Nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus
Also known as: Indian cress
Edible flower and leaf with a peppery flavor. Trailing and bush varieties available. Thrives in poor soil.
Growing Requirements
Planting Schedule
Direct Sow (Spring)
0–9 weeks after last frost
Germination
7–12 days
Days to Harvest
50–65 days
Zone Suitability
USDA Hardiness Zones
Zones 2–11
Too much fertilizer produces leaves at expense of flowers. Trap crop for aphids.
Companion Plants
Good Companions (15)
Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
Trap crop luring aphids and whiteflies away from tomatoes
Confidence: High
Cucumber
Cucumis sativus
Deters cucumber beetles and aphids
Confidence: High
Cabbage
Brassica oleracea var. capitata
Trap crop for cabbage moths and aphids
Confidence: High
Zucchini
Cucurbita pepo
Repels squash bugs and aphids from squash
Confidence: High
Eggplant
Solanum melongena
Trap crop for flea beetles that target eggplant
Confidence: Medium
Broccoli
Brassica oleracea var. italica
Trap crop for aphids and cabbage pests
Confidence: Medium
Kale
Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
Lures aphids away from kale leaves
Confidence: Medium
Bell Pepper
Capsicum annuum
Trap crop for aphids near peppers
Confidence: Medium
Radish
Raphanus sativus
Both serve as companion trap crops in the garden
Confidence: Medium
Pumpkin
Cucurbita maxima
Repels squash bugs from pumpkin vines
Confidence: Medium
Cauliflower
Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
Trap crop for aphids and cabbage pests
Confidence: High
Green Bean
Phaseolus vulgaris
Trap crop for aphids that target beans
Confidence: Medium
Jalapeño Pepper
Capsicum annuum
Trap crop for aphids
Confidence: Medium
Yellow Squash
Cucurbita pepo var. recticollis
Repels squash bugs and aphids from squash plants
Confidence: High
Watermelon
Citrullus lanatus
Trap crop for aphids that target melon vines
Confidence: Medium