A Blooming Marvel: Growing Nasturtiums in Hanging Baskets
1. Introduction
The cascading nature of nasturtiums makes them perfect for hanging baskets. Plus, growing nasturtiums in hanging baskets helps save space and makes use of vertical gardening techniques. In this guide, we will discuss the steps to growing nasturtiums in hanging baskets.
2. Selecting the Right Nasturtiums Hanging Basket
Coconut coir baskets are lightweight and affordable. But they may not provide good airflow for the roots. Wire baskets allow for better drainage and air circulation. But they can be more expensive.
Plastic hanging baskets strike a balance between plastic and wire. They provide adequate drainage and ventilation at a reasonable price.
To ensure proper drainage in nasturtiums hanging basket, using gravel or pebbles to create a drainage layer at the bottom. This will prevent water from pooling and causing root rot. Additionally, regularly check and clean any clogged drainage holes.
3. Preparing the Potting Mix
The ideal potting mix should be well-draining and nutrient-rich. To achieve this balance, you can add organic matter to your potting mix. For example, compost and perlite. Compost provides essential nutrients for the plant. While perlite improves drainage and aeration.
2 parts potting soil, 1 part compost, 1 part perlite is recommended. Mix these ingredients together thoroughly and use it to fill your hanging basket. This mix will provide a good balance of nutrients and drainage for your nasturtiums.
4. Best Nasturtiums for Hanging Baskets
Common nasturtium, dwarf nasturtium, and canary creeper are popular varieties. Climbing varieties will require a trellis or support structure for their vines to cling onto. For example, Tropaeolum majus. Trailing varieties will naturally cascade over the edge of a hanging basket or container. For example, Tropaeolum minus and Tropaeolum peregrinum.
Some good options include Jewel Mix (Tropaeolum majus) for its vibrant mix of colors, Empress of India (Tropaeolum minus) for its compact and bushy growth habit, and Canary Creeper (Tropaeolum peregrinum) for its delicate yellow flowers.
5. How to Grow Nasturtiums in a Hanging Basket?
The best time is in the spring after the last frost. The plants will have enough time to grow before the hot summer months arrive.
How many nasturtiums in a hanging basket? You can sown 4-5 nasturtium seeds directly into the hanging basket, about 1 inch apart and half an inch deep. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during germination. Alternatively, you can start the seeds indoors in
plastic seedling trays. Then transplant them into the hanging baskets once they have grown a few inches tall.
If you prefer to use seedlings instead of seeds, gently remove them from
plastic planter pots. Then, plant them in the hanging basket. Make sure to gently pat down the soil around the roots.
When planting nasturtium in hanging baskets, give the plant enough space to grow and spread out. Aim for a spacing of 6-8 inches between each plant. As for planting depth, make sure to cover the roots with soil but avoid burying the stems.
6. Watering and Feeding
Nasturtiums are native to South America. These flowers prefer well-draining soil. When growing nasturtiums in hanging baskets, the soil can dry out faster than in the ground. So pay attention to their watering needs. Water your nasturtiums regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
Too much moisture can lead to root rot and other issues. So don't water too frequently. Water in the morning or evening when temperatures are cool. This allows for better absorption by the plant.
Nasturtiums are relatively low-maintenance plants. But they can benefit from some fertilization. When growing nasturtiums in hanging baskets, the soil can quickly become depleted of nutrients. Choose a balanced fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the packaging for application. Fertilize once every two weeks during the growing season.
7. Providing Proper Support
You will need to set up a trellis or support structure for climbing nasturtiums. You can attach a small trellis to the top of your hanging basket. This provides a sturdy base for the vines to grow on. Alternatively, you can use strings or wires attached to the rim of the basket and secured at the top.
These plants are natural climbers. They will need guidance to grow in a neat and sturdy manner. Gently tying the vines to the trellis or strings, helping them stay upright and preventing tangling. Regular pruning of any damaged or overgrown branches. This will encourage bushy growth and prevent the plant from becoming too top-heavy.
Wind can be a major issue for hanging baskets. Because they are constantly exposed to the elements. To prevent damage from wind, consider placing your hanging basket in a sheltered area. You can also use protective barriers such as nearby trees or walls. Additionally, you can use windbreaks made from mesh or fabric to reduce the impact of strong winds on your nasturtiums.
8. Pest and Disease Management
Aphids, slugs, and caterpillars are common pests. Aphids feed on the sap of the plant. This causes yellowing and wilting of leaves. Slugs can also cause similar damage by feeding on the leaves and stems of the plant. Caterpillars can eat through the leaves. Leave large holes and destroy the aesthetic appeal of the plant. You can use a mixture of water and dish soap to spray on the affected areas for aphids and other sucking insects.
What to plant with nasturtiums in hanging basket? Nasturtiums are known to repel pests while attracting beneficial insects. For example, ladybugs and lacewings. Planting nasturtiums alongside other plants can also help deter pests from these plants. For example, tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans.
Nasturtiums are also susceptible to diseases. For example, root rot and powdery mildew. Root rot is caused by overwatering. It can lead to yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease. It appears as white powdery spots on leaves.
You can use a solution of water and baking soda to spray on the leaves for powdery mildew. For root rot, make sure to let the soil dry out between waterings and consider repotting in well-draining soil.
9. Harvesting Nasturtiums
You can harvest nasturtiums when they start blooming and their flowers fully open up. This is usually in late spring or early summer. You can also check the plant leaves. If they start turning yellow, they are ready to be harvested.
Gently grasping the stem of the flower. Using your pruning shears or scissors, make a clean cut close to the base of the plant. Place the harvested flower in your collection container.
Repeat this process for all the flowers you want to harvest. Nasturtiums have a long blooming period. So you can continue harvesting them throughout the season. Just make sure to leave some flowers on the plant. So it can continue growing and producing more beautiful blooms.
10. Conclusion
After reading this guide, you understand how to grow nasturtiums in hanging baskets. Now put your newfound knowledge into action!
