Nasturtiums are a total game-changer for any garden. But as the temperatures start to drop, a lot of us backyard gardeners start wondering: how do we keep these beauties safe until next year? In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting your nasturtiums through the winter.
Nasturtiums and Frost
For most of us, nasturtiums are a “one summer only” kind of deal. While there are technically perennial varieties out there, almost every nasturtium you’ll meet will give up the ghost the second a real frost hits. These plants are definitely not cold-hardy, so leaving them out in the garden over winter isn’t an option. If you want to see those vibrant blooms again next spring, you’ve got to have a game plan.
How to Overwinter Your Plants
Most gardeners take the easy route: they collect the seeds, let the mother plant freeze once the season ends, and then start fresh with a new sowing in the spring. Honestly, it’s a great method! Seeds are super affordable, and growing nasturtiums from scratch is about as easy as gardening gets. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can also take cuttings to grow a genetically identical “twin” of your favorite plant for next May.
If you’ve got your nasturtiums in pots or balcony boxes, you have it a bit easier. As long as the plant isn’t too massive, you can just move it to a frost-free spot indoors. A sunroom or bright garage is perfect for riding out the chilly months. Just remember to dial back the water and fertilize very sparingly during this “dormant” phase. Do that, and your plant should pull through just fine.
Quick Tips: What You Need to Know
There are a few different ways to handle nasturtiums in the winter. Some take a little more effort than others, but none of them are rocket science. Here’s the “TL;DR” version:
- Nasturtiums are not winter-hardy.
- Collect seeds in the fall to replant in the spring.
- Take cuttings to keep the specific variety going.
- Move potted plants to a sunroom or frost-free indoor area.
The Bottom Line
The best way to overwinter your nasturtiums really depends on whether they’re in the ground or in pots. For container plants, a simple move indoors does the trick. For garden-grown plants, you’ll need to focus on seeds or cuttings. Either way, with a little prep, you’ll be enjoying those gorgeous flowers again as soon as the spring thaw arrives!
