Garden Nasturtium


Garden Nasturtium

This genus of 80-90 species of mostly climbing annuals and herbaceous perennials is native to C and S America. Nasturtiums are among the most easily grown hardy annuals. Climbing cultivars cover a fense or bank within a few weeks of germination, and more compact kinds are idea for summer bedding and containers. Tropaeolum majus was introduced to Europe from Peru in the 16th century by the conquistadors, and was first known as Nasturtium indicum, "Indian Cress", due to its pungent, watercress-like flavor. The species is seldom seen now, having been superseded by a wide range of cultivars. Tropaeolum majus has several properties that make it a useful medicinal herb. It contains large amounts of sulphur, which reputedly retards baldness, and a glycoside that reacts with water to produce an antibiotic. In addition, the pickled, unripe seeds are the only acceptable substitute for capers; they develop capric acid, which give the characteristic goaty flavor. Tropaeolum minus (dwarf nasturtium) and cultivars of T. majus can be used in the same ways as T. majus. Tropaeolum is from the Greek tropaion, "trophy" since the leaves are shaped like round shields, above which are helmet-like flowers.

Fast-growing, trailing annual with almost circular peltate leaves, to 6cm (2½in) across. Yellow to orange, long-spurred, slightly scentted flowers, 5-6cm (2-2½in) across, sometimes red-blotched, appear from early summer, followed by globose fruits.


Common Name:
Garden Nasturtium
Other Names:
Indian Cress
Botanical Name:
Tropaeolum majus
Genus:
Tropaeolum
Family:
Tropaeolaceae
Location:
S America (Columbia to Bolivia)
Cultivation:
Well-drained, moist, average to poor soil in sun. Self-seeds freely in some gardens and may be invasive. Rich soil, promotes leaf growth at the expense of flowers. Often used in companion planting to deter cucumber beetles and whitefly bit is susceptible to aphids, especially blackfly. Nasturtiums are reputed to deter woolly aphifs if plants are grown at the base of apple trees. Prone to viral diseases. Overwinter sterile cultivars in sunny, frost-free conditions.
Propagation:
By seed sown in early spring at 13-16°C (55-61°F); by basal cutting or stem-tip.
Harvest:
All parts are picked in summer and used fresh for infusions and tinctures. Plants are also cut for juice extraction.
Height:
3m (10ft)
Width:
1.5-2m (5-6ft)
Variations:
Alaska
Is dwarf and bushy, with leaves that are irregularly marbled with creamy-white, and yellow, cream, red, orange-red, and mahogany flowers.
Height: 30cm (12in)
Width: 45cm (18in)
Empress of India
Is dwarf and bushy, with purple-green leaves and scented, semi-double, crimson flowers. Dates back to the 19th century.
Height: 30cm (12in)
Width: 45cm (18in)
Hemine Grashoff
Is another 19th century cultivar. It bears double orange-scarlet flowers and is sterile.
Height: 20cm (8in)
Width: 45-60cm (18-24in)
Peach Melba
Is compact and floriferous with creamy yellow, single flowers, blotched with scarlet in the throat.
Height: 23-30cm (9-12in)
Width: 45cm (18in)
Whirlybird Series
Is dwarf and compact, with single to semi-double, spur-less, upward facing blooms, borne well above the foliage, in cream, orange, salmon, yellow, mahogany, scarlet and cherry red. Produces clean flowers for culinary purposes.
Height: 24cm (10in)
Width: 35cm (14in)
Hardiness:
Half-hardy to tender. Min. 3°C (37°F)
Parts Used:
Whole plant, Leaves, Flowers, Buds, Fruits.
Properties:
A bitter, antiseptic, tonic herb that has diuretic and expectorant effects, and controls fungal and bacterial infections.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for genito-urinary and respiratory infections, scurvy, and poor skin and hair conditions. Externally for baldness, minor injuries, and skin eruptions.
Culinary Uses:
Leaves, flowers, flower buds, nectar spurs are eaten in salads and sandwiches. Chopped fresh leaves give a peppery flavor to soft cheese or egg dishes. Flowers are used to make nasturtium vinegar. Unripe fruits are pickled as a substitute for capers. Ripe seeds are roasted and ground as a seasoning.
Economic Uses:
Combined with Buxus sempervirens (See, Common Boxwood), Quercus robur (See, English Oak) and Urtica dioica (See, Nettle) in hair lotion.
Bibliography:
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pp.394-395