Nasturtiums

[kloofnek]

I have just been reading that Nasturtium,s flower better when planted in poor soil.I used a bagged John Innes compost, planting the seeds them late Spring (due to the awful weather we had),there are plenty leaves but when can I expect them to flower.This is the third year of using the seeds which I collect after flowering,is there a time scale on seeds being re-used.
Also I read ,one should dead head (which I do with other flowers)..but if I do this,there will be no seeds.Am I correct in thinking this.

[Trefoil1]

Nastursium seeds should be kept in a cold place over the winter, eg salad box in fridge.

Dead heading gives more flowers, I usually do this until mid august and then let them seed.

Don't forget our seasons are about 5 weeks behind, be patient and you will get your flowers.

[SlackAlice]

They flower better in poor soil, but grow better in good soil and produce fewer flowers.
To continue flowering you need to 'deadhead' them. Yes, if you deadhead them then seeds will not form. You've got to strike a happy balance.

Basically an annual plants sole purpose in life is to produce seeds. Once its done that, it will die happy.

As an aside the leaves and flowers can be added to salads.

[kloofnek]

I dry off the seeds then keep them overwinter in a paper bag (in the house)...would they not be damp if kept in the fridge.

[Chipchopper]

If you want to save some seed for next year, then you must allow the flowers to fully develop, so yes you are right in what you assume.

you may be lucky to get another crop if you sow, soon. they will die with the first frosts.

Watch out for blackfly on the undersides of the leaves. A spray with a little soapy water should combat that.

Good Luck -Chip