How to Grow Nasturtium in Australia
A year-round flower crop for the home garden
Growing Nasturtium at home is well within reach for most Australian gardeners, and this guide walks you through every step. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$2-4/week on garnishes and edible flowers, self-seeds freely.
This guide covers when to plant Nasturtium in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Nasturtium is a year-round crop, frost-tender and needs a frost-free run. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July, August, September and October. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Nasturtium part sun to light shade. It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 20cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed about 1.5 cm deep. Thin or space plants to about 30 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 10 days, fastest when the soil is between 15 and 20 degrees.
Traps aphids and edible flowers. Self-seeds everywhere.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 3 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
The main diseases to watch are Mosaic virus. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Nasturtium is typically ready to harvest in roughly 7 weeks. Use within 1 to 2 days of picking. Keep moist in a sealed bag in the fridge.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, nasturtium is good flowers and leaves added fresh to salads, flower buds pickled like capers, leaves used as a peppery wrap and petals used as edible decoration on cakes. Nutritionally: edible flowers and seeds add nutrition and contains vitamin C and minerals.
Companion Planting
Nasturtium grows well alongside Cucumber, Zucchini, Pumpkin, Beans and Fruit trees. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Nasturtium Growing
Add nasturtium to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Nasturtium in Australia?
Nasturtium is a year-round crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July, August, September and October. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Nasturtium take to grow?
Nasturtium is generally ready to harvest in roughly 7 weeks.
Can I grow Nasturtium in a pot?
Yes. Nasturtium grows well in a container of 20cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Nasturtium need?
Give it part sun to light shade for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Nasturtium in the Plant Library
