Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus), native to Central and South America, are versatile annuals that flourish when sown or transplanted in June. They grow easily in most soils—though they prefer lean, well-draining conditions—and need at least 6 hours of sun. Directly sow seeds ½ inch deep and 10–12 inches apart, or pop in nursery starts after the last frost. Warm days set off quick growth; within 3 to 4 weeks, you’ll see lush, round leaves and vibrant orange, yellow, or red blooms. Nasturtiums are edible, too—peppery petals make excellent salad garnishes and open a fun way to get kids interested in gardening!
One standout feature of nasturtiums is their role as “trap crops”: they lure aphids away from more tender vegetables, making them biological pest controllers in summer gardens. At the same time, beneficials like hoverflies and predatory wasps frequent the blossoms, hunting any pest insects lurking amid the leaves. The trailing varieties spill gracefully over containers, while upright forms—though non-native—remain non-invasive in most regions, providing a mass of color that lasts until the first frost. With minimal fertilization—too much nitrogen leads to lush foliage but sparse blooms—nasturtiums sown in June will cascade beauty across flower beds and veggie gardens all summer long.