The nasturtium is not only very decorative and tasty, it also has medicinal ingredients that are often used against inflammation of the upper respiratory tract or urinary tract infections. The leaves, buds, flowers and seeds of the plant are edible.
Where can I buy nasturtium seeds and how do I use them?
Nasturtium seeds are available in supermarkets, nurseries, mail order stores or online. To sow, dry your own seeds thoroughly and sow them outdoors after the Ice Saints. The spicy seeds are edible raw, pickled as a substitute for capers or dried as a spice.
Where do you get nasturtium seeds?
You can buy nasturtium seeds in supermarkets or nurseries, but you can also order them via mail order or online. However, if you are looking for a special variety or an unusual flower color, then you should look around in specialist shops. There you will also find, for example, nasturtiums with black, white or pink flowers.
Can you grow nasturtiums from your own seeds?
You can grow nasturtiums relatively easily from your own seeds. When collecting the seeds, make sure you dry them thoroughly so that they do not start to mold. Stored in a dark and dry place, you can then keep the seeds until next spring.
Sowing nasturtiums
You can sow nasturtiums outdoors, directly at the location where you want them to stay. However, you should wait until around mid-May and only sow after the Ice Saints, because the nasturtium is not frost hardy. It likes it sunny and warm, but can also tolerate shade.
Place the seeds one or two at a time into small holes in the ground and cover them with about one to two centimeters of soil. During the germination period, always keep the seeds well moist. The first seedlings should be visible after about 10 to 20 days.
Are nasturtium seeds edible?
Nasturtium seeds are edible. Like the other parts of the plant, they taste spicy and slightly spicy. If they are still immature and soft, you can use the seeds as a substitute for capers, as well as the unopened buds.
Boil the seeds briefly in a broth made from vinegar, s alt and water. While it is still hot, pour this mixture into a clean twist-off jar up to just below the rim and close it tightly immediately. If you place the jar in a dark and cool place, your “false capers” will last for several months or even years.
You can also let the seeds ripen and then dry them. Stored in a cool, dry and dark place, they will keep for a few months. They can be excellently ground in a spice mill or a mortar, then you can use them to season your dishes deliciously.
The most important things in brief:
- edible
- spicy and slightly spicy
- insert as a “caper substitute”
- Dry seeds well before sowing
Tips & Tricks
You can use the unripe seeds to make very tasty caper substitutes with little effort.
