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Taming nasturtiums

mcpbowmanmcpbowman Posts: 22
in Problem solving

Hello all,

I've had a look through the old threads and couldn't find any other posts along the same lines, but please redirect me if one exists.

I planted some Nasturtiums which my Mum had raised from seeds but they are taking over the bed I've planted them in and growing over smaller plants nearby.

I was just wondering if I could cut them back without damaging the overall plant? If so, what is the best way?

I think for next year I will put them in containers as I would quite like to keep them in the garden in some capacity.

Thank you in advance :)

Posts

  • Mary370Mary370 Posts: 2,003

    When I moved here 4 years ago, I planted nasturtiums, they filled the whole bed and gave some much needed colour for a very neglected garden.  Here we are four years later, and I'm still pulling them out as I have planted up the border but the nastursiums smothers everything, they self seed like crazy!!  I do like them, but will buy a dwarf variety in future, and keep it in a pot/basket.

    If you cut back now, you will cut off the flower buds, advantage there is it won't self seed, disadvantage, no flowers.

  • mcpbowmanmcpbowman Posts: 22

    Hi Mary,

    Thank you for the reply. I think I will have to try and keep on top of the seeds as they form. I don't particularly want to lose the flowers so might just have to keep an eye out. 

    The dwarf variety in a container sounds like a good idea!

  • plant pauperplant pauper Posts: 6,904

    Sometimes mine get giant leaves early on (soil's too good) so I just chop those off carefully avoiding any flower buds and that seems to help a bit.

    I love'em and wouldn't be without them!

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147

    If you're going to take some leaves off, include them in a salad or sandwich ... really good in an egg sandwich, also great with wholemeal bread and salami as well as lots of other things.  image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • mcpbowmanmcpbowman Posts: 22

    Thank you Pauper and Dove for the advice :D

    I think that's what I'll do, cut some of the leaves off that are spreading too far and include them in my lunch! How exciting! 

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147

    The flowers are edible too ....... and you can pickle the seeds and use them instead of capers 

    http://www.cottagesmallholder.com/pickled-nasturtium-seeds-recipe-uk-capers-3791/ 

    A wonderful plant image

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/nasturtium 


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • mcpbowmanmcpbowman Posts: 22

    Well I'm definitely going to keep them going then :D

    Thanks Dove, I'm looking at them in a whole different light now!

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