Growing nasturtiums is the perfect gardening activity for children in springtime!

Nasturtium seeds are big enough for little ones to handle and are easy to sow. They germinate and grow quickly so are perfect for impatient young gardeners!

Nasturtiums produce lots of brightly-coloured flowers from June through to October which attract lots of wonderful insects to the garden.

There are different varieties to choose from and colours can range from the traditional orange, yellow and red to cream, pink and crimson.

Nasturtium leaves, flowers and seeds are all edible. The flowers and young leaves have a peppery taste and make a great addition to salads.

Nasturtiums are either bush or climbing varieties. The seed packet will indicate which variety you have. Bush nasturtium work well in containers, hanging baskets and flower borders. Climbing varieties can be trained up wigwams. Both bush and climbing nasturtium grow very well in pots.

Sow indoors or outdoors: March - May Plant out: May - June Flowers: June - October

You can sow nasturtium seeds directly in the ground or start them off in pots indoors.

Sowing nasturtiums in the ground:

Make sure the area where you want to sow the nasturtiums seeds is free from weeds. Choose a sunny position.

Water the soil before you sow. This will help the seeds stay where you sow them.

Sow the seeds 1.5cm deep, spacing them about 10cm apart. Gently cover the seeds with soil. The seedlings should start to appear after around 2 weeks.

Thin them to about 30cms apart to give them enough room to grow.

Sowing indoors:

Sow seeds individually, 1.5cm deep, in 9-cm pots filled with compost.

Place a clear plastic bag or clingfilm over the pot and leave on a warm sunny window sill. This should help the seeds to germinate.

Once the nasturtium seedlings appear (about 2 weeks), remove the plastic bag or clingfilm.

In late spring, once the seedlings are large enough to handle, 'harden them off' gradually.

'Hardening off' means preparing the nasturtiums for outdoor temperatures so place the pots outside during the day and bring them in at night.

Do this for a couple of weeks so the nasturtiums get used to outdoor temperatures before being finally planted outside.

Keep nasturtiums well watered, especially in dry weather.

Nasturtiums will flower from June - September.

Hope you enjoy growing nasturtiums!

For more growing inspiration have a look at growing fairytale-themed vegetables and a year of growing herbs, flowers and vegetables.

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