Plants / Nasturtium

Nasturtium

Tropaeolum majus

ðŸū Pet-safeTropaeolaceaeVery easy to propagate

A complete guide to growing and propagating Nasturtium: its care needs, how to take cuttings and root them, how long propagation takes, and how to fix the most common problems.

Nasturtium care at a glance

☀ïļ Light
Full sun to part shade; best flowering in full sun.
💧 Water
Water when the top inch dries; drought-tolerant, and lean conditions boost flowering.
ðŸŠī Soil
Poor to average, well-draining soil; rich soil gives leaves not flowers.
ðŸ’Ļ Humidity
Warm-season annual; frost-sensitive (zones 2-11 as an annual).
ðŸū Toxicity
Non-toxic to cats and dogs; the peppery flowers and leaves are edible for people.

Track your nasturtium cuttings & propagation in SnipLog

Log when you took each cutting, set rooting reminders, and watch your propagation timeline — free on iPhone.

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How to propagate Nasturtium

Seed

Difficulty: Very easyTimeline: Germinates in 7-12 days; blooms in 5-7 weeks.
  1. Soak the large seeds overnight to speed germination.
  2. Sow 1/2-1 inch deep directly in place, as they dislike transplanting.
  3. Keep evenly moist until germination.
  4. Thin seedlings to 10-12 inches apart.

Common Nasturtium problems & fixes

Cuttings rot before they root

Too wet or no airflow. Use a free-draining mix, water sparingly, and vent the humidity cover daily.

Cuttings wilt after taking them

Normal at first — keep humidity high under a dome, out of direct sun, until roots form and perk them up.

Powdery mildew on leaves

Poor airflow and damp foliage. Space plants out, water at the base, and improve circulation.

Track your nasturtium cuttings & propagation in SnipLog

Log when you took each cutting, set rooting reminders, and watch your propagation timeline — free on iPhone.

Get SnipLog →

Toxicity notes are a general guide based on ASPCA-style classifications — if a pet ingests any houseplant, contact your vet. Care needs vary with your home's conditions.