Nasturtiums are a total garden favorite, but there’s one catch: they’re only here for a good time, not a long time. These beauties can’t handle a frost, so they won’t survive the winter. The good news? They are incredibly generous with their seeds, making it super easy for us gardeners to grow a fresh batch every single spring.
How to Harvest Your Seeds
Even though the plant itself dies off when the temperature drops, the seeds are tough enough to make it through. Don’t be too quick to pull out the dead vines or trim the stems—that’s exactly where the “gold” is hiding! Most of the time, the seeds will just drop to the ground once they’re ripe. You’ll want to scoop them up quickly before they get too soggy from rain or dew. You can also try picking them by hand; if they don’t pop off the stem easily, they just need a little more time to mature.
If you don’t have nasturtiums in your garden yet, you can grab a packet of seeds at any local garden center or even the grocery store. They come in so many stunning colors that can really make your flower beds pop. If you’re looking for a specific or rare variety, your best bet is heading to a specialized nursery.
Storing Your Seeds
The secret to successful seed saving is keeping things dry. You definitely want to avoid moisture and mold! Before you pack them away, let your seeds dry out at room temperature for a few days. Simple paper envelopes or bags are perfect for storage. If you keep them in a cool, dark spot, these seeds can actually stay viable for up to three years.
Sowing Your Seeds
Planting nasturtiums is just as easy as harvesting them. The golden rule is to wait until the danger of frost has passed (usually after Mother’s Day) before you start planting them outside. Just tuck one or two seeds into the soil and keep them consistently moist. You’ll usually see those first cute sprouts popping up in 10 to 20 days. Since they only bloom for one season, many of us like to get a head start by starting seeds indoors on a sunny windowsill as early as March.
Quick Facts at a Glance
Nasturtium seeds are pretty versatile little things. Here is a quick cheat sheet of everything you need to know:
- Harvest them from the plant after the flowers fade.
- If they fall off the stem easily, they’re ripe.
- Pick them up quickly so they don’t get too wet.
- Always dry them thoroughly before storing.
- Stored correctly, they last for three years.
- Plant outdoors starting in mid-May.
- Fun fact: The seeds are actually edible!
The Bottom Line: A Garden All-Rounder
Nasturtium seeds are like a little gift from nature. They guarantee you’ll have a gorgeous, vibrant garden again next year without spending a dime. Plus, if you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen, you can pickle the green seeds to make “poor man’s capers”—they’re delicious! They really are an all-around winner, so don’t let them go to waste in the dirt this year.
