Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Growing nasturtiums with the GROW project, first report

I'm one of 40+ garden bloggers around the country participating in GardenBloggers.com's GROW project, which seeks to promote "a sense of community among garden bloggers who may only know each other online by simultaneously growing the same plants."

We have all been sent a packet of nasturtium 'Spitfire' by Renee's Garden, the project's sponsors. If you're not familiar with the company, check the website and do note the artwork for each seed description and packet.

I love nasturtiums and have lots already, but this winter's exceptionally cold weather has resulted in very slow growth. I planted most of the Spitfires on March 1, saving some for later in the year to see how they cope with Miami's heat. The majority are in assorted containers, with seven sown in the ground. (I should also have posted the day I sowed them -- my bad -- but ...) Anyway, the first seedlings appeared last Friday, March 12, and the remainder have also poked their heads up into sunlight. My next post for the project will be April 1. Stay tuned.

7 comments:

Susan said...

They certainly look very healthy. Can't wait to see them bloom. Nasturtians are very happy flowers, and the colors are so vibrant...i love them!

NanaK said...

Nasturtiums always remind me of my elderly neighbor from when I was a child. She grew them along with her vegetables. She always put some flowers and leaves in her canned items. I've never tried growing them. Maybe I'll have to give them a try.

Terra Mirabilis said...

@Susan: Ooops. I posted in the wee hours and forgot to explain that the photo is of one of the other nasturtiums, which is now producing yellow flowers.

@Nana: Do try growing them. They are very easy and do better with little care. And, of course, they are edible. There are hundreds of varieties these days: dwarfs, climbers, variegated. Try Renee's Garden or Thompson & Morgan for good quality seeds.

Kimberly said...

What a cool concept! I've never grown any but would consider giving them a try. Nice post!

Ami said...

I have to admit that I have not seen this plant before. The picture on your link looks very lovely. Something for me to try later...

sanddune said...

Nice photo! Nasturtiums beside the appeal of the flower is susposed to be a good companion plant beside vegetables. It is said to attract aphids away from the nearby plants and discourage whiteflys and squash bugs.

GardenBloggers.Com said...

Penny,

Playing catchup with the posts from March. Just wanted to stop by and say thanks for starting early.

Can't wait to see the progress yours have made. They must he huge now considering your climate.

Don't forget about this Sunday's post. Can't wait to see your progress.