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Quick Facts
- Sowing window
- Sow indoors in March to April or direct outside from May.
- Harvest window
- Flowers and edible leaves are available from early summer until frost.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Container suitability
- Use a pot at least 20–30cm deep with drainage. Dwarf flowers and alpine strawberries suit smaller patio containers; give vigorous or mixed-kit plants a wider, heavier pot and support where required.
- Frost sensitivity
- Protect young plants from frost
- Typical time to harvest
- Most flower within 10–18 weeks of spring sowing; strawberries and perennial herbs take longer to establish.
SOW
When to Sow Nasturtium Tom Thumb in the UK
Sow indoors in March to April or direct outside from May.
Use that window as a practical starting point rather than a fixed deadline. In colder or exposed areas, delay outdoor sowing and planting; in mild sheltered areas, the earlier end of the range may work. Tender crops should remain protected until frost risk has passed.
Sowing Indoors
Sow Nasturtium Tom Thumb in spring modules where an early start or protection from slugs is useful. Give seedlings strong light and harden them off gradually.
Sowing Outdoors
Direct sow Nasturtium Tom Thumb after preparing a weed-free patch or final container. Keep the seedbed moist until seedlings are established and protect large seeds from birds and mice.
PLANT
Spacing and Planting Out
Allow 20–30cm for compact plants, more where the packet describes a vigorous climber or mixed tower.
Before planting outside, harden off indoor-raised plants over 7–10 days unless the crop is fully hardy and already accustomed to outdoor conditions. Water the planting hole or container first and avoid leaving young roots exposed to sun or wind.
SMALL SPACES
Growing Nasturtium Tom Thumb in Pots and Containers
Use a pot at least 20–30cm deep with drainage. Dwarf flowers and alpine strawberries suit smaller patio containers; give vigorous or mixed-kit plants a wider, heavier pot and support where required.
Container checklist
- Use drainage holes and raise pots slightly so surplus water can escape.
- Fill with fresh peat-free compost suited to edible crops.
- Leave a watering lip below the rim and check pots more often in sun or wind.
- Use a strong support at planting time if the mature crop will climb or become top-heavy.
CARE
Watering and Feeding
Water new plants regularly. Containers need more frequent checks in sun and wind; feed every 2–4 weeks during flowering, but avoid excessive nitrogen that produces leaves at the expense of blooms.
Variety note: Poorer soil encourages more flowers and fewer oversized leaves; dwarf plants suit containers.
WATCH FOR
Common Problems
Slug and snail damage
Protect emerging shoots and check containers at dusk until plants are sturdy.
Wind damage
Tall sunflowers, climbers and heavy flowering stems need early support and a sheltered position.
Few flowers
Shade, rich nitrogen feeding or delayed planting can reduce bloom. Move pots into stronger sun and feed moderately.
PICK
Harvesting Nasturtium Tom Thumb
Flowers and edible leaves are available from early summer until frost.
Most flower within 10–18 weeks of spring sowing; strawberries and perennial herbs take longer to establish. Harvest in the coolest part of the day where practical and handle produce gently. Regular picking encourages continued cropping in fruiting and cut-and-come-again plants.
GROW TOGETHER
Companion Plants
Calendula, nasturtium, borage and sunflowers can provide a long flowering display around edible crops. They may attract visiting insects, but results vary and they should not be presented as a guaranteed pest-control system.
QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow Nasturtium Tom Thumb in pots?
Use a pot at least 20–30cm deep with drainage. Dwarf flowers and alpine strawberries suit smaller patio containers; give vigorous or mixed-kit plants a wider, heavier pot and support where required.
How long does Nasturtium Tom Thumb take to harvest?
Most flower within 10–18 weeks of spring sowing; strawberries and perennial herbs take longer to establish.
Why is my Nasturtium Tom Thumb not flowering?
Insufficient sun, too much nitrogen, root restriction or a late start are common causes. Give the plant room, steady water and the brightest practical position.