Do Nasturtiums Self Seed?

Oleh Anonymous August 07, 2023 Post a Comment

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The Keyword: Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are an easy-to-grow and popular annual plant among gardeners. They have bright, showy flowers that come in a range of colors, from pale yellows to deep oranges and reds. In addition to their attractive blooms, nasturtiums also have edible leaves and flowers, making them a versatile plant for both ornamental and culinary purposes.

One of the common questions that gardeners ask regarding nasturtiums is whether they self-seed. In this blog post, we'll explore the topic in detail, discussing what self-seeding means, how it works, and whether nasturtiums are capable of doing it.

What is Self-Seeding?

Self-seeding is a natural process by which plants propagate themselves without human intervention. It occurs when a mature plant produces seeds that fall onto the ground and grow into new plants without any additional effort on the part of the gardener.

In some cases, self-seeding can be beneficial, as it allows plants to spread and establish themselves more easily. However, it can also be problematic if the plants become invasive or take over areas where they're not wanted.

Do Nasturtiums Self-Seed?

The short answer is yes, nasturtiums are capable of self-seeding. However, the extent to which they do so depends on a variety of factors, including the growing conditions and the specific cultivar.

Some varieties of nasturtiums are more prone to self-seeding than others. For example, trailing or climbing varieties tend to produce more seeds and spread more readily than compact or dwarf types.

In addition, growing conditions can also affect the likelihood of self-seeding. Nasturtiums prefer well-draining soil and full sun, but they can also tolerate partial shade and less-than-ideal soil conditions. However, if the soil is too wet or the plants are overcrowded, they may not produce as many viable seeds.

Factors that Affect Nasturtium Self-Seeding

There are several factors that can influence whether nasturtiums will self-seed successfully. Here are a few key ones to keep in mind:

Timing

Nasturtiums typically producing seeds in late summer or early fall, after they've finished blooming. If you want to encourage self-seeding, it's important to leave the spent flowers on the plant until they've dried out completely and the seed pods have formed.

Soil Conditions

As mentioned earlier, nasturtiums prefer well-draining soil. If the soil is too wet or heavy, the seeds may not be able to germinate properly. To improve drainage, you can add perlite or sand to the soil mix.

Watering

Overwatering can also be a problem for nasturtiums, as it can lead to root rot and other issues. To avoid this, water the plants deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Temperature

Nasturtiums prefer moderate temperatures and may not perform as well in extreme heat or cold. If you live in an area with hot summers, consider planting nasturtiums in a location that receives some afternoon shade.

Spacing

To maximize the chances of self-seeding, it's important to give the plants enough space to grow and spread. If they're crowded, they may not produce as many seeds or may be more prone to disease.

Benefits of Nasturtium Self-Seeding

While self-seeding can sometimes be a nuisance, there are also several benefits to allowing your nasturtiums to propagate naturally. Here are a few:

Low Maintenance

If you're looking for a low-maintenance plant that doesn't require a lot of fussing over, nasturtiums are a great choice. Once established, they'll take care of themselves and continue to produce flowers year after year.

Attract Beneficial Insects

Nasturtiums are known for their ability to attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which can help control pests in your garden. By allowing the plants to self-seed, you'll be providing a habitat for these helpful creatures.

Naturalize Your Garden

If you want to create a naturalistic garden with a relaxed, informal feel, self-seeding plants like nasturtiums can help achieve that look. They'll spread out and fill in empty spaces, creating a lush, colorful display.

How to Encourage Nasturtiums to Self-Seed

If you want to encourage your nasturtiums to self-seed, there are a few steps you can take to increase the odds of success. Here's what to do:

Leave Spent Flowers on the Plant

As mentioned earlier, it's important to leave the spent flowers on the plant until the seed pods have formed. Once they've dried out completely, you can collect the seeds and store them for planting next season.

Don't Deadhead Too Aggressively

Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers from a plant to encourage it to produce more blooms. While this can be beneficial for some plants, it's not always necessary for nasturtiums. By allowing some of the flowers to remain on the plant, you'll increase the chances of self-seeding.

Provide Adequate Growing Conditions

As discussed earlier, providing the right growing conditions is crucial for successful self-seeding. Make sure the soil is well-draining, water the plants deeply but infrequently, and give them plenty of room to spread out.

FAQs

Q: Are all varieties of nasturtiums capable of self-seeding?

A: While all nasturtiums produce seeds, some varieties are more prone to self-seeding than others. Trailing or climbing varieties tend to be the most prolific seed producers.

Q: Will nasturtiums become invasive if left to self-seed?

A: While nasturtiums can spread easily through self-seeding, they're not considered invasive in most areas. However, if you're concerned about them taking over your garden, you can always remove any unwanted seedlings.

Q: Can I collect and store nasturtium seeds for planting next year?

A: Yes, you can collect the dried seed pods and store them in a cool, dry place until you're ready to plant them.

Q: Do nasturtiums attract pests or diseases?

A: While nasturtiums are generally pest-resistant, they can sometimes attract aphids or whiteflies. To control these pests, you can spray the plants with a mild soap solution or introduce natural predators like ladybugs.

Q: Can I grow nasturtiums indoors?

A: While nasturtiums prefer full sun and well-draining soil, they can be grown indoors in a sunny window or under grow lights. Just make sure to provide adequate drainage and avoid overwatering.