Why You Should Grow Nasturtiums in Your Yard and How to Eat Every Part of this Plant

Bright, cheerful, and incredibly useful — nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are more than just beautiful flowers. They are edible, low-maintenance, pest-repelling, and packed with nutrients. If you’re not already growing them in your garden, you’re missing out on one of nature’s most versatile plants.

🌸 1. Easy to Grow and Maintain

Nasturtiums thrive with minimal care. They prefer full sun, well-draining soil, and require little to no fertilizer. In fact, too much fertility can reduce their blooms. They’re perfect for:

Garden beds
Hanging baskets
Window boxes
Companion planting

Whether you have a large garden or a small balcony, nasturtiums will flourish with just basic attention.

🐛 2. Natural Pest Repellent and Companion Plant

Nasturtiums are widely used in companion planting because they attract pests away from other valuable crops like:

Tomatoes
Zucchini
Cucumbers
Cabbage

They act as “trap crops”, attracting aphids, whiteflies, and cabbage loopers, keeping your veggies safe. Their strong scent also repels squash bugs and some beetles.

🌱 Bonus: They attract pollinators like bees and butterflies too, boosting garden productivity.

🍽️ 3. Every Part is Edible (And Tasty!)

One of the most exciting things about nasturtiums is that every part is edible — the leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds!

🌿 Leaves

Peppery and spicy like arugula
Great in salads, sandwiches, and pesto
Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and natural compounds that may support immunity

🌼 Flowers

Vibrantly colored and mildly spicy
Use as a garnish, in salads, or to top cakes
Their beauty enhances any dish visually

🌱 Stems

Crunchy and peppery
Add to stir-fries or chop finely into dressings

🌰 Seeds

Called “poor man’s capers” when pickled
Pick unripe green seeds and pickle in vinegar for a spicy, tangy caper substitute

🧪 4. Nutritional & Medicinal Benefits

Scientific studies and traditional medicine both recognize nasturtiums for their health-promoting properties:

Contain glucosinolates, known for antimicrobial and anticancer properties
High in vitamin C, supporting immune function
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects

A 2006 study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research showed that nasturtium extracts have strong antibacterial properties, especially against respiratory pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus.