Nasturtiums are a popular and versatile flowering plant, known for their vibrant colors and fast growth. They are not only attractive, but also edible, making them a great addition to your indoor garden. Growing nasturtiums indoors can be easy and rewarding with the right techniques. Here are some easy ways to successfully grow these beautiful flowers inside your home.

1. Choose the right variety

Nasturtiums come in different varieties, with trailing or dwarf varieties best suited for indoor growing. Trailing nasturtiums, as the name suggests, have a cascading growth habit perfect for hanging pots or window boxes. On the other hand, dwarf nasturtiums have compact growth, requiring less space and making them ideal for containers. Consider which variety suits your indoor space best before planting.

2. Provide adequate lighting

Nasturtiums thrive in bright sunlight. Placing the plants near a south-facing window or under artificial light sources like grow lights will ensure they receive enough light to grow well. Providing at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day is important for healthy growth.

3. Prepare well-drained soil

Nasturtiums prefer a well-draining, sandy to loamy soil with adequate moisture but not excessively wet conditions. Mixing one part potting soil and one part perlite will create an ideal medium for indoor growth. Make sure the container you choose has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

4. Plant the seeds properly

Planting nasturtium seeds directly into their final container is recommended since they do not transplant well due to their delicate taproot system. Sow the seeds about half an inch deep and two inches apart in the soil mix prepared previously.

5. Maintain consistent temperature and humidity

Nasturtium plants grow best between temperatures of 65°F – 75°F (18°C – 24°C). An occasional drop in temperature may stunt growth, so maintain consistent temperature levels indoors. Humidity should be at a moderate level; mist the plants occasionally if you notice that the air is too dry.

6. Fertilize sparingly

Nasturtiums do not require a lot of fertilization. In fact, too much fertilizer can encourage more foliage growth and fewer blooms. When needed, add half-strength water-soluble fertilizer to avoid over-fertilization.

7. Prune regularly

Indoor nasturtiums can benefit from regular pruning, especially if they grow too dense or long. Snip or pinch off overgrown vines to encourage bushier growth and promote better air circulation for healthier plants.

8. Watch out for pests

Nasturtiums can sometimes attract aphids indoors. If you notice any pests on your plants, take action immediately by trying natural pest control methods such as introducing ladybugs, spraying Neem oil, or using a mild insecticide soap.

9. Harvesting flowers and leaves

One of the exciting aspects of growing nasturtiums is their edible flowers and leaves. Once they start to bloom, go ahead and harvest both as needed for salads or garnishes.

10. Be patient

Growing nasturtiums indoors may require some patience as they usually take 6-8 weeks to bloom after sowing seeds. Give your plants all the care mentioned above, and wait for the colorful flowers to reward your efforts.

Growing nasturtiums indoors may seem challenging initially, but with these easy-to-follow tips and some patience, you’ll find yourself with a gorgeous indoor garden addition that also tastes great!