Characteristics of the nasturtium plant, how to plant a capuchin and take care of it in the garden, recommendations for reproduction, methods of combating diseases and pests, interesting notes, species and varieties.
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum) can also be found under the name Capuchin. The plant is assigned to the Nasturtium family (Tropaeolaceae), numbering only three genera, containing 80–90 herbaceous representatives of the flora. Their distribution falls on the lands of the southern and central regions of America. Well, the genus of nasturtium has united about 88 varieties, which corresponds to the information obtained from the The Plant List database. Many of them are well cultivated in mid-latitudes.
| Family name | Nasturtium |
| Growing period | Perennial or one-year |
| Vegetation form | Herbaceous |
| Breeding method | Seed and vegetative (cuttings) |
| Landing period in open ground | The beginning of June |
| Landing rules | Planting is carried out without removing the seedlings from the planting containers at a distance of 20-40 cm |
| Priming | Light, medium fertility, well-drained |
| Soil acidity values, pH | 6, 5-7 (neutral) or 7-8 (slightly acidic) |
| Lighting degree | Bright sunny, open place |
| Humidity parameters | Abundantly and regularly after planting, after flowering begins only after the soil surface has dried |
| Special care rules | Not demanding |
| Height values | 0.2-3.5 m |
| Inflorescences or type of flowers | Single flowers |
| Flower color | Red, yellow or orange |
| Flowering period | June to September |
| Decorative period | Spring-Autumn |
| Application in landscape design | In mixborders and flower beds, in gardening fences or poles, can be planted next to gazebos or terraces, in garden containers |
| USDA zone | 4–9 |
The nasturtium received its second name "Capuchin" due to the fact that the outline of the corolla of the flower is very similar to the shape of the hoods of the Capuchin monks. Well, the term in Latin "tropaeolum" appeared thanks to the famous flora taxonomy Karl Linnaeus.
Nasturtium species include both annuals and long-term plants. Most of the plants have liana-like outlines, but there are those that grow like half-shrubs, while the stem is always characterized by juiciness. It is well branched, has a bare surface and is brittle. The color of the stems is an appetizing green tone. Their height can vary between 20–35 cm.
The leaf plates are often spade-shaped, located on the shoots in the next order. Capuchin leaves are entire, can be corymbose or differ in division into palmate lobes. On the upper side, veins are clearly visible, which effectively stand out in a lighter shade than the entire surface of the leaf. The color of the leaves can usually take on various shades of green. The reverse side of the leaf is lighter, velvety. Often in the central part of the leaf there is an elongated petiole also of a greenish tone. The size of the leaf plates can vary from 3 to 15 cm.
When blooming, nasturtium has bright flowers. They can be of both simple and semi-double or double form. The shape of the flower is irregular and zygomorphic. Flowering is always accompanied by a pleasant fragrant aroma. The flowers are bisexual, their corolla is composed of five (in rare cases or more) petals. Usually there are the same number of sepals. Flowers originate in an owl in the leaf axils. The corolla tube takes the form of a funnel, which once reminded people of the hoods of Capuchin monks. The color of the petals is very bright and can be either red, orange or yellow. The flowers are crowned with green elongated flowering stems. Flowering can be extended from early summer to September.
A large amount of nectar fills the tube and attracts a large number of insects. In our latitudes, not only bumblebees and bees fly to nasturtium, but also flies. But if we talk about native places of growth, then there (for example, in a species such as nasturtium five-leafed (Tropaeolum pentaphyllum)), small hummingbirds are pollinators.
The fruits that ripen in the Capuchin are formed by means of three reniform lobes, characterized by a wrinkled surface. Such lobes are filled with seeds of rounded-kidney-shaped outlines. Both the flowers and the fruits of the plant are prized not only in cooking, but because of their medicinal properties.
Growing nasturtium - planting and care in the open field
- Landing place Capuchins should choose well-lit, but protected from gusts of cold wind. All because of the thermophilicity of the plant and its brittle shoots. In shading, nasturtium will develop well, only its stems can begin to stretch, and the flowering will not be so long and lush.
- Soil for nasturtium select light, with good indicators of drainage, its nutritional value can be medium, but the acidity indicators are slightly acidic pH 7-8 or, in extreme cases, neutral pH 6, 5-7. To increase the acidity, peat crumb can be mixed into the soil. If the soil is heavy and poor, then a little river sand and humus are introduced into it. It is important not to overdo it with organic matter, as it will provoke a violent growth of green mass to the detriment of flowering. Cultivating a plant on depleted soil will inevitably affect the size of the leaf plates - they grind strongly, while the stems will look bare, the flowers are also formed small and ineffective. Too wet and stagnant soil will lead to the onset of putrefactive processes of the root system and destroy the bush.
- Planting nasturtium. It is best to replant young Capuchin plants when the threat of return frost has completely receded. In different regions, this period of time is not the same, but it mainly falls on the end of May or the beginning of June. A hole is dug for the seedling, into which, you can easily install the planting container so that the root collar is flush with the soil. When planting several plants, it is recommended to leave a distance of 20 cm to 40 cm between them, but these indicators directly depend on the species and variety that you plan to grow. After the seedlings of the capuchins are planted, they are watered with water at room temperature. The first time after planting, seedlings require shelter so that they can adapt more easily. The grown Tropaeolum will begin to bloom only after a month or a half from the moment of planting.
- General advice on care. Like any garden plant, nasturtium requires care, but in this case it will not be difficult. It is made up of regular weeding from weeds, especially until the seedlings or seedlings grow up enough. Otherwise, weeds can simply drown out weak shoots. But so that this struggle does not become exhausting, after planting, it is recommended to mulch the entire area with capuchins (for example, with peat crumbs). It is recommended to remove wilted flowers in a timely manner in order to exclude self-seeding. Only a small number of ovaries are left to obtain seed.
- Watering. When growing capuchins, soil moisture should be regular and fairly abundant. However, you should not bring the soil to acidification, otherwise the root system will quickly rot. After the nasturtium begins to bloom, it is necessary to slightly reduce the watering and carry them out only when the top layer of the substrate dries up. If you do not adhere to this rule, but continue to abundantly moisten the soil, then flowering will be scarce, but the green mass will grow rapidly.
- Fertilizers. Before the buds of capuchins begin to bloom, it is necessary to feed the bushes with phosphorus-potassium preparations once a week. It is better not to use preparations with a nitrogen content, as this will affect the rapid growth of greenery.
- Collecting Capuchin Seeds. When the flowers wither, the ripening of fruits begins, only in a variety of foreign nasturtium (Tropaeolum peregrinum) they will not have time to ripen in our latitudes. When the fruits are fully ripe, they change their color from green to white. They can be easily separated from the peduncle, but if not harvested, the seeds fall to the surface of the soil. Therefore, in order not to lose the seed, you should not be late with its collection. After the seeds are harvested and slightly dried, they are stored in bags or cardboard boxes. In the case when the seed material of foreign nasturtium has not yet fully matured, then it is brought to full readiness in room conditions.
- Nasturtium after the flowering period. Since in our latitudes, capuchin is grown as an annual, after the flowering process is completed, all parts of the plants are removed. The site itself is dug up, but before that it is necessary to collect the seeds.
- The use of nasturtium in landscape design … If the species is bush, then such plants are suitable for decorating borders and mixborders, it is also recommended to grow such capuchins in hanging pots, garden containers. You can plant along walls and fences or around fruit trees. Curly and ampelous types of nasturtium are used to form hedges, decorate posts and vertical landscaping of any garden structures (gazebos, terraces, balconies, etc.). You can hide brickwork or other unsightly structure under leafy shoots. Some types of capuchin are recommended for indoor cultivation and flower beds. Varieties with double flowers will decorate any corner of the garden or garden spaces. The best neighbors for a capuchin will be petunias with a lilac or snow-white shade of flowers.
Read also about planting a delphinium and the rules for growing outdoors.
Recommendations for breeding nasturtium
To get a bush of such a plant, you can sow the collected seeds and root cuttings.
Propagation of nasturtium by seeds
Seeds (purchased or collected with your own hands) can be sown in containers for growing seedlings or directly directly into the ground. In the second option, sowing will be carried out starting from the third decade of May, when the soil warms up enough and return frosts will not damage the seedlings of capuchins. Pits are formed on the bed, the depth of which will not exceed 2 cm. The distance between the holes should be kept within 25-30 cm.
Although the seeds of nasturtium are large in size, it is recommended to sow them by the nesting method, when 3-4 pieces are placed in one recess. If frost is likely to occur, cover the seedbed with a nonwoven material such as lutrasil or spunbond. Some simply unfold plastic wrap over the crop bed. Water the sown seeds of capuchins with water only at room temperature (approximately 20-24 degrees). After 1–2 weeks, the first shoots can be seen.
Propagation of nasturtium by seedling method
This method differs in that the flowering of the resulting plants will be earlier. It is recommended to use cups made of peat for sowing, this will facilitate the subsequent transplanting of seedlings and will guarantee that the root system of the seedlings is not injured. Some growers use special cups, the bottom of which is pulled out. Sowing nasturtium seeds for growing seedlings is performed in the middle or late summer. You can use a peat-sandy substrate, in which the seeds are planted to a depth of about 2 cm. As well as when sowing in open ground, 2-3 seeds should be placed in each of the cups.
After sowing, the containers are placed in a warm place (20-24 degrees). Crop care will consist in moistening the soil if it begins to dry out from above. After a couple of weeks, you can see the first sprouts of capuchins. After that, containers with seedlings are transferred to conditions with good lighting, otherwise the stems will begin to stretch strongly in height and then, when they are transplanted into open ground, they may begin to hurt and flowering will not occur.
Important
Due to the fragility of the root system of nasturtium seedlings, picking and transplanting are not carried out.
The resulting plants must be planted in a prepared place in the garden without removing them from the planting containers. This will protect the roots from injury, and the seedlings from death.
Propagation of nasturtium by cuttings
Portions of the tops of the stems should be cut off in late spring or summer. The harvested branches are planted in a container filled with wet sand, or simply placed in a container with water.
Important
Vegetative propagation is used for the propagation of terry species and varieties of nasturtium, since when the seeds are sown, the parental qualities disappear.
Rooting is carried out at room temperature and regular watering. However, you should not overmoisten the soil, otherwise the cuttings may rot. Some growers put a glass jar or plastic bottle on top with a cut-off bottom. After the cuttings have developed roots, the seedlings can be moved into the open ground, if they are still far from frost, since they need time to adapt and prepare for the winter season (if the variety is perennial). Annual capuchin species can be planted in early summer.
Disease and pest control methods when growing nasturtium
Although the plant is quite unpretentious, but with regular non-compliance with the rules of agricultural technology, it can get sick. Among such troubles are:
- Gray rot arising from waterlogged soil, high humidity and low temperatures. In this case, spots with a dry brown surface begin to form on the leaves.
- Rust - foliage is covered with round marks of reddish-brown color, which begin to grow rapidly, and the foliage tissue inside them dies off.
These diseases appear due to the effects of fungi; capuchin bushes can be cured without resorting to strong chemicals. For example, from gray rot, shoots and leaves are sprayed with solutions based on iodine (10 drops per 10 liters of water) and mustard (50 g of mustard powder is dissolved in 5 liters of boiling water). Rust is fought with a solution mixed from 1 tbsp. l. soda and the same amount of vegetable oil, 1 tsp. dishwashing liquid and 1 aspirin tablet. The whole mixture is dissolved in 3-4 liters of water. But in case of severe damage, fungicides will have to be used, such as Fundazol or Bordeaux liquid. In this case, you will have to forget about using parts of the plant for food.
More serious diseases that cannot be treated and are of viral origin are:
- Bacterial wilting, in which all parts turn yellow and quickly decay and die.
- Mosaic and ring spot in which the foliage is covered with patterns of sulfur or brown, reminiscent of spotting, the growth rate of nasturtium slows down, the surface of the leaves is deformed.
If such symptoms are identified, then the affected bushes are recommended to be immediately dug up and burned so that the infection is not transferred to other plants in the garden. All remaining flowers are immediately sprayed with fungicides.
Only in very rare cases, pests begin to infect the capuchin plant, mainly it serves to scare them away. Only sometimes you can see the cabbage butterfly and aphids on the bushes. Moreover, the latter is a carrier of viral diseases, so the pest should be immediately destroyed. If you don't want to use chemicals, then you can use a solution infused with tobacco, onion peel, or garlic gruel. If the lesion is very strong, then you will have to apply insecticides, like Aktara, Fitoverm or Aktellik. Then the stems can be used for food, but foliage and flowers cannot be used.
Interesting notes about the nasturtium flower
Many of the most decorative nasturtium species are usually planted in gardens and parks, such as large (Tropaeolum majus), foreign (Tropaeolum peregrinum), and beautiful (Tropaeolum speciosum). The greatest cold resistance is the variety of nasturtium polyphyllum (Tropaeolum polyphyllum), which comes from Chilean lands and the root system does not die when the thermometer drops to -20 degrees below zero. Some inexperienced gardeners may classify some members of the Brassicaceae family as nasturtium.
Foliage, when it is quite young, as well as flowers, are usually added to soups and added to salads. Brightly colored capuchin tubes can be pickled and used to decorate a variety of culinary dishes. The fruits of nasturtium have long been appreciated, because when pickled they taste like expensive capers. Seeds are also used. To do this, the seed is dried and ground, then the resulting mixture can be used as a seasoning, replacing black pepper. Even during the Great Patriotic War, they knew about the positive properties of such a seasoning.
Important
All parts of nasturtium can be consumed except for its roots.
However, capuchin is distinguished not only by its taste. Its medicinal properties have long been known to folk healers. We used preparations based on it to prevent the appearance of skin rashes (rashes or acne), accelerate hair growth, and heal kidney stones. Also, nasturtium remedies were prescribed to patients suffering from anemia and vitamin deficiency. Due to the fact that the plant is saturated with vitamin C, it is recommended to use such preparations for scurvy. If we carry out a comparative analysis, then in the foliage of nasturtium, the amount of this vitamin is 10 times higher than the foliage of lettuce.
Among other things, capuchin has components that have an antibacterial effect, since it includes phytoncides and provitamin A. Even patients with atherosclerosis, metabolism, and the elderly are advised to introduce this plant into their dishes. In addition, nasturtium is capable of reducing testosterone levels in the circulatory system. Among the properties that this representative of the flora possesses, scientists have identified:
- anti-inflammatory;
- expectorant;
- diuretic (diuretic);
- laxative;
- antibiotic;
- antiscorbutic;
- antiseptic.
However, in case of an overdose of drugs based on capuchin, there is a possibility of irritation of the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
It is curious that the positive properties of Capuchin do not end there. If you plant such plants in a garden or vegetable garden, then they will scare off all kinds of pests, such as cabbage butterflies and whiteflies, aphids, Colorado beetles and other "uninvited guests."
Types and varieties of nasturtium
Foreign nasturtium (Tropaeolum peregrinum)
also found under the name Canary nasturtium … The native lands of growth are considered to be South American territories. Shoots can be extended to a length of 3.5 m. They braid all nearby supports at high speed, therefore they are recommended for planting next to gazebos and trellises. Flowers bloom in July, and the end of flowering comes with the first frost. The size of the flowers is small, the color of the corolla tube is of a rich yellow color. The surface of the petals is corrugated, there are spurs of green color. The leaves are also small, divided into 4–5 lobes. When grown in the middle lane, the seed material does not have time to ripen.
Large nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
often referred to as Capuchin great … An annual herbaceous form of growth, common in nature on lands stretching from Peru to New Grenada (South America). The stem is characterized by fleshiness, has increased branching and juiciness, its length reaches 1–2.5 m. If the variety has creeping shoots, then it does not exceed 70 cm in height. The leaf plates are attached to the stems with elongated petioles. The outlines of the foliage are corymbose, rounded-unequal, the edge is solid. On the surface there are, as if recessed veins. The leaf diameter is within 3-15 cm. The color is green on top, the reverse side is gray.
During flowering, which begins with the arrival of summer and ends with the first frost, large buds bloom on elongated peduncles. When fully expanded, the diameter of the corolla is 2.5–6 cm. Three petals growing at the base of the plate are distinguished by fringe. Their color is orange, on the surface there is an ornament of red-bloody stripes. The spur has a slight bend. The ripening fruit splits into 3 parts.
The most popular varieties are:
- King Theodore pleases the eye with a very rich color of flowers, which has a red tint.
- Peach Melba characterized by a creamy corolla, the central part of which is decorated with a spot of reddish tone.
- Salmon Baby has a semi-double flower shape, the petals of which are salmon color.
- Ladybug possesses flowers of a bright orange shade with dark cherry specks inside.
Shield-bearing nasturtium (Tropaeolum lobbianum)
has the shape of a semi-shrub. Creeping stems with juiciness and fragility. The color of the shoots is dark green, the maximum length is 4 m. The leaf plates are corymbose, also of a dark emerald color. When blooming, buds bloom with a corolla of a rich blood-red hue. The flowering process takes the period from the beginning of summer days to September. The fruits have time to ripen completely before the onset of frost.
The variety is most popular with gardeners. Lucifer, shoots of which grow in height only about 25 cm. Stems are upright, greenish. The size of the leaves is large, the color is also deep green with the presence of a dark red tint. The flowers, opening in diameter, reach 6 cm. The corolla has an orange-red tint.
Cultural nasturtium (Tropaeolum cultorum)
is an amalgamation of hybridized plants by crossing species such as large nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) and shield-bearing (Tropaeolum lobbianum). Stems with lush deciduous mass. The foliage is characterized by a crimson or greenish surface. All the varieties that are included in the composition are divided according to the parameters of the height of the shoots and outlines:
- up to 0.5 m in height, dense bush;
- shoots that spread over the soil surface can reach a length of 4 m;
- the height of such dwarf bushes is in the range of 15–20 cm.
The best varieties are recognized:
- Gleming Mahagani … 37 cm - this is the height of the stems, the color of lush bloody flowers.
- Golden Globe the owner of the spherical outlines of the bush, while the stems can reach a height of 25 cm. The width of the bush is measured at 40 cm. The foliage is characterized by rounded contours, the color is greenish. The diameter of the opened lush flower can be 6, 5 cm. The petals have a yellow-golden tint.
- Moonlight has climbing outlines, provided with stems, reaching about 2 meters in length, the corolla of blossoming flowers is canary yellow.
Small nasturtium (Tropaeolum minus)
The owner of highly branched shoots, the surface of which is covered with grooves. The height of the stems does not exceed 35 cm. The leaves are small, corymbose outlines, rounded. Foliage is attached to the shoots by means of thin, but elongated petioles. When blooming, flowers with yellow corollas bloom, the diameter of which in full disclosure is no more than 3 cm. All the petals have a dark shade of spots. The surface of the three upper petals is velvety, with a pointed tip. Spurs with curvature and cylindrical shape. The flowering process takes the period from early summer to October.
The best varieties of the species are recognized:
- Cherry Rose, characterized by a stem height of up to 30 cm. The flowers are of a lush structure, the petals in them have a deep red hue.
- Black Velvet or Black Velvet have low stem parameters in height, amounting to 30 cm. The flowers that bloom on elongated peduncles are simple, they are distinguished by a very dark burgundy shade, almost turning into black. The diameter of the flower, when fully opened, will be 6 cm. Often this variety is found under the name "Black Lady".
Video about growing nasturtium in a personal plot:
