Nasturtium Jewel Choice – 5 Seeds

Nasturtium Jewel Choice (Tropaeolum majus) are easily grown annuals that add a touch of color to the flower garden or patio container.

Nasturtiums were one of the first New World plants to become popular in European flower gardens. However, they weren’t introduced as a flower but as a vegetable. The Incas used it as a salad crop and medicinal herb.

Nasturtium is a fast-growing annual that today is usually offered in its compact, non-vining form, but its true character is that of a weak-climbing vine or sprawler. It has semi-succulent, peppery tasting leaves that are round with the petiole attached in the center of the leaf blade.

This compact non-trailing Nasturtium Jewel Choice, is well known for its upward facing blooms in clear bright colors.

All parts of the plant are edible. The flowers make a colorful addition to a leafy salad.

Medicinal Uses:  Nasturtium is mostly known as an expectorant and disinfectant. Its antibacterial, anti-fungicide and antibiotic properties make it an amazing plant to help relieve infections, both internally as externally, as in disinfecting wounds and cuts. Its high content of vitamin C together with other phytonutrients make it a good herb to treat scurvy.
Nasturtium clears out mucous conditions, which combined with its antibiotic properties allows it to be effectively used to treat bronchitis, respiratory infections and to relieve chest conditions in general.
It is also acclaimed for its healing work in ailments of the urinary tract and as purgative.

Growing Nasturtiums

Indoor Sowing: Not Recommended.

Direct Sowing: Spring and Summer.

• Nasturtiums are easy plants to grow.
• They can be seeded in place two weeks before the expected last frost date or transplants can be grown.
• Plants are best in full sun or light shade in average soil.
• They combine well with other plants in mixed containers.
• Heavy feeding and too much water increases foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
• Nasturtium is another great garden companion-sacrificial plant, protecting the neighboring plants from pests.
• It is particular great to grow next to plants from Cucurbitacea family, such as pumpkins, melons, cucumber, as well as plants from the Brassicacea family – cabbages, broccoli, radishes, etc.

The leaves can be prepared in a strong decoction to be used as insecticide.