There could be several reasons why your nasturtium seeds are not germinating. First, the seeds might not have been harvested or stored properly, or they could be too old. If your seeds have been stored in a warm or humid place, or exposed to direct sunlight, they may be past their prime and may no longer be viable.
In addition, the temperature or soil pH might be off, preventing successful germination. To ensure successful germination, make sure the temperature of the soil is between 65°F and 70°F, and that the pH is between 6.0 and 7.
5. Also, make sure you sow the seeds the correct depth. Generally, nasturtium seeds should be sown about ¼ inch deep, and should be kept evenly moist. Finally, it is important to give the seeds enough light; if the light is too low, seeds may struggle to sprout.
Should you soak nasturtium seeds before planting?
Yes, it is beneficial to soak nasturtium seeds before planting. Soaking the seeds helps break down the outer hard shell to speed up the germination process. By soaking the seeds, they can begin growing and sprouting more quickly, giving them a head start.
Additionally, the soaking process can help soften the hard seed shells, making them easier to handle during planting. Soak the seeds for 12–24 hours; if the seeds are left to soak for more than 48 hours, they may become waterlogged and can rot.
After the soaking period, drain them on a paper towel to let them dry before planting. Finally, planting the soaked seeds in a warm and moist soil can help increase the chances of germination, as nasturtiums prefer warm and moist environments.
How long does it take for nasturtium to grow from seed?
The length of time it will take for nasturtiums to grow from seed will depend on a few different factors. Typically, it takes about 10-14 days for nasturtiums to germinate, and then 8-10 weeks for the full flowering plants to be ready for harvest.
After seeds have been planted, it is important to monitor soil moisture to ensure that it does not become too dry; nasturtiums require consistently moist soil to thrive. Once the seedlings emerge, it is important to keep them well-watered, and provide plenty of sun and warmth.
Additionally, nasturtiums need a slightly acidic soil with a pH that is slightly lower than average, so if necessary, it may be necessary to adjust the soil pH prior to planting. While nasturtiums are relatively easy to grow, the time it will take depends on the particular variety of nasturtium and the conditions provided by the gardener.
Should you nick nasturtium seeds before planting?
Nicking nasturtium seeds is not absolutely necessary, but it can be helpful. Nicking is the process of cutting away a small portion of the seed coat to expose the embryo inside. This makes it easier for water to penetrate the seed and for the embryo to break out of its seed coat, which plays a role in germination.
Nicking can also help the seed absorb moisture and warming more quickly and thus speed up the germination process. The ideal way to nick the seed is to use sharp scissors, a knife, or even a nail clipper to just lightly scratch the surface of the seed before planting.
You’ll want to take care to not damage the embryo while nicking, however, or the seed won’t be viable and can’t sprout.
What month do you plant nasturtium seeds?
Nasturtium seeds should be planted in the early spring, typically from March through May, depending on the region. Planting nasturtium seeds directly into the garden bed is the best approach; however, you can also start seed indoors about 4-6 weeks before the last frost of the spring.
When sowing the seed outdoors, plant about ½ – 1 inch deep in loose, well-worked soil and keep the soil moist until the seedlings are established. To maximize growth and blooms, provide nasturtiums with full sun to partial shade, and amend the soil with aged compost or manure prior to planting.
Thin the seedlings when they reach 3 inches tall, and space healthy plants at least 12 inches apart to allow plenty of room to grow.
Do nasturtiums come back every year?
No, nasturtiums are annual plants, meaning they live for one year only. They can regrow the following season, but only if their seeds are collected and replanted. Nasturtiums produce prolific amounts of seeds, so it’s easy to collect some and plant them the following year.
However, if you do not collect and replant the seeds in the fall, the nasturtiums will not come back the following year.
Is it too late to sow nasturtium?
No, it’s not too late to sow nasturtium. In fact, it’s one of the best times to do it. Nasturtiums are a cool-season flower and they thrive in temperatures that are cooler than those experienced in the middle of summer.
Now is the perfect time to sow them because it’s cool enough for the seeds to germinate and grow quickly, yet warm enough for them to bloom and produce more flowers. Plus, nasturtiums are much more tolerant of the heat and humidity than most other flowers, so they will be able to survive and thrive even if the temperatures soar.
The best way to sow nasturtium seeds is to sprinkle the size over a prepared seedbed and water thoroughly. You can also directly sow them in the garden, making sure to space them several inches apart.
With a little bit of care and attention, you can be rewarded with cheerful, brightly-colored flowers throughout the summer and fall.
How fast does nasturtium grow?
Nasturtiums are fast growing plants. They can reach up to 6 inches in height in as little as 2 weeks and can flower in as little as 4-5 weeks. They prefer warmer temperatures, so they will grow even faster, up to 12 inches in 6 weeks.
Generally, nasturtiums will flower from spring through fall, but given enough warmth, they can continue to flower into the winter. They can take full sun to partial shade and need a minimum of 4-6 hours of sunlight a day.
When planted in a garden or a container, they will quickly spread and form a lush clumping ground cover. Depending on the variety, some can grow up to 5 feet tall with a maximum spread of 4-6 feet. Nasturtiums are very hardy and can easily handle less than ideal conditions, making them ideal for beginner gardeners.
In addition, they attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, making them a great addition to any garden or container.
Why are my nasturtium not growing?
It is possible that there are a few reasons why your nasturtiums are not growing. To properly diagnose the cause, it is best to consider several possible causes.
First, it is important to consider if the nasturtiums have adequate sunlight. Nasturtiums require 6-8 hours of full sun daily in order to thrive. Moving the plants to a sunnier area may help.
It is also essential to make sure the nasturtiums are in soil that drains well and is full of organic matter. The pH level of the soil should also be around 6-7 for optimal growth.
Furthermore, make sure that the nasturtiums are planted in an area with plenty of room to grow. Crowded conditions can cause extra stress on the plants and lead to stunted growth.
In addition, make sure to water the nasturtiums when the top inch or two of soil is dry. Too much or too little water can both prevent growth.
Finally, pests and diseases can also cause stunted growth. If there are signs of bugs or disease, it is best to take appropriate action.
By considering these factors, you can best assess and address the issue of why your nasturtiums are not growing.
