Thursday, February 7, 2019

Overwintering Nasturtiums in my Attic


These two small pots of nasturtiums were dug up in the fall and they have continued to thrive in my cool attic all winter long. I never tire of looking at their bright green round leaves on red stems  and am quite amazed at how hardy they are for annuals. They ask for nothing but to be watered when they begin to dry out. I also pick off the yellow leaves. They bloomed for a long time in the fall too. From now on, I'm calling them tender perennials and I'm happy I'll have a couple of plants to put out in the spring instead of having to wait for my seeds to sprout. 
xo, Rosemary @ Content in a Cottage

12 comments:

Mama Pea said...

I had no idea you could bring in nasturtiums (like geraniums) and winter them over. Guess it's true that one can learn something every day!

Content in a Cottage said...

Mama Pea -- I had no idea either but I decided it was worth a try. I had two big pots in the basement along with big pots of geraniums but forgot to water down there. The geraniums are fine but only one plant in each big pot of nasturtiums is hanging on due to lack of water. I go to the attic frequently because my desktop computer and file cabinets are up there. Next year, I will be more careful about watering and plant more small pots.
xo, Rosemary

Lisa D. said...

I think they are tender perennials, Rosemary. I've had the same nasturtium growing in one of my rose beds for years. It just keeps on going.

Pam said...

They are such interesting looking plants--sometimes it seems like the leaves are floating on those slender stems. Rosemary, you must have a green thumb. I've never known anyone else who has over-wintered them.

Content in a Cottage said...

lisa -- Thanks for confirming their classification. You must be in a warm time zone to have the same nasturtium for years. The rose bush must be a good companion!
xo, Rosemary

Content in a Cottage said...

Pam -- I love their floating leaves too. You probably don't know anyone who has ever tried overwintering these amazing plants. They are certainly an inexpensive alternative to the plant I keep reading about that is all the rage, The Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides). Plants with round leaves are supposed to be good luck and bring prosperity. https://shop.pistilsnursery.com/products/pilea-peperomioides-chinese-money-plant
Be sure to plant some seeds this year and dig your nasturtiums up before a killing frost.
xo, Rosemary

Pam said...

Oh, nasturtiums are one of my absolute favorites in my country gardens. I even planted seeds in the hollow of an old tree and they grew up the trunk. Have never tried bringing them in but this fall I shall try. I love the variegated leaf variety. Love that they pop up all over the yards. Thanks.

GretchenJoanna said...

What a great idea! I know just where I could do that here. Your pictures are lovely as usual.

Content in a Cottage said...

Pam -- I have never planted the variegated leaf variety. Your random plantings sound delightful. I have enjoyed having them inside this winter and you will too next winter. Happy gardening.
xo, Rosemary

Content in a Cottage said...

GretchenJoanna -- I forgot to mention mine are in windows with a southeastern exposure. Good luck with bringing yours inside next winter.
xo, Rosemary

Betty said...

My dear Mother always had nasturtiums. They are a sweet little flower and always remind me of her.

The Queen Vee said...

Spring is still a ways off, how lovely to have this reminder to view daily that it will indeed come. Not at all surprised that you are already preparing for it with plants nurtured over the winter.