Can lemon be an intense colour? In the right light these nasturtium flowers were an intense joy to behold.
I like the idea of self colour or just one variety grouped together. The strong colours that you find in a mixture of Nasturtium seeds can create plants that detract from one-another.

Time of day and temperature of the light may affect how we see colour but this red Nasturtium was a head turner and day of the week.

Looking decidedly rougher was this large array of wild Nasturtiums growing on rocky scree in Madiera. Ideal conditions of sun and low nitrogen soil provided this ideal habitat. The leaves were going over but the flower pattern would be repeated over several months starting in January!
Not so early in the UK I am afraid, Nasturtiums show off to best advantage much later in our summers.

Grow Up or Down a Wall

I grow mixed nasturtiums in the top of a wall. They trail down but can be encouraged to grow up twiggy supports to cover unsightly areas although they tend to trail even if planted on the flat.
Thompson Morgan Buying seed is the easiest way to start Nasturtiums. I like the dark leaved varieties such as Cobra, Strawberry Ice and Princess of India.
A variety you can plant in a hanging basket is called Jewel Mixed which adds fragrance to the dwarf trailing habit.

Gardeners Tips for Nasturtiums (Tropaeolium) more

• Plant in poor soil for more flowers than leaf. Nasturtiums will put on a lot of leaf if the soil is too rich
• The leaves, buds, flowers and seed can be eaten. The peppery taste adds good flavour to a salad.
• If left Nasturtium seed profusely and return year after year. Allegedly perennials I prefer the self sown and new seed each year.
• Seeds are large and can be planted individually by children.
• The dwarf nasturtiums are better behaved and will flower well without any fertilizer.
• Handle the stems with care as they are brittle and easily snapped.
• Nasturtiums are no use as cut flowers but you can pick and eat flowers and leaves.
• Collect the fallen seed for next year. You get 3 big seeds per flower.
• Plants are loved by black fly that may colonise the underside of leaves. Wash off with soapy water or use an insecticide if you are not going to eat them.
• Try Indian chief with dark leaves or the newer double Tropaeolum majus.
• You can often obtain seeds or plants from our mail order company of choice Thompson & Morgan

Read Help Growing Nasturtiums