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NASTURTIUM (Tropaeolum species)
Nasturtiums are native to Central and South America and grow wild in some
of the sandy California beach areas. There are two species which are most
often grown in herb gardens. T. majus has long stems that will trail over
the ground or climb to 6 feet by coiling its leaf stalks around an upright
support. I. minus is more dwarfed and compact, growing to about 15 inches.
Both of these species have round, shield shaped, bright green leaves growing
on long stalks which are attached to the center of the leaves. The flowers
are broad and shaped like a horn with a long spur at one end and opening
out into a bell shape at the other. Their colors range from maroon, red-brown,
orange, yellow, and red, to creamy white. There are both single and double
flowered forms. Nasturtiums have a distinctive appearance, and though perennial
they are most often treated as annuals.
Nasturtiums are easy to grow in most soils that have good drainage, but
they really thrive in soil that is sandy and exposed to the sun for a good
part of the day. Sow seeds in the early spring when there is no danger of
frost. They grow and bloom quickly and will often re-seed themselves.
The climbing and trailing kinds will cover fences, banks, stumps, and rocks.
Use dwarf species for bedding, to cover fading bulb foliage, and generally
quick flower color. They also make good container specimens and house plants.
Nasturtium leaves and flowers have a peppery flavor like watercress and
are often used in salads. The un
ripened seed pods can be pickled and used as a substitute for capers.