Description
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is a vibrant, sprawling annual or short-lived perennial herb loved for its edible leaves and flowers, ease of growth, and many functional roles in the garden. Originally from South America, it thrives in full sun to part shade, preferring free-draining soil and minimal fertiliser — making it ideal for low-input, organic growing systems across most parts of Australia.
The plant produces rounded, shield-like leaves and abundant trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of yellow, orange, red, and cream. Both leaves and flowers are edible, offering a peppery flavour similar to rocket or watercress. Young seed pods can also be pickled as a caper substitute. Nutrient-dense and high in Vitamin C, nasturtium adds both nutrition and colour to salads, sandwiches, and garnishes.
In permaculture and companion planting, nasturtium is a powerful support species. It acts as a trap crop, luring pests such as aphids and cabbage moths away from brassicas and other vulnerable crops. Its ground-hugging growth habit helps suppress weeds and reduce moisture loss, while the flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects.
While not commonly used in modern herbal medicine, nasturtium has been used anecdotally for immune support and as a mild antiseptic, particularly in traditional European herbalism.
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