sandwiches, or as a dip for fresh vegetables. The unique peppery taste of nasturtium leaves gives this pesto a lively flavor that’s sure to impress.
4. Quick Nasturtium Stir-Fry
Nasturtium leaves can also be a great addition to stir-fries. Add the leaves towards the end of cooking to maintain some of their crisp texture and vibrant color.
They pair well with stir-fried vegetables and a simple sauce of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. This quick dish is an easy way to introduce a unique flavor into your regular meal rotation.
5. Hearty Nasturtium Soup
Create a hearty, peppery soup by using nasturtium leaves as you would use watercress. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil, add potatoes and vegetable stock, and cook until the potatoes are tender.
Add a generous amount of chopped nasturtium leaves and simmer for a few more minutes. Blend the soup until smooth, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot. This soup is comforting, flavorful, and packed with nutrients.
6. Peppery Nasturtium Vinegar
Infuse white wine vinegar with nasturtium flowers for a few weeks to create a beautifully colored and flavorful vinegar.
Use it to dress salads, marinate meats, or add a dash to sauces for a peppery zing. This simple infusion can elevate your culinary creations with its unique flavor and stunning hue.
7. Savory Nasturtium Fritters
Mix chopped nasturtium leaves into a basic fritter batter made from flour, eggs, and milk. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of cumin for extra flavor.
Fry spoonfuls of the batter in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Serve these savory fritters with a yogurt or sour cream dip for a delightful snack or appetizer.
8. Stuffed Nasturtium Leaves (Dolmades)
Take advantage of the larger nasturtium leaves to make an eye-catching version of dolmades. Blanch the leaves briefly, then wrap them around a filling of rice, herbs, and finely chopped nuts. Steam or simmer the stuffed leaves in a flavorful broth until the filling is cooked through.
These make a fantastic starter or a light meal, showcasing the versatility and beauty of nasturtiums in a creative way.
From the simple enhancement of an omelette to the complex flavors of stuffed leaves, nasturtiums offer a wide range of culinary uses that go beyond their beauty in the garden.
These recipes not only provide a way to utilize every part of the plant but also add an element of gourmet creativity to your cooking.