How to grow nasturtiums in a raised bed

Nasturtiums are the ultimate companion flower — cheerful, edible, and a brilliant living lure that draws aphids away from your veggies. They all but grow themselves, spilling colourfully over the edge of a raised bed.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun to part shade
• Spacing: 30 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 23 cm depth
• Time to harvest: 6–8 weeks to flower

When to plant: Nasturtiums are frost-tender but easy — sow seed directly from spring through summer. They self-seed happily once you have them. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

Growing it in a raised bed: Sow big seeds straight into the mix, even poor soil — too much feeding gives all leaf and few flowers. Let them trail over the edge or climb a low support.

How to use it: The leaves, flowers and seed pods are all edible, with a peppery, watercress-like bite — lovely in salads. As a trap crop, they lure aphids and cabbage-white caterpillars away from your food plants.

Common pests: keep an eye out for aphids and caterpillars, though flowers are seldom much bothered. See our safe pest guide.

Common problems: the main one to watch is mosaic virus, usually in damp, crowded conditions. Good airflow prevents most.

Where to plant it: Plant them among and around your veggies as a trap crop and pollinator draw; they're a classic partner to cucumbers, beans and brassicas. See our companion planting guide.

More growing guides: calendula, borage and French marigolds.

Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Ermell, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.