16 Amazing Benefits of Nasturtium for Your Garden and Health

Nasturtium is one of the most beneficial plants you can add to your garden, offering beauty, flavor, and natural remedies in one package.

This cheerful bloomer produces edible leaves, flowers, and seed pods while also attracting pollinators and deterring pests. Its vibrant colors brighten borders, and its easy-going nature makes it perfect for new gardeners.

Beyond the garden, nasturtium has powerful health benefits, from boosting immunity to supporting skin and hair care.

With so many practical uses, it s easy to see why this plant has become a favorite for both gardeners and herbalists. Once you plant nasturtium, you ll quickly see how it can transform both your garden and your lifestyle.

#1 Edible Flowers and Leaves

Nasturtium isn t just a feast for the eyes; it s also delicious on your plate. Both the flowers and leaves have a peppery, slightly spicy flavor that works beautifully in salads and sandwiches.

You can even add the colorful blooms as garnishes on cakes or main dishes for a restaurant-style presentation. The seed pods taste like mustard and can be pickled for a tangy treat.

Growing nasturtium ensures you ll always have a fresh, edible decoration right outside your door. With one plant, you get beauty, food, and fun all at once.

#2 Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

This cheerful plant is loaded with nutrients your body will thank you for. The leaves and flowers contain vitamin C, which helps boost immunity, along with minerals like iron and manganese.

Adding nasturtium to your meals is a natural way to sneak in more nutrition without much effort. Try chopping fresh leaves into salads or sprinkling flowers over soups.

Even a small handful can make a difference in your daily diet. By growing nasturtium, you create a steady source of health-boosting greens.

#3 Very Easy to Grow

If you re new to gardening, nasturtium will quickly become your best friend. Its seeds sprout easily with just a little soil and water, making it one of the least demanding plants you can grow.

They thrive in poor soil, so you don t even need expensive fertilizers. Just give them full sun and watch them cover your garden with blooms.

Nasturtium also grows well in containers, making it perfect for balconies or patios. Its forgiving nature means you can enjoy gardening success right away.

#4 Helps Control Weeds

Nasturtiums grow fast and spread out, making them a natural weed suppressor. Their dense foliage shades the soil, leaving little room for unwanted plants to sneak through.

By planting nasturtiums around vegetables, you ll spend less time pulling weeds and more time enjoying your garden. They work especially well as a living mulch, covering the ground with vibrant color.

You can line your pathways with nasturtiums for both beauty and function. It s one of the simplest ways to keep your garden tidy.

#5 Adds a Pleasant Fragrance

Alongside their vivid flowers, nasturtiums release a subtle mustard-like fragrance that lingers in the garden. The scent isn t overpowering but instead provides a gentle note that complements other blooms.

Plant them near patios or seating areas where you can enjoy their aroma on warm evenings. Their fragrance also draws in pollinators, which boosts your garden s overall health.

Growing nasturtiums adds not only visual beauty but also a sensory experience. The gentle perfume makes them a delight for both the eyes and the nose.

#6 Attracts Pollinators

If you want more bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in your garden, nasturtiums will make it happen. Their bright colors and nectar-rich flowers are irresistible to these creatures.

Increased pollinator activity means your vegetables and fruit trees will produce better harvests. You can plant nasturtiums near crops like tomatoes and cucumbers to give them an extra boost.

Their long-lasting blooms ensure a steady stream of visitors throughout the season. By planting nasturtium, you create a lively, buzzing garden that thrives naturally.

#7 Grows Almost Anywhere

Nasturtiums are among the most versatile plants you can grow. They adapt easily to different growing conditions, thriving in garden beds, containers, hanging baskets, and even along trellises.

Their trailing vines spill beautifully over the edges of pots, while climbing types can cover fences or walls. This flexibility makes them perfect for small gardens or large landscapes alike.

Just provide sunlight and occasional water, and they ll reward you with flowers. No matter your space, nasturtiums find a way to shine.

#8 Repels Harmful Pests

One of the best reasons to grow nasturtium is its natural pest control abilities. It acts as a trap crop, luring aphids, cabbage loopers, and other bugs away from vegetables. At the same time, its presence can help repel whiteflies and squash bugs.

Position them near tomatoes, cabbage, or squash to give those crops added protection. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides, keeping your garden healthier. With nasturtiums, your plants stay safe, and your harvests remain plentiful.

#9 Good For Hair And Skin

Nasturtium isn t just useful in the garden; it also has beauty benefits. A paste made from its leaves can be applied to the scalp to encourage circulation and strengthen hair growth.

For skin, nasturtium is known to help fight acne because of its antibacterial qualities. You can create a simple face mask with crushed leaves to clear blemishes.

Using it in natural remedies helps you care for your body without harsh chemicals. This makes nasturtium a true multitasker in your daily life.

#10 Natural Antiseptic

With its antiseptic properties, nasturtium has long been valued as a natural first-aid plant. Fresh leaves can be crushed and applied to cuts or scrapes to help clean and protect wounds.

Keeping a plant nearby ensures you always have a quick remedy on hand. Gardeners often appreciate having a natural healer within reach.

Using nasturtium this way reduces the need for chemical solutions. It s a small step toward a more sustainable and holistic lifestyle.

#11 Gentle Antibiotic Effect

Nasturtium leaves have mild antibiotic qualities that make them helpful for common ailments. Chewing fresh leaves has been a traditional way to soothe sore throats. You can also brew them into a tea for similar effects.

This natural approach provides relief without the side effects of synthetic medicines. Including nasturtium in your diet gives you a small but steady health boost. It s another reason to keep this versatile plant in your garden.

#12 Helps with Weight Management

Studies suggest that nasturtium contains compounds that may support weight control. It s naturally low in calories yet rich in nutrients, making it a smart addition to meals. Adding flowers or leaves to salads creates colorful, healthy dishes.

The plant s extracts are also being researched for their potential against obesity. While more studies are needed, its nutritional value alone makes it worthwhile.

Growing nasturtium gives you a fresh, low-calorie food option whenever you need it.

#13 Natural Cough Remedy

Nasturtium can also come to the rescue when you re under the weather. Drinking nasturtium tea helps ease congestion and calm persistent coughs. The leaves contain compounds that support respiratory health.

Preparing a tea is as simple as steeping a handful of leaves in hot water. Many gardeners love having this soothing home remedy available year-round. It s a comforting use that makes nasturtium more than just a pretty flower.

#14 Promotes Blood Cell Formation

Nasturtium is believed to support the formation of new blood cells. This helps improve circulation and maintain a healthy system overall. By including it in your diet, you may experience added energy and vitality.

The plant s natural detoxifying effect also aids in cleansing the body. Fresh leaves or flowers can be added to salads for an easy dose. Growing nasturtium ensures a continuous supply of this beneficial food.

#15 Easy to Remove if Needed

Even though nasturtiums spread quickly, they re simple to manage. If they start overtaking your space, you can easily pull them out by hand. Their shallow roots don t damage soil or neighboring plants.

This makes them an ideal choice for gardeners who like flexibility. You can let them flourish one season and clear them the next without trouble. Their easy removal adds to their charm as a low-maintenance plant.

#16 Great Substitutes for Capers

The seed pods of nasturtium are often used as a tasty replacement for capers. Harvest the green pods, pickle them in vinegar, and enjoy their sharp, tangy flavor. They re delicious on pasta, salads, or as a garnish for meats and fish.

Having nasturtium in your garden means you ll always have this gourmet substitute ready. It s a fun way to add creativity to your cooking. For adventurous home chefs, nasturtium seeds are a hidden treasure.