Domakihub How to Grow Nasturtiums: Colour, Food and Ground Cover in One Plant
The easiest edible flower for Greek gardens, terraces, and holiday rental beds.
Reviewed by Domakihub garden pros · 2026-06-23 · 5 min read
Nasturtiums are one of the few plants that reward neglect: the poorer the soil, the more they bloom. For homes, holiday rentals, and hotel courtyards across Greece, that makes them almost ideal — they fill terracotta pots and sunny borders with vivid orange, red, and yellow flowers from spring through early summer with minimal watering and zero feeding. The video above covers the full container cycle from seed to harvest; this guide walks you through the same steps with practical notes for the Greek climate.
Why nasturtiums suit Greek properties
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) thrive in the kind of fast-draining, low-fertility soil that stumps most flowering plants. On a sun-baked Athenian terrace, a stony Cretan garden bed, or a whitewashed courtyard in the Cyclades, they outperform many ornamentals that need rich compost and regular watering.
Both the leaves and flowers are edible — peppery, slightly sweet, and visually striking on a mezze spread or a salad bowl. For short-term rental properties, a planter of nasturtiums by the entrance doubles as edible décor and a talking point for guests.
Trailing vs. bush varieties: which to choose
Bush types (such as 'Jewel Mix' or 'Alaska') stay compact at 30–40 cm and suit window boxes, balcony rails, and small containers. Trailing or climbing types (such as 'Spitfire' or 'Empress of India') can cascade 1.5 m or more, making them ideal for hanging baskets, low retaining walls, or pergola bases.
In Greece, the climbing varieties also serve a practical purpose: planted at the base of fences or wire trellises they quickly provide privacy screening and attract pollinators to nearby vegetable beds.
How to grow nasturtiums: 5 steps
- 1
Sow directly into their final pot or bed
Nasturtiums dislike transplanting — their roots are fleshy and disturb easily. Sow seeds 1–2 cm deep straight into a container or border in their final position. In most of Greece, sow outdoors from late February (coastal areas) to April (higher elevations) when nighttime temperatures stay above 7 °C. Space seeds 20–25 cm apart for bush types, 30–35 cm for trailing varieties.
- 2
Choose poor, well-draining soil and full sun
Mix standard potting compost with perlite or coarse sand in a 2:1 ratio, or simply use garden soil that has not been recently fertilised. Avoid adding compost or slow-release fertiliser: rich soil causes lush leafy growth at the expense of flowers. A south- or west-facing spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun per day is ideal; they will flower in partial shade but more sparsely.
- 3
Water moderately and let the soil dry between waterings
Nasturtiums are drought-tolerant once established. Water when the top 3–4 cm of soil feel dry; in a heatwave or on an exposed rooftop, that may mean every 2–3 days. Overwatering is the most common cause of failure — soggy roots rot quickly, especially in containers without adequate drainage holes. Ensure pots have at least one large drainage hole and never leave them standing in saucers of water.
- 4
Pinch and deadhead to extend flowering
When plants reach about 15 cm, pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushy, branching growth. As blooms fade, remove spent flowers at the base of the stem — this redirects energy into producing new buds rather than setting seed. In Greece's warm climate, a single sowing can bloom continuously from April into November if deadheaded regularly and watered through the dry summer months.
- 5
Harvest seeds for the following year
Allow a handful of spent flowers to develop fully into green, round seeds — they resemble small capers and are easy to spot. Harvest when they turn from green to cream-coloured and begin to loosen from the plant. Spread them on a sheet of paper in a shaded spot for a week to dry completely, then store in a labelled paper envelope in a cool, dark drawer. Home-saved nasturtium seed germinates reliably for 3–5 years.
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FAQ
- Do nasturtiums need fertiliser in Greece's hot summers?
- No — and adding fertiliser is actively harmful to flowering. Nasturtiums evolved in poor Andean soils and produce the most blooms when nutrients are scarce. If plants are very pale and struggling, a single dilute seaweed feed in spring is enough. Skip feeding entirely in summer.
- Why are my nasturtiums producing only leaves and no flowers?
- The two most common causes are too much fertiliser (especially nitrogen) and not enough sunlight. Move the container to a sunnier spot and stop any feeding. If the plant is in rich potting compost, replant it into a leaner mix of compost and sand. Flowers usually appear within 2–3 weeks once conditions improve.
- Can nasturtiums handle the intense heat of a south-facing Greek terrace in July and August?
- They can cope but will often go semi-dormant in peak summer heat above 35 °C. Water consistently and consider a shade cloth for the hottest midday hours. Many Greek gardeners treat nasturtiums as a spring and autumn plant, allowing them to die back in August and sowing a fresh batch in September for an autumn flush of flowers.