Why do nasturtium leaves turn yellow? What to do? What to do about yellow nasturtium leaves.

The garden flower nasturtium is a representative of a genus of herbaceous plants, found in the wild in Central and South America. The introduced crop was used in Europe and Old England as a culinary plant.

Today the flower is grown in many country and garden plots and is popular in landscaping terraces and balconies.

Description of the appearance and properties of nasturtium

As a garden ornament, nasturtiums are used for their vibrant green foliage and blooms of vibrant yellow, orange, pink or red. The flowers are bisexual, represent an inflorescence of five petals with a slight pleasant scent.

The stem of the plant is branched, succulent, climbing, representing a miniature vine; some varieties have the appearance of a subshrub. Nasturtium seeds ripen one and a half months after the plant has completely flowered. At this time, you can collect ripened seeds. Some of the seeds that fell to the ground will sprout next year. Hybrid seeds do not produce flowering plants.

Features of planting nasturtium

Despite the fact that nasturtium is an unpretentious plant, its cultivation requires compliance with certain rules of agricultural technology. Regardless of the type and variety, the peculiarity of nasturtium is its weak root system, due to which the plant does not require a large volume of soil. The shallow root location allows it to be grown on rocky soil structures with a small layer of nutrient soil.

In this case, in the garden or on the balcony you can admire the bright flowers in the lush green foliage.

"Important. When growing nasturtium seedlings, you should not use the method of picking seedlings, since a weak root system may not withstand this procedure and the seedling will die."

Nasturtium is grown in open ground:

• planting seeds collected in the fall at the end of April in warm, moist soil;

• For planting, you should choose places well lit by the sun, protected from drafts and wind;
• The composition of the soil affects the color of the leaves, the duration and splendor of nasturtium flowering. The plant grows well in light, slightly acidic soils with good drainage;
• During growth, nasturtium shoots need regular feeding with mineral fertilizers, to which the plant responds with abundant color. Organic matter can cause burns and death of the plant.
• Bright flowering of nasturtium is ensured not only by fertilizing. Regular but moderate watering is required for good flowering. Watering should only be stopped in case of wet weather conditions.

In order for nasturtium to delight a cozy corner of the garden or balcony with its flowers, you need to monitor the condition of the plant. If necessary, trim the stems and remove faded buds.

Growing and transplanting seedlings

Planting nasturtium seeds should be done with the onset of warm days, in soil well warmed by the sun. This time falls at the end of April, beginning of May. After the emergence of seedlings, you should expect flowering within a month and a half.

"Important. If you plant nasturtium in partial shade, in soil with a small amount of nutrients, you will get a flowerbed with richly developed green leaves and not very bright and lush flowering.”

The most effective way to grow nasturtium in open ground is through seedlings.

To ensure that the plant suffers as little damage as possible when transplanting to a flowerbed, it is necessary:

• Use peat pots with dense walls to avoid soil movement, which could damage the plant’s root system;
• Use containers for seedlings with a volume of approximately 200-250 cm 3;
• Provide young seedlings with good lighting so that the seedlings do not stretch out, since thin, elongated seedlings can get sick and there will not be abundant flowering in a permanent place;
• Before planting in a flowerbed, seedlings should be exposed to fresh air for hardening;
• Be careful when planting seedlings in open ground in a permanent place.

If the seedlings are grown and transplanted in accordance with the listed conditions, a richly blooming flower bed will be guaranteed.

"Important. The similarity of nasturtium seeds lasts for no more than four years.”

• In the area reserved for planting nasturtium, make holes corresponding to the size of the container with the seedling. Maintain a distance between planting holes of about 30 cm;
• The seedlings should be carefully removed from the container along with a lump of earth or a peat cup and placed in the prepared holes;
• The planting should be watered generously with settled, warm water;
• The soil under the seedlings needs to be covered with mulch, this will retain moisture in the soil and slow down the appearance and growth of weeds;
• Planted seedlings should be protected during cool nights and from sunlight during the day.

The unpretentiousness of nasturtium can be seen from the appearance of the first seedlings in open ground. Seedlings planted in a flowerbed also show their stability in a new environment. The first days it will be a little sluggish, but subsequently the bushes of the plants will begin to grow and in two to three weeks the first buds will appear, then bright flowers will greet the morning. Basic agricultural activities are not difficult.

The proper procedure for caring for seedlings is as follows:

• Frequent, abundant watering of nasturtium bushes before flowering;
• Subsequently, soil moisture is reduced, watering is carried out only when the top layer of soil dries out. Heavy moisture will lead to an increase in green mass and a lack of flowering;

• Systematic feeding of plants is recommended at intervals of one week before the buds begin to appear. Fertilizers for nasturtium should contain mixtures containing potassium and phosphorus.
• Systematically pick off dying flowers. This ensures the stimulation of the formation of new buds. A few wilted flowers are left to form a seeded fruit.

Measures to control pests and diseases of nasturtium

The main dangerous pests of the plant are aphids, cabbage moths, white butterflies, spider mites and mole crickets. A particularly dangerous pest is the mole cricket, which destroys almost all plants. Basic protective measures:

• Pollination of a plant with ash is an effective means of combating cabbage moths, aphids, and cruciferous flea beetles;
• Spraying nasturtium with alcohol with a mass fraction of 96% will help get rid of spider mites;
• Special chemical and biological preparations are effective substances in pest control. Many of them contain components that not only destroy harmful microorganisms, but have properties that have a beneficial effect on plants.

Plants, especially those weakened by improper agrotechnical conditions, are susceptible to diseases such as:

• Bacterial wilt, in which weakened, fading lower leaves provoke weakening of the entire plant and its death;
• Gray rot, manifested by the appearance of gray spots with a brown tint on the leaves;
• Rust with small brown or black spots that gradually grow on the plant.
• Mosaic is a viral disease with bright, variegated stains on the leaves.

Any of the diseases found in nasturtium plantings requires a thorough inspection of the plants and the removal of specimens with visible signs of the disease. Diseased plants should be removed, and the remaining nasturtium bushes should be treated with fungicides.

The nasturtium flower (capuchin) was introduced to European countries from Central America. The plant has long adapted to winter weather, although it is planted as an annual flower.

It is quite interesting to watch the development of this plant, since, as it grows, it can form a carpet of flowers, weave around hedges, buildings, and can even climb stumps, not to mention the standard method of growing.

By choosing the right variety for your site, you will avoid many problems. It is possible, of course, that the flower will not hurt, but it is quite easy to cure it.

Why do nasturtium leaves turn yellow?

Possible causes of yellowing of nasturtium leaves include the following:

• cabbage moth,
• mole cricket,
• whiteweed,
• spider mite,
• cruciferous flea beetle,
• improper watering,
• temperature changes.

What to do if nasturtium leaves turn yellow?

Other causes of yellowing of nasturtium leaves

We have already included problems with watering and temperature changes as other possible reasons, but it is also worth adding the following:

• insufficient amount of mineral components in the soil,
• bad light,
• nasturtium mosaic,
• burn from direct sunlight.

In these cases, damaged areas of nasturtium are removed and burned in a place separate from the plantings, especially if we are talking about nasturtium mosaic disease.

As for the problems associated with care, nasturtium accepts regular but not excessive moisture, good lighting, but without direct sunlight on the leaves, as well as systematic feeding. Before each subsequent watering, you need to wait for the soil substrate to dry out at least in the top layer.

In summer, nasturtium needs to be shaded from direct sunlight, but in spring and autumn the amount of lighting is increased. If the plant is sick with mosaic, you need to treat the soil mixture and burn the damaged, removed areas of the flower, as described above. You should also avoid sudden changes in temperature or planting nasturtiums in cold, unheated soil mixtures.

Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are used as fertilizing, which is carried out during the period of inflorescence appearance. What else is important for the gardener to remember: nasturtium or capuchin does not tolerate organic fertilizers, especially fresh manure, which can be destructive for such a beautiful flower.

(4 rated, rating: 10,00 out of 10)

Nasturtium, or, as it is also called, capuchin, belongs to both annual and perennial plants, it can be found in almost any garden. South and Central America are considered their homeland; in total there are about 50 species. The plant can be herbaceous or shrubby.

The height of the plant can reach up to two meters, the stem is creeping, smooth, the leaves are dissected by many veins, the flowers are single, the petals are delicately velvety, stunning with their diversity in the palette. Flowers can be either monochromatic or in combination with several colors. The diameter of the flower is approximately 5 cm.

Nasturtium flowers

By its nature, nasturtium is a light-loving plant, so it needs to be planted in a sunny, open area. It is planted either as a single plant or in the form of thickets.

There are double, semi-double and simple nasturtiums. Among the flower varieties you can find low-growing plants, medium-sized bushes that reach up to half a meter in height, as well as real giants that reach a height of up to two meters.

The plant can also be climbing, creeping or climbing. You can turn your attention to the photo of climbing nasturtium, a photo of which is in our article, so that in the future you can easily recognize the flower by its appearance, and also surprise others with your knowledge.

Nasturtium climbing

Nasturtium received its modern name Tropaeolum thanks to Carl Linnaeus, who compared the leaves to the shields of warriors, and the color of the flowers to the bloody helmets of enemies that were hung on columns, their name is Tropaeolum.

Types of nasturtium:

• bush;
• curly;
• ground cover;
• five-leaved;
• shield-bearing;
• multileaf;
• beautiful;
• tricolor.

Planting and care

As we have already said, for nasturtium lovers, planting and caring is not a difficult task; it can only bring pleasure. Let's talk about planting the plant first. Nasturtium propagation occurs with the help of seeds, the sowing of which is recommended in May. Planting, step by step:

• one day before sowing, soak the flower seeds in water;
• after the seeds have swelled, plant 3-4 seeds in each hole at a distance of 20 cm in the main soil;
• Sprinkle the holes with earth and water;
• shoots will sprout in two weeks, flowering will occur in July.

To make the plant happy, it is necessary to grow and care for nasturtium correctly. Here are some important care tips:

Planting and care is not a difficult task, it can only bring pleasure

1. This flower is very heat-loving and does not tolerate cold temperatures and frosts, so there is no need to rush to sow in the garden - if the frosts have not yet passed, the plant will die. To grow nasturtium on the balcony, you can plant it in April.
2. Our flower does not tolerate transplantation well, its root system is very delicate, and it will not be difficult to damage it. To avoid this, plant seedlings in cups with a sliding bottom or in peat cups.
3. Photophilous. The best place for growth will be a well-lit area or partial shade under trees. If there is not enough light, the flower will wither; it will no longer be a bright and colorful plant, but something incomprehensible, sluggish and flabby.
4. Moderately fertile soil is required. If the soil is oversaturated with fertilizers, there will be a lot of greenery, but there will be practically no flowering. If fertilizing is required, it should be done with potassium and phosphorus.
5. Monitor the soil moisture; each stage of growth requires its own watering. At the very beginning, when the plant is still young, it needs to be watered frequently. After the flower has bloomed, watering is required when the soil dries out too much. If the soil is heavy and there is a lot of moisture, the root system of the flower begins to rot.

Diseases

Nasturtium diseases include:

• Leaf spotting – black ring spot and ring spot (the same name). Dots with red-brown edges appear, gradually these dots begin to grow and affect the entire leaf.

Leaf spot

• Gray rot - gray-brown spots form on the plant.

Gray rot

• Rust - black and brown spots form, as they grow they form convex pads.

Rust

• Mosaic - a light green mosaic is formed over the entire surface of the leaf, after which the plant begins to lag behind in development.
• Bacterial wilt - first the lower leaves weaken, then the entire plant wilts.

If these diseases are detected in nasturtium, then the affected parts of the plant must be removed and burned; if the plant is severely damaged, then it must be removed completely. Then the remaining plant must be treated with special preparations, which can be purchased in specialized stores.

Another frequently asked question is why do nasturtium leaves turn yellow? If yellowing of the lower leaves is observed, then there is no need to worry, since this is a natural process of the death of old foliage. But if the upper parts of the flower begin to turn yellow, then this is already a cause for concern.

It is possible that your plant was burned from direct sunlight; it needs to be shaded, especially at noon. For prevention, fertilize with complex fertilizers.

Beneficial features

Nasturtium is grown not only for decorative purposes; it also has beneficial properties. All parts of the plant are used, here are some useful recipes using the flower.

Nasturtium has beneficial properties

Wine tincture - it is used to get rid of fatigue, for this you need fresh leaves of the plant, put them in a liter jar, fill it with dry white wine to the top. Leave in a dark place at room temperature, after covering with a lid. Leave for 14 days. Once ready, strain and take one teaspoon three times a day before meals.

Strengthen hair - twist nasturtium leaves and cinquefoil roots in a meat grinder, squeeze out the juice from the resulting mixture and apply to hair. If this juice is added to water, it becomes a hair rinse.

This plant is widely used for both medicinal and culinary purposes. In some countries, nasturtium is a spice and is added as a flavoring to food. You can also add it to vitamin drinks and cocktails.

Salad with nasturtium flowers

For example, if you grind the leaves of the plant to form a paste, add garlic, mayonnaise and salt, you will get a good filling for sandwiches.

You can show your imagination and decorate your dishes with fresh flowers. Such a decoration will look original on your table, and an interesting pattern of bright flowers will forever leave your dish in your memory.

What nasturtium looks like and what colors it comes in, see photos in the article. Happy flowering to you!

Hello, beloved readers! Today I will continue the “capuchin” theme with a story about growing nasturtium and caring for it from sowing to collecting seeds. I will also reveal the little secret of the lush and abundant flowering of this beauty. You already know how nasturtium is useful, and growing it will become easier after reading this article.

I'll start with the requirements from nasturtium. This plant prefers moderately fertile, light-textured, well-drained soils with a slightly acidic environment. On soils rich in organic matter, plants become fattened, as a rule, to the detriment of flowering. When grown in poor soils, nasturtium loses its decorative effect, the leaves become small and the stems become bare. In heavy and waterlogged soils, the roots rot, which leads to the death of plants.

Nasturtium is photophilous. To grow this crop, choose a well-lit, sunny place, protected from the wind. In partial shade and shade, plants produce significantly more leaves than flowers. It is also very heat-loving and does not tolerate frost.

Planting nasturtium

These flowers are perennial by nature, but are cultivated as annual crops. Most types of nasturtium are propagated by seeds. Terry varieties, as well as new varieties, are propagated vegetatively by cuttings. You can learn about some from the previous article.

Capuchin seeds remain viable for 4 years. Before sowing, nasturtium seeds are placed in hot water (+40...+50°C) for 15-20 minutes and then soaked for 24 hours.

When growing nasturtium from seeds, two planting methods are used: seedless and seedling.

With the seedless method of growing nasturtium, 2-3 seeds are dropped into the holes to a depth of 2 cm in increments of 20-30 cm. The sowing time in open ground is the end of May. The seedlings of this crop are afraid of May frosts and die when the air temperature drops to 0°C.

In those regions where return frosts are possible, there should be no rush to plant nasturtium. Or you can use the following technique. So, in order to speed up the emergence of seedlings and the onset of flowering, before sowing the seeds, the soil is shed with water (+40...+50°C). The sown area of ​​land is covered with non-woven material, and additionally with plastic film at night. Water moderately, only with warm water. Young plants are finally opened in the first ten days of June.

Growing nasturtium without seedlings has its advantages. Growing plants in a permanent place allows you to avoid their disease, which often happens with seedlings. However, flowering in this case occurs later.

How to Grow Nasturtiums to Bloom Earlier

For earlier flowering, it is better to use the seedling method. When growing seedlings, it is necessary to take into account that nasturtium has a relatively weak root system with a large leaf surface. Therefore, these plants tolerate any damage to the roots very painfully.

To avoid injury to the root system, seedlings are grown in separate containers without picking and planted together with a ball of earth.

Watering is necessary at the beginning of plant growth. When flowering occurs, nasturtium requires moderate watering, which is carried out only when the soil dries out. Remember that when overwatered, these plants produce few flowers and many leaves.

In order for your beauty to look well-groomed, you need to regularly remove faded flowers and ovaries. Of course, this is if you don't need seeds. This technique promotes the formation of new flowers and lush flowering.

You can collect the seeds yourself from the plants you like. In place of the flower, a composite fruit is formed, consisting of three seeds. They gradually change color from green to whitish and increase in size. Ripe seeds fall off. Therefore, seeds should be collected as they ripen, avoiding self-sowing. The only species whose seeds do not fully ripen is foreign nasturtium (when grown in the middle zone).

Despite the fact that nasturtium does not tolerate frost, its seeds can overwinter in the soil and still remain viable.

Growing nasturtium is quite a feasible task even for a novice gardener. You already know how to grow nasturtium using seedlings and non-seedlings. I advise you to try both the first and second methods of growing nasturtium. Well, the right choice of soil, location and moderate watering will help achieve abundant flowering of this South American beauty.

And this savory paste for sandwiches can be made from nasturtium:

More recipes and tips in the article about types of nasturtium.

May your garden always be beautiful!

I advise, dear readers, not to miss the publication of new materials on this blog.

It is very unpleasant for every summer resident when the fruit of his efforts and labor begins to ache, turn yellow and shed leaves. But it is interesting that many diseases could be avoided if you simply follow the rules and recommendations for planting and caring for nasturtium. What do they include?

1. Choosing the right location. The flower is very heat-loving, so it would be a mistake to plant it in dark areas or under trees. Choose an open area with direct access to ultraviolet rays.
2. Regular moisturizing. Nasturtium does not respond well to lack of moisture and drought, so watering should be installed.
3. No transfer. The root system of the plant cannot withstand transplantation. If you don’t like the place where you planted nasturtium, it’s better to wait until autumn and then replant.
4. Availability of fertile soil. In order for a plant to grow actively and bloom beautifully, it needs fertile soil. To do this, it is fashionable to mix the top layer of soil with humus and peat.

If you fulfill all these requirements, you can eliminate most diseases and pests. But sometimes some still manage to get to the delicate leaves and stems of the flower.

The most dangerous pests of nasturtium:

• . Since the flower is a relative of radishes and cabbage, it is attacked by aphids - small insects that are easy to notice on the plant. Aphids settle on the back side of the leaf and suck all the juices out of it. You may notice yellowing spots on the leaf surface as well as limp, dry stems. If you do nothing, then within a few days your nasturtiums will be completely eaten.

How to fight aphids? Ash scattered on each flower helps a lot. Just before this, it is important to carefully sift it through a sieve, and then sprinkle nasturtium on top. The only disadvantage of this method of control is that it will have to be repeated every time after rain.

• . A pest that eats away the leaves of a plant and also lays larvae in its shoots. If you plant cabbage in your summer cottage, then maintain a decent distance from the flower. Cabbage larvae attack shoots, completely destroying them.

How to fight cabbage moth? All weeds should be destroyed without leaving their remains on the ground. Also carry out regular spraying with soapy water or special chemicals.

• . A small insect that is difficult to notice on nasturtium. The mite crawls out of the ground in early May, besieging young seedlings of many plants. The only thing that gives away the insect is its finely woven web on the back of the leaf and black spots on the surface. The tick multiplies quickly, so you need to immediately take measures to destroy it.

How to fight spider mites? The pest cannot tolerate alcohol, so it is enough to spray the flower with 96% alcohol once. You can also use chemicals.

• A butterfly that many children chase in childhood. It itself does not pose a threat to the plant, but its larvae are real flower pests. When the caterpillars are born, they eat everything they see on their way.

How to deal with whiteweed? Affected flowers can be sprayed with insecticides. Some begin to breed the enemy of the whitefish - the ichneumon beetle. You can also water nasturtium with settled water from tomato tops.

Pests of nasturtium and fighting them require decisive and urgent action. We hope that our tips will help you grow beautiful, bright and healthy nasturtiums in your summer cottage.