Nasturtiums are a favorite flower for many gardeners because they're pretty and grow easily. But nasturtium microgreens? These little nuggets of delight offer so much more than just beauty! They can be eaten, given as gifts, and used in cooking. This quick nasturtium grow guide will help you get started with growing nasturtium microgreens at home: how to do it, what types to grow, how to care for them, and the health benefits that come along with eating these delicious veggies!
Nasturtium Microgreen Care Guide
Nasturtium Microgreens Benefits and Nasturtium Microgreens Nutrition
Nasturtium microgreens are a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals. They're high in Vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, making them a great choice for people with arthritis or other chronic inflammation issues. Additionally, nasturtiums are a good source of beta-carotene and lutein – both important antioxidants.
Nutritionally, nasturtium microgreens are a powerhouse. They have 3 times the Vitamin C of regular nasturtiums, and five times the potassium. They're also a good source of beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. All of these nutrients work together in promoting eye health and protect against age-related vision problems.
Nasturtiums are a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins C and A, plus they contain some really cool ingredients like glucosinolates that can help boost immunity. The herb has been used both internally (for treating infections) or externally on cuts because it forms scabs over wounds quickly! You might not think about this but nasturtiums also contain mustard oil which makes them effective at fighting off bugs too-especially common colds & flu viruses.
So if you are looking for a healthy way to get more vitamins and minerals into your diet, give nasturtium microgreens a try!
Nasturtium Microgreens Taste
Nasturtium microgreens have a tangy, peppery flavor that gives salads and sandwiches an interesting twist. They also mix well with other greens for added color and crunch!
Nasturtium Microgreens Grow Guide
-1 jar
-filtered water
-Food-grade hydrogen peroxide
Now nasturtium microgreens can be a tricky crop to grow. They're just like regular nasturtiums, but smaller and more delicate. Here are a few nasturtium microgreens growing tips to help you get started:
Firstly, start by soaking your seeds in water for 24 hours. Use a container and place the seeds in and then add enough water to submerge the seeds. Adding a tablespoon of food-grade hydrogen peroxide will help to eliminate mold on your seeds.
-1 cup of seeds
-enough water to submerge the seeds
-1 tablespoon of food-grade hydrogen peroxide
Supplies
After your 24 hour soaking period, add coco coir to your tray and then the seeds on top of the coir. Adding a blackout top will keep the seeds in the dark and will also keep them moist. Make daily checks on them to make sure the seeds don't dry out.
Water your nasturtium microgreens tray every day until the seeds germinate. After they begin to sprout you can place them under your grow lights. My grow light schedule is 12 hours. So 12 hours with the lights on and 12 hours with the lights off.
Start to bottom water as soon as you see the roots coming through the bottom of the tray. Bottom watering also helps to eliminate mold on your crop.
These are the micro green growing trays I use which make it easy to bottom water when it is time.
Lastly when you see the first true leaves appearing it's time to harvest nasturtium microgreens! Use a very sharp knife to cut as close to the soil level as you can, rinse and eat! Enjoy!
Nasturtium Toxicity
While nasturtiums are generally considered safe to eat, there is a small amount of toxicity associated with them. In large quantities, nasturtiums can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It is important to remember that the leaves, flowers, and stems of nasturtiums all contain this toxin, so it is best to avoid eating them in any quantity if you are unsure about whether or not you will be affected. Symptoms of nasturtium poisoning may include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Stomach cramps
- Headache
If you experience these symptoms after eating nasturtiums, seek medical attention immediately. Although rare, nasturtium poisoning can be serious, and may even result in death. So, if you are planning on including nasturtiums in your diet, it is best to stick to the safe quantities listed below:
- Do not eat more than two leaves of nasturtium a day.
- Avoid eating the flowers or stems of nasturtiums.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid eating nasturtiums altogether.
Nasturtiums are a healthy addition to any diet, but it is important to take caution when eating them, especially if you are unsure about how they will affect you. With a little bit of knowledge and common sense, though, nasturtium microgreens can be a great addition to your diet.
We hope you enjoyed learning how to grow your own nasturtium microgreens. If so, please share this article with others who might enjoy it as well! ? Comment below if you have anything else that I can help you with or answer any questions about our process when growing these sprouts. Happy Gardening!