How to Transplant Leggy Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are annual flowering plants that come in a variety of colors and plant types, such as mounding or trailing. They are easy to grow in most types of soil and prefer full sun in temperate climates and partial shade in areas with hotter summers. Once nasturtiums are established, thel form seeds, which you can harvest and use as you would capers, or leave them on the plant if you want them to self sow for a surprise crop of these charming flowers next year.

Small peat pots
Potting soil
Compost
Shovel
Trowel

Instructions

- 1
  Start nasturtium seeds indoors three weeks before your final spring frost. Fill 3- or 4-inch peat pots with standard potting soil and plant two seeds 1 inch deep in each pot. Keep pots in a warm, protected area that receives full sun.
- 2
  Prepare a garden bed for your nasturtiums while they are growing indoors. Dig organic compost into the soil to a depth of at least 8 inches -- use 1 part compost to every 4 parts of soil. Make sure the area will receive full sun during the summer growing season.
- 3
  Move your potted plants outdoors during the daylight hours to give them the sun they need to avoid legginess. When a plant is leggy, it becomes tall and spindly as it reaches for the light: this can happen with young nasturtiums.
- 4
  Transplant leggy nasturtium seedlings into the garden when they are 3 to 4 inches tall. Dig planting holes 10 inches apart that are large enough to accommodate the entire peat pot: it's important not to disturb the roots of your nasturtiums because they can suffer from transplanting.
- 5
  Water the area well after you finish planting by running a sprinkler over the area for 15 to 20 minutes.

Encore Azaleas Leaf Fungus

How to Raise Chrysanthemums

Growing Flowers