Wonderful nasturtium - growing at home

Nasturtium comes from the mountainous regions of South America. In Europe, it was brought by travelers. Thanks to the climatic conditions of its homeland, this plant is adapted to germination in conditions of our moderately cold climate. In addition, nasturtium, cultivated without difficulty at home on a light balcony, is quite unpretentious in care, which also contributed to the development of its popularity among flower lovers.

Growing nasturtium and caring for this plant

Nasturtium very much loves both light and warmth. Therefore, it is best placed in sunny, bright places, away from drafts and cold corners.

It should be noted unpretentiousness, characteristic of such a plant, as nasturtium. Cultivation of it is carried out on loamy soils, in the composition of which there are many nutrients. As a fertilizer, it is preferable to use ordinary humus or compost. It should be remembered that it is not necessary to use manure, since it contains a large amount of such a substance as nitrogen, and it can lead to a significant reduction in possible flowers. Nasturtium very fond of phosphorus, with its use its flowering will become bright and saturated.

At home, it is possible to achieve early flowering plants such as nasturtium. Growing seedlings in this case is the most optimal option for obtaining such a result. To do this, you need to take a pot, make a hole in it for a couple of centimeters with a diving peg and put seeds there - either one already sprouted or two, but not germinated. After that, the pot is covered with paper and moved to a warm corner. Sowing nasturtium on seedlings is necessary for two or three weeks before its subsequent disembarkation.

While the nasturtium has not blossomed, it must be watered abundantly. After the flowering began, the watering stops and starts again only after the soil has completely dried out.

As a rule, after the appearance of the first shoots, after 45 days flowering begins in such plants as nasturtium. Cultivation with seeds can be planned after as many days. This is due to the fact that its seeds mature within 45-50 days after the plant has faded. It should be remembered that nasturtium blooms unevenly, so it is necessary to control the appearance of seeds and their maturity. In order to determine that they can already be collected, it is sufficient to touch them. Provided that the seeds after touch without difficulty are separated from the plant, and from each other, it means that they can be collected.

Application of nasturtium

How to grow nasturtium, we have already decided. Having become acquainted with the above recommendations, you can always delight yourself with the wonderful color of such plants as nasturtium, the cultivation of which will not be very difficult. In addition, this flower, in addition to its beautiful appearance, also has a number of useful properties. For example, freshly picked nasturtium leaves contain vitamin C in large quantities. If you eat flowers or leaves of this plant, you can achieve a significant improvement in the digestive process. In addition, in the case of grinding its leaves, the resulting juice can be used to combat the itching of the skin.

As for traditional medicine, most often nasturtium is used either as a diuretic or from it is prepared an infusion, ideally suited for hypertensive patients.

In summer, flowers and leaves of nasturtium are collected for use exclusively in fresh form as a spice. This plant is characterized by a sharp pleasant taste, remotely reminiscent of the taste of mustard or radish. Nasturtium can be used as a seasoning for various salads, vegetable or meat dishes, and its green fruits can be marinated with dill.