The bright color of the flowers, creating a stunning contrast with the rich green leaves, especially stands out nasturtium. This flower is not only beautiful, but also healthy. Central and South America is the birthplace of nasturtium, which has more than 45 species. From Latin, the name of the flower is translated as “a small trophy”. He got such a name because of the shape of flowers and leaves resembling a shield and a helmet. There are annual and perennial nasturtiums. Such flowers will become an adornment of any garden and a highlight in creating the landscape design of the site.
Landing the "little trophy"
Nasturtium, the planting and care of which require special attention, has a delicate and sensitive root system, so the plant does not tolerate transplantation. In the case of growing a flower from seedlings, it should be planted in peat cups, containers with a removable bottom, then trauma when planting in the ground will be minimal. Planting nasturtium in the ground requires special attention, plants need to be planted at a distance of 25-30 cm from each other. This operation should be carried out in the second half of March or in April. When planting in the ground, it is important to take care of high-quality drainage and fertilized soil in moderation - only then can the gardener enjoy a very lush flowering. Fertilize the flower with manure is not worth it. With an excess of fertilizers, nasturtium expels many leaves, but gives few flowers. The use of potassium-phosphorus top dressing is very effective, because then nasturtium, planting and care of which requires thoroughness, will sparkle with health and will present many sunny smiles in the form of lovely flowers.
Growing nastruction
If you are interested in nasturtium, planting and caring for it will require constant attention. The soil must be selected light, but well-drained. Sandy loamy or loamy soil is perfect. Nasturtium needs regular but moderate watering. On hot and dry days, during the growing season, watering can be increased, but the water should not stagnate. The flower can also be planted on your balcony. Then seedlings must be sown in April. Nasturtium is a heat-loving plant that does not tolerate frost, but is extremely unpretentious in care.
Pest Care
Any indoor flowers, care and reproduction of which are carried out correctly, are still subject to pest attacks. Nasturtium attracts aphids, whites, spider mites, cruciferous fleas and teddy bears. However, nasturtium, the planting and care of which were of high quality, will be protected from adversity if the pests are regularly manually destroyed or modern chemicals are used. With improper care, the leaves of the plant change color. The reasons for this may be:
- disease;
- lack of nutrients;
- waterlogging;
- lack of light.
In order to qualitatively overcome the disease of nasturtium, the affected areas must be removed and burned, and it is important to treat healthy parts with special drugs.
The plant feels great in shaded but sunny places, protected from the wind.