Variegated Nasturtium is a striking annual flower that brings both visual drama and culinary delight to gardens in zones 2 through 11. Its mottled white and green foliage pairs beautifully with deeply hued pastel blooms, creating a combination that catches the eye from every angle. But this variety is far more than ornamental: the peppery leaves and flowers are entirely edible, ready to harvest in about 60 days and perfect for enlivening salads with their distinctive bite. At 12 inches tall with an 18-inch spread, it works wonderfully as a ground cover or trailing accent in full sun, thriving in moderate water and slightly acidic soil.
12
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
12in H x 18in W
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Moderate
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The visual appeal here is undeniable: mottled white-and-green leaves offset by pastel-colored, flat-faced blooms create an unusually sophisticated look for such an easy-to-grow plant. But the real draw lies in its dual nature as both ornamental and edible. You can harvest the peppery leaves and flowers for salads, or pickle the immature seeds as a caper substitute, giving you multiple reasons to grow it beyond just looking at it.
Nasturtium leaves and flowers shine in fresh salads, where their peppery kick adds complexity and visual interest. The immature seeds can be pickled to create a homemade caper substitute, a traditional preparation that extends the culinary value of the plant well beyond the growing season. Both the foliage and blooms work equally well as garnishes, bringing color and distinctive flavor to plates.
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Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last spring frost, sowing at a depth of 1/4 inch in warm soil. Keep temperatures between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit for reliable germination.
Harden off seedlings gradually over 7 to 10 days once nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Transplant outdoors after your last frost date, spacing plants 12 inches apart with 18 inches between rows.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed. Sow at 1/4 inch depth, spacing seeds 12 inches apart.
Begin harvesting leaves and flowers once plants are established and blooming, typically around 60 days from planting. Pick leaves regularly to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming too dense. For pickling, harvest immature seed pods when they're still tender and green, usually within a few weeks of flower drop. Flowers can be harvested at any point once fully opened.
As an indeterminate annual ground cover, Variegated Nasturtium benefits from light pinching when young to encourage bushier, more compact growth. You can deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming, though the plant will continue flowering prolifically without intervention.
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