How to Jump-Start the Germination of Nasturtiums

Garden nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) grow quickly from their large seeds with proper preparation and planting. These garden annuals flower throughout summer, providing yellow, orange and red blooms over a long period. You can jump-start your plants by starting the seeds indoors. Nasturtiums sprout more quickly if you weaken the hard seed coating and provide the right conditions for quick germination. Nasturtiums tolerate most soil types and grow well in containers and hanging baskets, making them an excellent choice for a general-purpose flower.

Metal file
Bowl
2-inch pots
Drip tray
Potting soil
Spray bottle
Plastic bag

Instructions

- 1
  Rub the side of the nasturtium seed against a metal file until the outer seed covering rubs off and reveals the lighter inner seed coating. Place the prepared seeds in a bowl of warm tap water and soak them overnight before sowing to further speed germination.
- 2
  Set 2-inch diameter seedling pots inside a drip tray. Add moist potting soil to the pots to within 1/2-inch of the pot rims.
- 3
  Sow two seeds in each pot, placing them on the soil surface. Cover the seeds with 1/2-inch of soil. Nasturtiums require complete covering so they aren't exposed to light during germination.
- 4
  Mist the soil surface with water until it's thoroughly moist. Cover the pots with a plastic bag to retain moisture so the seeds won't require watering until after they sprout. Set the pots in a 55- to 65-degree Fahrenheit location. Nasturtiums usually germinate within seven to 10 days.
- 5
  Remove the bag after the sprouts emerge and move the pots to 65 to 75 degree location where that receives at least six hours of daily sunlight. Water the plants when the soil surface dries. Pinch off the extra seedling in each pot once the nasturtiums grow about 3 inches tall.

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