Name:   Tropaeolum majus aka nasturtium

Type of Plant:  An annual in most areas of the USA, that is grown as a summer flowering annual and edible leaf and flower.

Why I Love/Hate this plant:  I love this plant because it is easy, bright and cheerful. I especially love the vining varieties, which you will need to grow from seed. I like their peppery flavor and the interest that the flowers and leaves add to a number of dishes. And I love how the round leaves hold drops of water after a rain, displaying them like diamonds.

A Word to the Wise: Grow nasturtiums in well drained, poor to average soil in full sun and do not fertilize. Don’t plant the seeds too early in the spring – wait until the night temperatures are above 50.

Annual Alley. Nasturtiums, dahlias, bottle gourd on arbor (Lagenaria siceraria), Ageratum ‘Blue Horizon,’ ‘Ballad sunflowers, Forecast zinnias, Nicotiana alata ‘Lime Green,’ Salvia splendens

Plant nasturtiums in your vegetable garden! Pick them for salads and other dishes.

Nasturtiums are perfect in fish tacos…or any other type of tacos.

I love the flowers and nasturtium leaves in garden sushi rolls.