How to grow Nasturtium in Australia
Grow in full sun in poor to average, well-drained soil, as rich soil gives leaves at the expense of flowers. Water moderately and let it scramble or climb as it likes.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Part shade
- Water: 3 litres a week, watered every 3 days
- Spacing: 30 cm
- Time to harvest: 50 days
- Time to germinate: 10 days
- Soil pH: 6 to 7.5
- Frost tolerance: Frost tender
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | March to October | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | March to October | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | March to May, September to November | Sow in autumn on the frost free coast for winter and spring flowers, or in spring everywhere. Frost cuts it down in the west and midsummer heat stalls it. |
| Melbourne & Victoria | September to December | Sow Sep to Dec once frost risk fades. Self-sows year-round in frost-free bayside pockets. |
| Adelaide & SA | March to May, September and October | On the plains autumn sowings grow through the mild winter and flower in spring. In the frosty Hills sow Sep to Oct. Dies back in summer heat. |
| Perth & WA | March to October | |
| Tasmania | October to December | Sow Oct to Dec. Self-seeds in mild coastal gardens. Frost ends it in autumn. |
| Canberra & ACT | November and December | Frost tender. Direct sow Nov to Dec after the last frost in early November. Killed by autumn frost; often reseeds. |
| North Queensland | May to October | Dry season May to Oct. Nasturtium (annual) prefers cooler months. |
| Darwin & Top End | May to October | Dry season May to Oct. Nasturtium (annual) prefers cooler months. |
Companion planting
Good companions
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Pick leaves, flowers and green seed pods at any tender stage. Pinch them off as needed, and frequent picking keeps fresh leaves and blooms coming.
Storage
Use within 1 to 2 days of picking. Keep moist in a sealed bag in the fridge.