About Nasturtium
A cheerful, easy-growing annual with round, lily-pad-shaped leaves and funnel-shaped flowers in warm shades of orange, yellow, red, and cream, often with contrasting dark splotches. Nasturtium is unique among ornamentals because the flowers, leaves, and unripe seed pods are all edible, with a distinctive peppery, watercress-like flavor. The round leaves have a water-repellent surface that causes raindrops to bead and roll like liquid mercury — a mesmerizing effect called the lotus effect. Nasturtium belongs to the Tropaeolaceae family and originates from Andes Mountains of South America (Peru, Bolivia, Colombia); long cultivated by indigenous peoples..
Nasturtium grows best during the Philippine cool dry season (amihan — November to February) and struggles in the hot, humid summer months. Highland areas like Baguio, La Trinidad, and Tagaytay can grow it almost year-round. Filipino foodie gardeners and farm-to-table restaurants appreciate it for edible flowers and peppery leaves used in salads. The flowers make colorful, Instagram-worthy garnishes. Seeds are available from imported seed packets at garden supply stores. An excellent companion plant — it attracts aphids away from vegetables and its flowers draw pollinators.
Also known as: Indian Cress, Masturso.
Popular Varieties
- Tropaeolum majus 'Jewel Mix' (bush type, mixed colors, compact)
- Tropaeolum majus 'Alaska Mix' (variegated cream-splashed leaves, mixed flower colors)
- Tropaeolum majus 'Empress of India' (deep red flowers, dark foliage — heirloom)
- Tropaeolum majus 'Trailing Mix' (long trailing stems for hanging baskets)
How to Plant Nasturtium in the Philippines
Nasturtium can be propagated through seeds. The recommended method is direct sowing — large seeds are easy to handle and germinate quickly.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Soak large seeds in water for 12-24 hours to soften the seed coat.
- Step 2: Sow seeds 2 cm deep directly in garden soil or large containers.
- Step 3: Water gently and keep moist — germination occurs in 7-14 days.
- Step 4: Thin seedlings to 20-30 cm apart.
- Step 5: No transplanting needed — nasturtium dislikes root disturbance. Sow where they will grow.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade (full sun produces more flowers; shade produces more foliage). Position your nasturtium where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Water moderately. Prefers even moisture but tolerates some drought. Overwatering or rich soil produces lush leaves but fewer flowers. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 18-28°C (prefers cooler conditions; struggles in extreme Philippine lowland heat above 32°C). Moderate — tolerates Philippine humidity but performs best in cooler, less humid conditions The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing nasturtium outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Do NOT fertilize heavily — poor, lean soil produces the most flowers. Rich soil creates masses of leaves with few blooms.
Pruning
Pinch tips to encourage bushier growth. Remove yellowing leaves. Harvest flowers and leaves for the kitchen to encourage more production.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic and entirely edible. Flowers, leaves, and unripe seed pods are safe to eat. Has a peppery, watercress-like flavor. Rich in vitamin C.
Common Problems & Solutions
All leaves, no flowers
Cause: Soil too rich or too much nitrogen fertilizer
Solution: Stop fertilizing. Use lean, unfertilized soil. Nasturtium flowers best when slightly stressed.
Aphids covering stems and leaves
Cause: Nasturtium is a 'trap crop' — it naturally attracts aphids
Solution: Some gardeners use nasturtium deliberately to lure aphids away from other plants. Spray with water or neem oil. Remove heavily infested leaves.
Wilting and death in peak summer
Cause: Extreme heat above 32°C — nasturtium is a cool-season grower in the tropics
Solution: In Philippine lowlands, grow during the cool dry season (November to February). Highland areas (Baguio, Tagaytay) can grow year-round.
Caterpillar holes in leaves
Cause: Cabbage white butterfly caterpillars
Solution: Hand-pick caterpillars. Accept minor damage — nasturtium grows fast enough to recover.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Nasturtium in the Philippines?
Nasturtium needs full sun to partial shade (full sun produces more flowers; shade produces more foliage). Water moderately. prefers even moisture but tolerates some drought. overwatering or rich soil produces lush leaves but fewer flowers.. Feed with do not fertilize heavily — poor, lean soil produces the most flowers. rich soil creates masses of leaves with few blooms.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 18-28°C (prefers cooler conditions; struggles in extreme Philippine lowland heat above 32°C) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Nasturtium?
The recommended method is direct sowing — large seeds are easy to handle and germinate quickly. Soak large seeds in water for 12-24 hours to soften the seed coat. Sow seeds 2 cm deep directly in garden soil or large containers.
Is Nasturtium toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic and entirely edible. Flowers, leaves, and unripe seed pods are safe to eat. Has a peppery, watercress-like flavor. Rich in vitamin C.
Can Nasturtium grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Nasturtium grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Nasturtium?
Common issues include: All leaves, no flowers (caused by soil too rich or too much nitrogen fertilizer — stop fertilizing. use lean, unfertilized soil. nasturtium flowers best when slightly stressed); Aphids covering stems and leaves (caused by nasturtium is a 'trap crop' — it naturally attracts aphids — some gardeners use nasturtium deliberately to lure aphids away from other plants. spray with water or neem oil. remove heavily infested leaves); Wilting and death in peak summer (caused by extreme heat above 32°c — nasturtium is a cool-season grower in the tropics — in philippine lowlands, grow during the cool dry season (november to february). highland areas (baguio, tagaytay) can grow year-round).
Growing nasturtium in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!