The nasturtium is one of the more easy-care and uncomplicated plants. In the right location and with enough space, it only needs enough water to thrive. Fertilizer is not necessary in this case.
How should you properly fertilize nasturtiums?
Nasturtium outdoors only needs compost in spring and regular watering. Potted plants should be fertilized sparingly, ideally with natural fertilizer. Avoid waterlogging and chemical fertilizers if you want to use the plant as a crop.
If the nasturtium receives too much fertilizer, it will only produce leaves but no or only a few flowers. So if you expect a we alth of flowers from your plant, then you shouldn't “spoil” it too much, but rather keep it sparse. It likes a lean, slightly calcareous soil that can be a little loamy or sandy, but not too moist.
How and when should nasturtiums be fertilized?
In the open field, nasturtiums should only be fertilized if the soil is extremely poor, otherwise a little well-rotted compost in the spring and regular watering in the summer are sufficient. However, if you have decided to plant your nasturtium in a pot on the terrace or balcony, then it needs a little more care and attention.
You can also choose between different nasturtium growth forms for pot planting, from bushy, compact to lush, tendril-forming. Depending on which growth form you have chosen, the plant's nutrient requirements are of course very different. This cannot always be adequately regulated by the size of the pot and the amount of soil available.
If your nasturtium is only used as an ornamental plant, you can give it a small dose of semi-concentrated liquid fertilizer every month. If you like it very conveniently, then use stick fertilizer (€6.00 on Amazon) according to the package instructions. However, if you want to eat your nasturtium or parts of it, then you should use natural fertilizer or regularly add a small amount of compost into the soil.
The most important things in brief:
- In the open field, compost in spring is sufficient
- Fertilize potted plants sparingly
- water abundantly
- Avoid waterlogging
- no chemical fertilizer for crops
Tips & Tricks
Use fertilizer sparingly. If you fertilize too much, your nasturtium will not produce more flowers, but fewer flowers.
