SEED OF THE MONTH
‘Tall Trailing’ nasturtiums in mixed colors will climb or ramble over and around the garden.
‘TALL TRAILING’ NASTURTIUM
LIVES UP TO ITS NAME
I love introducing gardeners to new things that are actually old.
Most nasturtiums these days are used as bedding plants, growing
to about a foot or so wide. But the heirloom “Tall Trailing” variety in
mixed colors will climb or ramble up to 10 feet in a season.
They can be grown up a fence or trellis but would also be happy to
crawl along the ground between other plants and paths in the garden.
They’re also a great choice to spill over the edges of hanging baskets
or containers on a pedestal.
All nasturtiums are best started directly in the ground, as trans-planting
can set them back a bit. Since they are so tough and thrive
on neglect, they will grow just about anywhere, as long as they get
some sun. The more sun they receive, the better they’ll do.
The plant will thrive all the way through until the first frost and will
be covered in flowers of cream, yellow, apricot and red. The peppery
foliage and flowers make tasty treats when snacked on in the garden
or when used in salads. I always say a salad served to guests at my
house is a leap of faith, as the dish almost always includes flowers.
The flowers are not only a treat for the gardener, but they’re attrac-tive
to pollinators, too. Pinch off the seed heads to keep the plant
blooming all season.
The plants will perform well in average garden soil but will benefit
from being planted in a spot amended with compost.
Stay away from high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they will lead the plant
to produce lots of green foliage but few flowers.
“Tall Trailing” nasturtiums are easy to grow, and they are a wonder-ful,
unique variety to enjoy all summer.
4 | MAY 2018 • Vo l . 3 , I s s u e 5