Nasturtium Seeds 5g

Garden Nasturtium, known in Arabic as abu khangar ("dagger-bearer"), is a multi-coloured annual prized for its spurred, dagger-shaped blooms in glowing red, orange and yellow. A native of South America, it climbs or trails freely, draping baskets and fences with rounded leaves and edible, peppery flowers that brighten salads as easily as they brighten the garden. Climbing forms can reach about 1.5-2.5 m, while bushy dwarf types stay compact.

Planting

In Egypt, sow as a cool-season flower from mid-September through November so plants bloom through the mild winter and spring. Soak seed in water for 8-24 hours, then sow 1.3-2.5 cm deep, covering fully since the seed needs darkness to germinate. Expect sprouts in 7-14 days at a soil temperature near 16-18°C. Direct sow where possible, as the fragile roots resent transplanting; space plants 20-30 cm apart, or 3-5 per 25 cm container.

Fertilizing

Plant in well-drained, lean soil and avoid feeding. High nitrogen pushes leaves at the expense of flowers, so skip fertilizer unless the soil is extremely poor. In that case, apply only a light, low-nitrogen feed sparingly at planting and again when plants reach about 13-15 cm tall.

Care

Give full sun for the best flowering; partial shade is tolerated but blooms poorly. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist through the season. Watch for aphids and cabbageworm caterpillars; deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering. Flowering slows once temperatures pass about 29°C, so enjoy the show through Egypt's cooler months.