Wakefield Museums and Castles

Carole carried out the usual Monday flower count. She then started to weed from the signpost back to the fennel. She spoke for a while with a retired Chief Inspector of Police. He had worked at New Scotland Yard, but in his youth had patrolled around the Pontefract Castle area. 

Later, Carole and Lillie weeded the MHG from the curry plants to the green alkanet. This tidied things up a bit before Carole’s final talk of the season. They continued to weed until the early afternoon when “rain stopped play”.

Its leaves are circular, wavy-edged and 1 to 6 inches in diameter. The leaves are green above, paler beneath, with several radiating veins. They are supported 'parasol-like' by a central stalk 2 to 12 inches long.

Nasturtium leaves demonstrate the 'lotus effect'. Rain falling onto the surface gathers into droplets which then roll off the leaf, leaving it dry.

It flowers between July and October. The flowers are bright yellow, red or orange. They are showy, frilled, funnel-shaped flowers, 1 inch to 1.5 inches across. They have five long-clawed petals, eight stamens and a 1 inch long nectar spur at the rear.

The leaves contain an aromatic oil that produces a peppery scent. The flowers contain nectar which gives off a sweet, honey-like smell, especially in the morning.

The flowers and leaves can be used as decorative and peppery additions to salads. They can be chopped into butter, cream cheese, pesto, placed on top of pizzas or included in sandwiches. They are even used to decorate cakes.

The young seed pods are even spicier in flavour. These can be cooked or pickled as a lookalike substitute for capers, or ground up and added to sauces and stews.

Yellow and orange colours can be obtained from the flowers and leaves. They contain yellow flavonoids and anthocyanins, which can also produce red, pink, or green colours. The colour produced depends on the specific variety, pH levels and dyeing process.

Nasturtiums became especially popular after they were planted in the gardens of the Palace of Versailles. This was during the reign of King Louis XIV.

Nasturtiums contain more vitamin C than many other plants. Pickled nasturtium seeds were taken on board Victorian ships to prevent scurvy.

In the 1800s, soldiers often wore nasturtium flowers given to them by young ladies. They were a sign that they had been victorious in battle.

In Victorian floriography, nasturtiums were used to represent 'patriotism' and 'conquest'.

Nasturtiums are visited by several moths and butterflies. These include the dot moth (Melanchra persicariae), the garden carpet moth (Xanthorhoe fluctuate), the large white (Pieris brassicae) or cabbage white butterfly and small white butterfly (Pieris rapae). These insects will lay their eggs there. The eggs are typically laid on the underside of the leaves.

Some gardeners plant nasturtiums specifically as a 'companion plant' to attract these butterflies and their caterpillars. This hopefully diverts the insects from cucurbits (cucumber, melon, pumpkin) and brassicas (cabbage, broccoli). Some gardeners plant nasturtiums under fruit trees for the same reason.

However, due to its chemical composition, nasturtiums are potentially harmful. It can be a skin irritant or allergen.

Nasturtium had several benefits, including promoting scalp health, strengthening hair and potentially reducing hair loss. It was used for treating skin issues. It is rich in nutrients that nourish hair follicles. This makes hair appear fuller and healthier. It has antibacterial properties beneficial for the skin.

Traditionally, its various parts were used in teas and tonics. These were used to soothe sore throats and colds. It was also used to heal wounds, disinfect skin, and address urinary and respiratory conditions.

Nasturtium leaves, ground with water and then strained, create a natural disinfectant wash. This was used on minor cuts and scrapes. Chewing the leaves can cleanse the mouth.

*As always, this isn't to be considered medical advice today. Please don't use any plants mentioned in these blogs as medicine without advice from a doctor.