Product Review

Tropaeolum lobbianum is commonly referred to as Nasturtium. This variety, Moonlight, has blooms that are a soft yellow. It is very attractive to hummingbirds! They grow quickly and have blooms from summer through fall. Nasturtium will grow anywhere as an annual but will be a perennial only in frost-free climates. It is a climbing vine, so be prepared to give it a structure to climb as soon as it's a few inches in height. Nasturtium is a companion plant for the vegetable garden. The peppery tasting leaves are said to repel unwanted insects. Nasturtium seed is large and it has a hard seed coat. It requires a 24 hour soak in water or to file the seed gently to break the coat open. Nasturtium does not always transplant well, so many gardeners start the seed directly outdoors in spring. Prepare a seedbed by loosening and weeding the soil. Keep seed moist until germination. With a temperature of 68F, germination normally occurs within 10 days. Space the plants 8 - 12 inches apart. Grow in full sun and in well-drained soil. Nasturtium is usually resistant to deer.