Where to Buy Nasturtium Plants: The Best Places to Find These Colorful, Tasty Edibles

With their cheerful, edible flowers in shades of yellow, orange, red and white, nasturtiums are one of the most versatile and rewarding annuals for gardens. Both the peppery leaves and showy blossoms can be used to garnish salads, sandwiches, and more. If you’re looking to add some pizzazz to your landscape with these multifunctional plants, you may be wondering – where can I buy nasturtium plants?

In this article, we’ll cover the top places to purchase quality nasturtium plants and seeds, including:

• Online retailers
• Local nurseries and garden centers
• Farmer’s markets and local growers
• Mail order catalogs
• Big box stores
• Growing from seed yourself

We’ll also touch on what to look for when buying nasturtiums and provide tips to ensure you find healthy, vigorous plants ready to thrive in your garden.

Top Places to Buy Nasturtium Plants

Online Shops

Ordering nasturtium plants online offers convenience and plant variety. Reputable online retailers ship healthy container-grown plants and seeds nationally. Look for sellers who package plants with care to arrive in good condition.

Local Nurseries and Garden Centers

Shopping local nurseries and garden stores allows you to hand select established plants already acclimated to your area. Inspect plants closely for pests and disease. Many offer nasturtiums seasonally.

Farmer’s Markets and Local Growers

Farmer’s markets are great spots to find nasturtiums grown by local vendors. These small-batch plants are adapted to local conditions. Ask questions to learn more about how they were grown.

Mail Order Catalog Companies

Order from catalogs offering specialized nasturtium varieties. Reputable companies ship at proper planting times for your region. Order early as unique varieties sell out.

Big Box Stores

Large home improvement chains like Lowe’s and Home Depot stock mainstream nasturtium varieties, often sold in multipacks. Inspect plants closely, as mass-produced plants can suffer in transit.

Start from Seed Yourself

Starting nasturtiums from seed is inexpensive. You can find seeds at most stores carrying garden products or order special varieties online. This allows you to grow exactly the colors, forms and quantities you want.

What to Look for When Buying Nasturtium Plants

To ensure you get quality plants, inspect them closely before purchasing:

• Leaves should be green and healthy looking, not yellowing, wilting or spotted

• Stems should stand upright, not be limp, moldy or damaged

• Flowers (if present) should be bright and fresh, not brown or closed up

• Root systems should fill pots and be white, not dark brown and mushy

• No signs of pests like caterpillars, aphids, spider mites or fungus/mold

• Plants should not be rootbound or potbound in their containers

In addition to plant health, factor in the reputation of the source and their growing methods. Choosing companies that use organic practices and non-GMO seeds yields safe, sustainable plants.

Tips for Successfully Buying and Planting Nasturtiums

Follow these tips for best results when purchasing and planting nasturtiums:

• For container gardening, look for compact, mounding or trailing varieties suitable for pots and window boxes.

• If planting in beds, choose trailing, vining types that can spread nicely and fill in areas.

• Seek out unique, heirloom varieties for diversity, like variegated foliage colors or double-flowered types.

• For edible flowers, select blossoms in brighter, bolder shades for the best visual pop and impact.

• Time purchases so plants arrive 1-2 weeks before your area’s recommended planting date.

• Plant in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Enrich soil with compost to boost nutrition.

• Water at transplant and continue regular watering while plants establish roots and begin actively growing.

• To stimulate bushier, compact growth, pinch off the main stem shoot tips occasionally.

With the right variety suited to your needs and proper care at planting time, nasturtiums will thrive and reward you with months of vivid, edible color in the garden.

Places to Find Nasturtium Seeds to Start Your Own Plants

Nasturtiums grow readily from seed, which offers an affordable way to grow many plants. Here are top sources for purchasing seeds:

Local Garden Stores and Nurseries

Most independent garden centers sell seeds for common annuals like nasturtiums. Browse their seed rack selection for varieties and colors.

Hardware and Home Improvement Stores

Big box stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s and Walmart stock basic nasturtium seed packets, often from Park Seed or Burpee.

Seed Catalog Companies and Seed Vaults

Order from catalogs like Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, Burpee, Park Seed or Seed Savers Exchange to access unique, heirloom nasturtium seed varieties.

Online Shops and Marketplaces

Websites like Amazon, eBay and Etsy offer deals on nasturtium seeds. Read seller feedback and ratings when ordering.

Supermarkets and Drug Stores

Many grocery stores and pharmacies sell smaller displays of seed packets from brands like Ferry-Morse and Burpee, including nasturtiums.

Local Farmers, Gardeners and Seed Swaps

Connect with area growers through seed swaps, Facebook groups and gardening clubs to acquire or trade for exciting nasturtium varieties.

With seeds, you can try out different colors, grow custom mixes and experiment with fun varieties before investing in plants. Plus it’s inexpensive to grow lots of nasturtiums from seed!

Starting Nasturtiums from Seed

When sowing nasturtium seeds, follow these simple steps for success:

• Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last expected frost. Plant seeds 1⁄2 inch deep in seed starting mix.

• Keep soil moist and provide plenty of light. Seedlings emerge in 7-14 days.

• Harden off young plants before moving them outdoors. Gradually expose them to sun, wind and temperature changes.

• Transplant seedlings 12-15 inches apart into sunny, well-drained garden beds enriched with compost.

• Or sow seeds directly outdoors 1-2 weeks after the last spring frost. Just be patient, as outdoor-sown seeds take longer to germinate and grow.

• Water newly planted areas frequently until seedlings establish. Thin overcrowded areas.

• Watch for seedlings! Nasturtiums grow rapidly once they sprout.

Follow planting directions on seed packets for more details. With proper sowing and care, you’ll enjoy a bounty of edible flowers and foliage.

Summary: Where to Find Beautiful, Tasty Nasturtium Plants

With their vibrant trumpet-shaped flowers and round, lily-pad leaves, nasturtiums add beauty and taste to gardens and plates. You can find nasturtium plants and seeds through online shops, local nurseries, hardware stores, seed companies, or try growing your own from seed. Buy from reputable sources and inspect plants closely for health and pest issues before purchasing. Plant in a sunny area with enriched, well-drained soil. Water and feed regularly to keep plants actively growing and producing plenty of edible flowers and foliage all season long. The versatility, ease and vibrant color of nasturtiums make them a fun, rewarding annual to include in gardens and containers.