Short answer: soak 60 to 100 g of nasturtium seed for 8 to 12 hours. Press it into a 10 × 20 inch tray of moist soil, cover it, and keep it dark for 3 to 4 days. Uncover, give bright light, and water from below. Cut at 10 to 14 days, when the round leaves open.
What are nasturtium microgreens?
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is a garden flower with edible leaves and blossoms. As a microgreen, it grows round, lily-pad leaves on thin stems, with a peppery taste. Sprouting.com gives it 10 to 14 days and recommends an 8 to 12 hour soak.1
How to grow nasturtium microgreens
- Day0
Soak
Soak the large seeds for 8 to 12 hours to soften the tough coat.
- Day0
Sow
Press the seeds into 1 inch of moist potting mix, spaced evenly.
- Day0–4
Blackout
Cover and keep damp. Mist daily.
- Day4
Light
Uncover when the shoots appear. Give bright light.
- Day4–12
Water from below
Keep the soil evenly moist.
- Day10–14
Harvest
Cut above the soil when the round leaves have opened.
Problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Few seeds sprout | Hard seed coat | Soak 8 to 12 hours |
| Uneven tray | Seeds sprout at different times | Normal; harvest in two cuts |
| Pale leaves | Low light | More light after uncovering |
Tips for growing nasturtium microgreens
- Soak the seeds for 8 to 12 hours. The hard coat slows germination.
- Space the seeds in a single layer. They're large, so about 60 to 100 g fills a 10 × 20 inch tray.
- Press them in firmly so the roots can grip.
- Give bright light after uncovering. The round leaves turn a darker green, and red types show their colour.
- Harvest in two cuts. The seeds sprout at different times, so cut the tallest first.
Green vs red nasturtium
| Type | Look | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Emerald (green) | Bright green round leaves | Classic peppery flavour |
| Red | Darker, red-tinged leaves | Same flavour, more colour |
How chefs use nasturtium microgreens
The small round leaves look like lily pads, so chefs often float them on soups and cocktails or place them on plates as a single striking leaf. Their peppery bite suits:
- seafood and white fish
- deviled eggs and potato salad
- goat cheese and beet salads
- gin cocktails and lemonade
See how to garnish with microgreens.
Storing and eating
Use within 3 to 5 days. Nasturtium microgreens are lovely on salads, fish, deviled eggs and cocktails. See how to garnish with microgreens.
Nasturtium FAQ
What do nasturtium microgreens taste like?
Peppery and bright, a lot like watercress. The round leaves are tender and juicy.
How long do nasturtium microgreens take?
About 10 to 14 days after an 8 to 12 hour soak.
How much nasturtium seed do I need?
About 60 to 100 g per 10 × 20 inch tray. The seeds are large, so they need more weight per tray than small seeds.
Are nasturtium microgreens safe to eat?
Yes. Nasturtium leaves and flowers are edible. Use seed sold for microgreens rather than treated garden seed.
Written by Michael
A passionate sprouting professional sharing practical tips for growing sprouts and microgreens at home. More about Michael
Sources
- Sprouting.com (Mumm's Sprouting Seeds). Product pages: days to sprout, soak time and yield for each seed. Link
