GARDENING : Bright Nasturtiums Really Season the Plot

Colorful and flavorful nasturtiums, which are easy-to-grow annuals available as dwarf and tall cultivars, add a bright and cheery note to the garden. The peppery tang of their leaves and flowers lend a subtle seasoning to salads, savory dishes, soups, sandwiches and relishes.

The distinct, bright nasturtium flower is a garnish that is both lovely to look at and tasty to nibble.

The round leaves resemble miniature waterlilies and can be slipped under clear glass plates and platters to add color to the table. They are also a good source of vitamin C.

Dwarf nasturtiums grow about 12 inches tall and are an excellent edging or bedding choice. They bear distinctive rounded leaves and yellow, orange, red or cream flowers. The tall nasturtium is a climber that grows between eight and 12 feet high. It works best in a garden twined onto pergolas, trellises, fences and wire-gridded walls.

Both varieties have an extended blooming period. Nasturtiums grow best in cool weather but need sunlight.

They are not particularly finicky about soil and will thrive even in poor soil, provided it is well-drained.

The trailing nature of nasturtiums means they will likely poach the territory of whatever is planted next to them.

If this is not what you have in mind, sow seeds directly into a window box or train them on trellises, fences and wire-meshed walls.

Nasturtium seeds are quite large. To germinate properly, they should be planted deep in the soil and receive lots of water and minimal light.