Unfortunately, you cannot grow nasturtiums all year round. These vibrant and beautiful flowers are considered cool-season annuals, which means they thrive in cooler temperatures and do not tolerate heat well. As soon as temperatures rise above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, nasturtiums start to suffer and eventually become exhausted. Therefore, it is best to grow them during early spring or fall when temperatures are more moderate.
I have personally experienced the challenges of growing nasturtiums during the summer months. One year, I decided to experiment and planted nasturtiums in my garden in the middle of summer, thinking they would survive with proper care. However, despite my efforts to provide adequate water and shade, the plants struggled and wilted under the scorching heat. Their leaves turned yellow, and the flowers were small and sparse. It was clear that nasturtiums were not meant to be grown in hot weather.
That being said, it is important to understand that nasturtiums are annuals, which means they have a specific life cycle. They germinate, grow, flower, set seeds, and then die within one year. This cycle is influenced by environmental factors, including temperature. Nasturtiums prefer cooler temperatures and thrive in mild climates.
If you live in a region with mild winters, you may be able to grow nasturtiums during the winter months. However, it is crucial to monitor the temperatures and protect the plants from frost, as they are not frost-tolerant. Providing a protective cover or growing them in containers that can be moved indoors during freezing temperatures can help ensure their survival.
To summarize, nasturtiums are not suitable for year-round growth. They are cool-season annuals that thrive in cooler temperatures and struggle in hot weather. It is best to grow them in early spring or fall when temperatures are more moderate. However, with proper care and protection, you may be able to grow them during mild winters.
