Nasturtiums are plants that are planted for multiple purposes. It is important to keep on their healthy growth. This purpose can be achieved organically by planting companion plants with them. Here we are going to tell you about nasturtium companion plants.

Nasturtium

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum) are vibrant and attractive flowering plants that belong to the genus Tropaeolum. They are native to South and Central America but have become popular ornamental plants worldwide due to their beautiful blooms and culinary uses.

Nasturtiums come in various species, including both annual and perennial varieties. The name “nasturtium” is derived from the Latin word “nasus tortus,” meaning “twisted nose,” which refers to the pungent peppery scent and taste of their edible flowers and leaves. These plants are easy to grow, making them a favorite among gardeners, especially for hanging baskets, containers, and borders.

Nasturtiums are known for their characteristic spherical leaves and trumpet-shaped blooms, which come in a variety of colors, including bright oranges, yellows, and white, as well as deep reds and black. The blooms frequently have two colors, which enhances their aesthetic attractiveness.

 Nasturtiums are prized for their culinary applications in addition to their decorative appeal. The edible flowers and leaves give salads and other foods a peppery and somewhat spicy flavor. Additionally, because of their conceivable antibacterial and antifungal characteristics, nasturtiums have long been employed in herbal therapy.

Gardeners may profit from nasturtiums in addition to their aesthetic and gastronomic value. They serve as organic pest management in the garden since they are believed to deter some pests.

For instance, plants growing next to nasturtiums are less likely to be infested by aphids and whiteflies. Nasturtiums are also regarded as pollinator-friendly plants since they draw bees and other helpful insects, which may help pollinate neighboring crops.

Benefits of companion plants for nasturtium

Plants are grouped together in companion planting to take advantage of their beneficial interactions. Nasturtiums are particularly useful companion plants in the garden because of the advantages they provide to the plants around them, including:

Pest control

Nasturtiums are renowned for their inherent ability to repel pests. By drawing pests like aphids, whiteflies, and cucumber beetles away from other more vulnerable plants, they serve as a trap crop. By doing this, they safeguard nearby veggies and flowers from any pest infestations. Some gardeners sacrifice nasturtiums to preserve their primary crops as sacrificial plants.

Attracting beneficial insects

Nasturtiums draw helpful insects like bees and hoverflies, which are beneficial insects. These beneficial insects serve as both pest predators and pollinators. Nasturtiums aid in improved pollination of other flowering plants by bringing beneficial insects into the garden and lowering their numbers.

Improving Soil

Nasturtiums have special roots that exude chemicals that function as organic fungicides and bactericides, inhibiting some soil-borne pathogens and preventing disease in neighboring plants. Additionally, because they are light feeders, these plants don’t compete with other plants for nutrients as fiercely, promoting the strong growth of other crops.

Companion plants for nasturtium

Nasturtium has many companion plants which act as mutual complementary plants. You can go for any of the following companion plants as there are many which can go along the nasturtium plants in the garden.

Tomato

Nasturtiums are great companion plants because they keep aphids, a frequent pest of tomatoes, away. Furthermore, the nasturtium’s expansive growth offers free shade and aids in shielding the tomato plant’s vulnerable roots from the summer heat.

Radish

Nasturtiums operate as a natural pest deterrent since radishes are known to draw flea beetles, which can harm other plants. Together, they provide radishes with protection and a splash of color in the landscape.

Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Nasturtiums deter whiteflies and black bean aphids, offering natural defense against pests that can destroy bean plants. Their colorful blossoms also entice pollinators, which increases bean yield. Beans are also a great source of nutrition.

Brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, etc.)

Nasturtiums function as a barrier and keep out pests like cabbage loppers and other pests that are drawn to brassicas, lowering the need for chemical pesticides. Moreover, these vegetables have multiple uses in the kitchen.

Carrots

Nasturtiums operate as a trap crop, attracting the flies away from the carrots and averting serious damage. Nasturtiums are a nuisance for carrot plants. Carrots are known as apples of poor, because of their nutritional content.

Marigold

When planted together, nasturtiums and marigolds make a potent pest-controlling team. Aphids, nematodes, and whiteflies are just a few of the insects that are repelled by their combined odors. Also, marigolds have very good-looking flowers.

Cucumber

Nasturtiums make great allies for cucumbers since they repel squash bugs and cucumber beetles. Additionally, because of their vining behavior, they may optimally use the available garden area by climbing trellises next to cucumbers.

Lettuce

Nasturtiums’ spreading form makes it easier to shade lettuce plants, which prefer cooler temperatures and may use the cover on hot summer days. Moreover, you can use lettuce in salads and eat it in raw form as well.

Spinach

Nasturtiums can deter leaf miners and other pests, protecting spinach’s delicate leaves from harm and encouraging stronger development. They make a great companion plants for each other. Moreover, spinach has multiple uses in the kitchen.

Parsley

Nasturtiums provide protection for parsley against caterpillars and aphids while also enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the herb garden with their eye-catching blossoms. Parsley has great usage in the kitchen as well.

Chives

Nasturtiums and chives form a lovely combo since the chives ward against pests like aphids and the colorful blossoms of the nasturtiums draw beneficial creatures like bees and butterflies. These plants complement each other.

Peppers

Nasturtiums help keep pests away from pepper plants, and their spreading vines provide the pepper roots some shade and assist to conserve water. Peppers are an important part of the kitchen. You will find it in many forms.

Corn

Growing nasturtiums near the base of corn stalks keep aphids and corn earworms away, resulting in a stronger corn harvest. Also, you can get corn oil from the corn or you can use it as a cereal, as it is one of the main grains.

Sunflower

Nasturtiums help keep pests like aphids and borers away from sunflowers, and sunflowers give the trailing nasturtium vines a tall, solid support structure. You can get sunflower oil from it, and also you can eat its seeds raw as well as roasted.

Beet

The pest-repelling abilities of nasturtiums shield beets from leafhoppers and flea beetles, enabling these root crops to flourish naturally. Beets are a blessing from nature. It has multiple nutritional benefits as well as can be used to prepare many items.

In short, the nasturtium which acts as a good companion plant to many vegetable, fruit, and grain plant, also have a bundle of companion plant. You can choose the companion plants for the nasturtium plants according to t your demand and intended targets for kitchen supplies and space available.

FAQs

What you should not plant next to nasturtium

You should avoid planting the mint right next to the nasturtium. It is important to note that these are not good companion plants.

Do nasturtium like tomatoes

Yes. Nasturtium does like tomatoes. These are good companion plants and complement each other in growth and production.

Where best to grow a nasturtium

Nasturtium best grows in the sunshine. It has green leaves and beautiful flowers which require good sunshine to grow and bloom well.