Can You Grow Nasturtiums in Containers?

Yep, you definitely can grow nasturtiums in containers, and they might actually do better in a container than in the ground!

Nasturtiums are one of those plants that seem to grow wherever you throw the seeds. But if you don’t have much space, or you want to tame their sprawl a little, growing them in containers works brilliantly.

I’ve grown them in all sorts of containers – window boxes, hanging baskets, half-buried tubs – and they just get on with it. They’re easy to grow, don’t need special soil, and don’t need constant feeding. And you get edible flowers, leaves, and pollinator activity all from one plant.

Why Grow Nasturtiums in a Container?

They don’t mind poor soil – perfect for containers that you don’t want to constantly re-pot.
They sprawl and trail – a pot keeps them from taking over your garden beds.
They’re edible – both the leaves and flowers have a peppery flavor, great for salads.
They attract bees and deter pests – some gardeners use them as sacrificial plants to lure aphids away from other crops.

Plus, they just look awesome. Even a basic plastic container looks great with a few nasturtiums spilling over the sides.

What Kind of Container Works Best?

Vegetables and herbs on a city balcony. Pots or containers with sage, potato, mint, nasturtium and rosemary plants in summer.

It depends how you want them to grow.

Trailing types (like ‘Alaska’ or ‘Jewel of Africa’) are great for hanging baskets or tall pots so the vines can cascade down.
Bush types (like ‘Empress of India’) work well in shallow pots or window boxes.

As a general rule, aim for:

At least 10-12″ (25-30) wide
About 8″ (20 cm) deep
Make sure it has good drainage holes

If you’re growing several plants in one container, space them at least 6″ (15cm) apart. They fill in fast.

What Soil Do Nasturtiums Like?

Here’s the funny part: don’t give them rich soil. If you load up the pot with compost and high-nitrogen fertilizer, you’ll get a heap of big leaves and not many flowers.

Use:

Basic potting mix (not too rich)
A handful of sand or perlite to improve drainage
Skip the fertilizer, or use a very diluted one every few weeks once flowering starts

They thrive on a bit of neglect!

How Much Sun Do Nasturtiums Need?

Full sun is best. Aim for at least 6 hours a day. In hotter climates, they’ll appreciate a bit of afternoon shade. If they get too much heat without a break, they can wilt or go crispy, especially in small containers.

I usually put mine where they get morning sun and dappled light after lunch.

Watering Tips

Nasturtiums don’t like soggy roots, especially in containers. But they also don’t like drying out completely.

Water when the top 1-2″ feels dry (check with your finger)
In hot weather, check daily
Avoid watering the leaves if possible (to prevent mildew)
In hanging baskets, they may need water twice a day in summer

Mulching the top of the pot with straw or coco coir helps keep moisture in.

Common Issues

Nasturtium affected by infestation of black aphids — Nasturtium plant affected by black aphids

Lots of leaves, no flowers: Too much nitrogen in the soil. Ease off the fertilizer.
Yellow leaves: Overwatering, poor drainage, or not enough sun.
Aphids: They love nasturtiums. If they get out of hand, blast them off with water or pinch off the worst bits.
Mildew: Happens in humid weather. Cut off affected leaves and give plants more space or airflow.

Can You Grow Nasturtiums Indoors?

You can, but they tend to get leggy unless you’ve got a strong grow light and enough room. They really do best outside where they can get full sun and sprawl as much as they like.

If you do try them indoors, go with a compact bush variety and keep it in a sunny window.

So, Can You Grow Nasturtiums In Containers?

Yep! Nasturtiums are one of the easiest plants to grow in containers. They don’t ask for much, they give a lot back, and they make even scrappy pots look amazing with those gorgeous flowers.