Dwarf Nasturtium

Tropaeolum minus

Physical Characteristics

Tropaeolum minus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. America - Peru, Ecuador.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Seed Seedpod Edible Uses: Condiment Leaves - raw[2, 27, 37]. A hot watercress flavour[183]. The leaves are very nice in small quantities on their own or as a flavouring in mixed salads, they are available from early summer until the first frosts of the autumn[K]. Flowers - raw[2, 27, 37, 183]. A very ornamental and tasty addition to the salad bowl, the flowers have a hot watercress flavour[7]. The flowers contain about 130mg vitamin C per 100g[218]. Young seed pods - raw[2, 27, 37]. These are even hotter than the flowers or leaves[K]. The seed pods can also be harvested whilst immature and pickled for use as a caper substitute[183]. Seed - raw or cooked. Very hot[K]. The mature seed can be ground into a powder and used as a pepper substitute[183].

Medicinal Uses

Antibiotic Antiseptic Aperient Diuretic Expectorant Vitamin C The whole plant is antibiotic, antiseptic, aperient, diuretic and expectorant[7, 21]. It is useful in breaking up congestion in the respiratory passages and chest during colds[21]. The juice or tea can be used as an external or internal antiseptic[21]. The plant has antibiotic properties towards aerobic spore forming bacteria[61], it is also said to have a beneficial effect on the blood by promoting the formation of blood cells[21].

Known Hazards

None known