The answer to this question depends on when you want to plant the nasturtium seeds outdoors. If you are planning to plant them outdoors in zones 8 or 9 when night time temperatures stay above 45 degrees Fahrenheit, you could wait and start them outdoors.
However, in most other climates, it is best to start the seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your average last expected frost date.
Starting the seeds indoors gives them a chance to germinate and start growing in a protected environment before exposing them to the colder outdoor temperatures. Once the seedlings have reached a few inches in height, you can begin to harden off the plants over the course of a week by taking them outside for longer and longer periods.
Once the seedlings are strong enough and the risk of frost has passed, you can transplant them outside.
Keep in mind that nasturtiums do require well draining soil and ideally, they should be planted in an area that gets full sun. Additionally, if you are planning to start the seeds indoors you will need containers and potting soil.
Ultimately, whether or not you should start nasturtium seeds indoors depends on your planting zone and the local climate. It is generally best to start them indoors so that they have time to establish their roots before being moved outdoors.
Do I need to soak nasturtium seeds before planting?
It isn’t absolutely necessary to soak nasturtium seeds before planting, but it can be beneficial. Soaking the seeds can help to speed up the germination process, so that seedlings appear more quickly.
To soak nasturtium seeds, fill a bowl or jar with lukewarm water and add the seeds. Leave the seeds to soak for about 12-24 hours, and then drain off the water and plant the seeds in the soil. If you don’t soak the seeds, it may take a little longer for them to germinate, as the seed coat needs to soften before the seed can begin to grow.
How long does it take to grow nasturtiums from seed?
The time it takes for nasturtiums to grow from seed can vary based on the season, growing conditions, and the variety of nasturtium being grown. Generally, nasturtiums germinate in approximately 10-14 days when grown indoors.
Once germination takes place, the seedlings should be transplanted into a sunny part of the garden. It typically takes 5-7 weeks until they are ready to harvest after they are transplanted outside. After this period, the nasturtiums will continue to sprout blooms until the first frost.
Cultivated properly, nasturtiums can spread and bloom into summer or even early winter.
Do nasturtium seeds need darkness to germinate?
Nasturtium seeds do not need to be in darkness to germinate. In fact, nasturtium seeds need light for the process of germination to occur. If the seeds are exposed to light and good soil conditions (such as moist soil, good drainage, and access to sunlight) they should easily germinate.
It’s generally recommended to keep the soil moist, but not overly wet. Nasturtium seeds will germinate quickly; it may only take one to two weeks after sowing before seedlings appear.
What month do you plant nasturtium seeds?
Nasturtiums are easy to grow and can be planted in many different climates. They can be planted from seed indoors or outdoors and the best time to plant nasturtium seeds is usually in the late spring or early summer.
Depending on the climate, you can start planting the nasturtium seeds in the early months of May or late months of April. Nasturtiums are fast-growing and can be planted directly into the soil or in a pot or container.
In most climates, nasturtiums have a hard time surviving the cold winter months, so it’s best to start planting the seeds 6 to 8 weeks before the typical last frost date in your area. It’s important to plant the seeds in well-draining soil, as they do not tolerate wet feet well.
Lastly, keep the soil moist while the seeds are germinating and avoid over watering.
Why won’t my nasturtium seeds germinate?
Nasturtium seeds are notoriously slow to germinate, so there may be several reasons why your nasturtium seeds won’t germinate. One common cause is improper storage. Nasturtium seeds need to be stored in a cool and dry location to remain viable.
If they were stored in a warm and moist environment, the exposure to humidity can cause the seeds to prematurely die.
Another possibility is that the seeds you purchased are old, expired, or otherwise non-viable. Most seed sellers will label the date of seed production on the packaging, so check to make sure that your seed package is not too old.
If the seeds were stored properly and are not expired, the environmental conditions in which you are trying to germinate your seeds may be poor. Nasturtium seeds need a stable temperature range (around 75 degrees Fahrenheit) and enough exposure to both light and moisture to germinate.
Make sure that you are not planting too deeply, as improper depth can affect germination. Additionally, nasturtiums do best in soil with a pH above 6.5, so make sure the pH of your soil is suitable.
Finally, an unknown cause could be that the seeds are not getting enough oxygen. Make sure the soil is loosely tilled and not too compacted. If it has been very dry, consider adding some water to loosen the soil a bit.
That should help the seeds to get enough oxygen and break through the soil.
Can you germinate nasturtium seeds in a paper towel?
Yes, you can germinate nasturtium seeds in a paper towel. The process is fairly simple and doesn’t require any special equipment or supplies. Start by soaking a paper towel in warm water, then wringing it out to make sure that it’s only damp and not soaking wet.
Place the nasturtium seeds on the damp paper towel and fold it over so that it covers the seeds. Place the folded paper towel in a sealable bag to contain the moisture and place the bag in a warm area.
Make sure to keep the paper towel damp by misting it with water as needed. After a few days, the seeds should begin to germinate and the sprouts will become visible. Once the sprouts appear, you can then plant the seeds in soil.
Make sure that the soil is moist and well drained, then place the seedlings in a sunny spot. Water the seedlings regularly and be sure to fertilize them when necessary. With proper care and maintenance, your nasturtium seedlings should soon begin to flower and produce vibrant, edible blooms.
How do you know if nasturtium seeds are viable?
When testing nasturtium seeds for viability, the best way to know is to test the germination rate. To do this, you can place four to five seeds on the surface of a damp paper towel folded to make a pocket, then place this pocket inside a plastic bag with ventilation holes.
Place the bag in a warm location, such as on top of a refrigerator or near a heat source, for about four to five days. Monitor the seeds during this time, and if two to three of the seeds have sprouted, then the seeds are likely viable and ready for planting.
You can also perform a quick germination test by placing six to eight nasturtium seeds on the surface of a wet paper towel and enclosing them in a ziplock bag for about two to three days—if at least two of the seeds have germinated, then they’re likely viable.
How do you germinate nasturtiums?
To germinate nasturtiums, start by finding a shallow planter that’s 6-8 inches deep. Fill the planter with a mix of regular potting soil and organic compost and wet it until it’s evenly moist. Sow two to three nasturtium seeds in each planter, scattering them evenly over the soil surface.
Cover the seeds lightly with more soil and tamp it down to make sure the seeds are in contact with the soil. Mist the soil surface with a spray bottle and cover the top of the planter with plastic wrap.
Place the planter in a warm, bright location until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks. When the seeds germinate, remove the plastic wrap and place the planters where they will get full sun for at least 6 hours a day.
Water the plants regularly, giving them about 1 inch of water per week and make sure the soil never completely dries out. When the seedlings reach about 3-4 inches tall, thin them out so that there is only one per planter or use scissors to snip off the weaker seedlings.
Nasturtiums should be ready to harvest within 5 to 7 weeks of planting.
Can I scatter nasturtium seeds?
Yes, you can scatter nasturtium seeds for planting. Nasturtiums are easy to grow from seeds, which can be sown either in the early spring, late summer or early fall directly into the garden soil. It is not recommended to start them indoors as they do not transplant well and require some sunlight to germinate.
To scatter the seeds, simply spread them on well-drained soil that is lightly tilled and contains plenty of organic matter. Make sure to plant the seeds no deeper than ¼ inch to ensure good seedling emergence.
Make sure that seedlings are spaced between 8-12 inches apart, as they may produce large, vining plants. Water the soil after planting and keep it consistently moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around seven to 10 days.
Once plants are established, they will need to be watered only during dry spells.