Nasturtium

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), belonging to the Tropaeolaceae family, is an ornamental and edible vine native to Peru. This plant thrives in full sun with moist, light or sandy soil, making it suitable for gardens that require medium moisture levels. Nasturtiums can grow up to 0.3 meters tall and span approximately 1 meter wide, often used as ground cover or trailing over walls. They are easy to propagate through direct seeding after the last frost in late spring or by transplanting seeds. The edible parts of nasturtium include its flowers, which add a peppery taste to salads and other dishes. Nasturtiums have been introduced into numerous regions including Albania, Algeria, Argentina Northeast, Angola, and many others across Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, and Oceania. These plants are native to Peru but now thrive in diverse climates from zones 6-11. Nasturtiums are known for their ornamental value with flowers that come in various colors such as white, red, and yellow. They also serve practical purposes like pest control and can be used to produce oil or fragrances. While not medicinal, nasturtiums should be handled with care due to their peppery taste, which can cause irritation if ingested in large quantities.