Nasturtium Hanging Baskets: A Complete Guide

Nasturtiums are the perfect addition to any garden pot, window boxes or simply spilling out of a hanging basket on the patio! They are low – maintenance, rapid growers, that will quickly fill garden beds or climb along your backyard trellis.

However you choose to grow your stunning nasturtiums, they are bold, vibrant, and colorful additions for anywhere outside the home. This article provides a complete guide to selecting and growing your own.

Do Nasturtiums Grow Well in Hanging Baskets?

Trailing nasturtium offers the perfect choice for a hanging basket. They provide a stunning cascade of color that takes your garden to the next level and transforms any patio, into a gardener’s dream.

Varieties To Grow In Baskets

Here are some ideal varieties to grow in a hanging basket:

• Firebird – deep burgundy, pumpkin, and coral shaded blooms, with lily-pad shaped leaves
• Empress of India – striking contrast of the scarlet blooms with blue-green leaves
• Night and Day – red and white blooms
• Tip Top Alaska – yellow, orange, and red blooms with variegated leaves.

Our favorite nasturtium hanging basket combination is the Empress of India. We love the deep red blooms offset by the dramatic blue-green leaves. The colorful vines definitely catch the eye of anyone who passes by.

How To Grow Nasturtiums in Hanging Baskets From Seed

Don’t be fooled into thinking you need a green thumb to grow nasturtiums. Between February and March – when the warmth of spring arrives and the danger of frost has passed – it’s the perfect time to sow seeds. You can either transplant seedlings into pots and gardens, or you can follow this simple guide to planting from seed:

1. Fill a container or hanging basket with general-purpose potting mix. Avoid rich or supplemented potting mix, which leads to poor flower growth.
2. Moisten the soil lightly (a spray bottle works well here).
3. Seeds are fairly large, so plant 2-3 inches apart and poke seeds 1/2-1 inch into the soil.
4. Keep the basket outdoors in full sun. Nasturtium does not perform well in partial shade.
5. Water as needed. When the soil feels dry (top 2-3 inches), give sufficient water to drain through the pot. Keep dry between watering. Fertilizer is not usually needed.

Best Soil for Nasturtiums in Hanging Baskets

Soil is one of the most important elements we recommend spending a bit of time and money on for growing nasturtiums in hanging baskets. By ensuring you have the best soil, you will eliminate many of the problems less seasoned green thumbs experience, such as root rot or water – stressed plants.

For hanging nasturtiums, we recommend a soil that is free-draining, yet has water retention properties to supply your nasturtiums with enough moisture.

Don’t go too heavy on the fertilizer, as well-fed nasturtiums tend to develop more leaves, with fewer blooms.

Types of Nasturtiums?

There are several varieties, depending on where you want to plant nasturtiums.

1. Dwarf – perfect for any container. They have a larger leaf with shorter stems, and the leaves are often variegated with green and cream.
2. Climber – plant along a trellis or stake. They display bushy, compact foliage, with runners stretching up to 8 feet long.
3. Semi-trailing – create beautiful hanging baskets. They offer sprawling stems which can grow up to 3 feet.

As we mentioned earlier, we recommend semi-trailing varieties of nasturtium when planting in hanging baskets. Their waterfall effect is memorizing and offers a point of difference in any outdoor patio or garden.

Do Nasturtiums Do Well in A Pot?

Nasturtiums grow exceptionally well in containers. Hold off on the fertilizer and keep watering to a minimum, to ensure prolific flowers and healthy foliage. A sprinkling of used coffee grinds is a great supplement for giving your soil a boost of nitrogen.

When growing nasturtiums in pots, plant the dwarf variety for a show of color throughout summer. Place them in full sun and watch them thrive in these outdoor conditions. They love hot climates. Similarly, climbing nasturtium love to crawl, so stake up wires or spikes for them to run along.

Interesting Facts About Nasturitums:

Great Protectors Against Aphids

Protect your other plants from aphids – grow nasturtium nearby! Sometimes referred to as a ‘trap crop’, they will attract these pests away from veggies, fruit trees, and rose bushes. Use water sprays to wash the aphids off your nasturtium and remove any black leaves or stems.

Can I Eat Nasturtiums?

Nasturtiums can most certainly be eaten and are a wonderful addition to salads, pickles, and pesto. Their flowers and leaves have a peppery flavor. They are a delicious and colorful accompaniment to salads and seafood. Firebird’s edible blossoms taste similar to watercress with a hint of honey.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need much persuasion to grow an eye-catching nasturtium hanging basket. They grow quickly to display robust green foliage with stunning bursts of color. Choose whether they sit on a window box, in a garden pot, or trailing down from a hanging basket. Simply delicious as an edible plant, the leaves and flowers can be thrown into a salad or added to your favorite recipe for color and jazz. Get started on growing this amazing plant!