Nasturtium is a flower that is a symbol of true femininity and charm. Previously, these flowers were very popular, our grandmothers and their mothers decorated their gardens, flower beds, houses and fences with nasturtium. In the modern world, the popularity of these flowers has faded, although the reason for this is not known to anyone, because these flowers do not require constant care and get along well on different lands.
Nasturtium belongs to the lianas, and the blooming period of these flowers is incredibly surprising, since they bloom from the beginning of spring until the first signs of frost appear.
There are many varieties of nasturtium: large and small, double or ordinary, the color can be yellow, orange, purple, blue, red and many other options. Very few colors have such a variety of color variations. The stalks of nasturtium are smooth enough and seem weak, but if you touch them, you immediately feel real power and strength. These flowers take root very quickly and try to spread over a larger area. Certain varieties can grow up to 5 meters.
There are several varieties of nasturtium that have not yet lost their popularity:
- Canary liana. This variety of nasturtium is presented in the form of a small but dense bush. The flowers on the bush are yellow. The leaf is shaped like the palm of a child. This variety grows very short, the main thing is to occasionally direct the plant in the right direction for further growth. This type of nasturtium requires a lot of light, tolerates cold weather remarkably, the flowering period ends when the first signs of frost appear. At night, the flowers are open.
- Apricot elf. This variety of nasturtium is very bright and fiery. The flowers are large and deep red in color.
It should be noted that nasturtium is presented not only in the form of vines, but also in the form of small bushes. As a rule, such a variety of these flowers is planted in the beds and after a few months you can observe an abundant number of small fluffy bushes, from which small but bright flowers peep out.
Professional gardeners prefer to plant nasturtiums of different colors close to each other. This gives the flower bed more variety, even if only nasturtium is planted there.
For people who do not like large flowers, dwarf nasturtium varieties have been created. Among them, a special place is occupied by such varieties as "Indian princess", and "Strawberry and Cream".
Basic rules for growing nasturtium
- It is worth giving preference to fertile soil, it is recommended to refuse from oily soil.
- Planting seeds in open soil is permissible. The main thing is that this soil is warm enough.
- Nasturtium seeds have a high density, therefore, a day before planting in the soil, they must be soaked in hot water (the temperature should fluctuate around 50-55 degrees). Soaking causes the seeds to soften, and this, in turn, promotes the rapid growth of flowers.
- The area for growing nasturtium should be as light as possible and protected from the influence of the wind. It is better to land in previously dug and loosened soil.
- Landing takes place in small holes, their depth is about 4-5 centimeters. It is recommended to put 1-3 seeds in the hole. The distance between the bushes of plants should be at least 20 centimeters.
- The first shoots appear 10-14 days after planting. It is important not to forget that plants require regular watering; occasionally you can feed with a weak solution with mineral fertilizers.
- When seedlings are actively growing, they require even more watering and feeding. In this case, it is best to use phosphorus or potash fertilizers for feeding, this will help the seedlings gain as much strength as possible for further flowering. When the first signs of flowering appear, watering should be reduced to a minimum, and fertilizers should be abandoned altogether.
Nasturtium is a flower that will bring coziness to your home, so do not pay attention to fashion, but please your heart.
