Propagation and Harvest: Nasturtiums have the amazing ability to reseed themselves, making them a low-maintenance and self-sustaining plant in many gardens. This means that once you have grown nasturtiums, you can rely on them to return year after year without much effort on your part.
One way that nasturtiums propagate themselves is through seeds. These seeds can be collected from the plants at the end of the growing season and stored for planting in the following spring. The seeds are round and small, resembling tiny pebbles. They are easy to handle and store, making them a convenient option for propagating nasturtiums.
Another method of propagation is through cuttings. This involves taking a cutting from an existing nasturtium plant and rooting it in water or soil to create a new plant. While this method is less common for nasturtiums, it can be a fun and experimental way to propagate them if you’re feeling adventurous.
Nasturtiums also have vine-like runners that allow them to spread and establish new plants. These runners can root themselves in the soil, creating new growth points for the plant. If you have a mature nasturtium plant, you may notice these runners creeping along the ground and taking root in other areas of your garden. This can lead to a beautiful and lush display of nasturtiums throughout your landscape.
In terms of reseeding, nasturtiums are quite prolific. Once the flowers bloom and fade, they will produce seed pods that eventually dry out and split open, scattering the seeds onto the ground. These seeds can then germinate and grow into new plants, ensuring the continuation of your nasturtium population. This natural process of reseeding is what allows nasturtiums to return year after year without much intervention from the gardener.
It’s worth noting that the ability of nasturtiums to reseed themselves can vary depending on the climate. In colder climates, nasturtiums are typically grown as annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle in one year and die off in the winter. However, even in these colder regions, nasturtiums often drop seeds that can lay dormant over the winter and sprout in the following spring. This natural reseeding mechanism is what allows them to persist in colder climates.
On the other hand, in milder climates, nasturtiums can be perennial and continue to grow and bloom year after year. In these regions, the roots of the plant can regenerate the plant if it is only superficially removed. This means that even if you accidentally pull up a nasturtium plant, it may still have the ability to regrow from its remaining roots.
Nasturtiums are wonderful plants that have the ability to reseed themselves, ensuring their presence in your garden year after year. Whether through seeds, cuttings, or their vine-like runners, these plants propagate easily and require minimal intervention from the gardener. So sit back, relax, and let your nasturtiums do their thing, adding beauty and color to your landscape with their vibrant blooms.
