Nasturtium Flowers
Occasions & recipients - Find flowers by occasion
Nasturtium flowers carry a cheerful, playful energy with a hint of boldness, perfect for friends, creative spirits and informal celebrations. They feel friendly rather than deeply romantic.
Joyful spontaneity
Nasturtiums express carefree happiness, creativity and a love of simple pleasures, like a spontaneous visit or a last-minute picnic.
Expression strength Very gentle and playful
Etiquette safety Safe for informal gifts to colleagues, neighbours and friends.
Best setting Great for kitchens, balconies, home offices and casual party tables.
Colour hint Mix sunny oranges, yellows and soft reds for a bright, uplifting feel.
Avoid Not ideal as the main flower for very formal occasions or solemn ceremonies.
Courage and confidence
Traditionally, nasturtiums can symbolise bravery and inner fire, encouraging someone to follow their ideas and stand out.
Expression strength Moderate and motivating
Etiquette safety Suitable for students, colleagues or friends when you want to inspire without strong romance.
Best setting Ideal on desks, study spaces or creative studios as a bright motivational accent.
Colour hint Use bold oranges and reds with a touch of green for a vivid, energetic message.
Avoid Too informal for very traditional sympathy or high-protocol corporate events.
Card Message Ideas
Presentation Etiquette
Ideal Delivery Time
At a glance
Quick reference for key details choosing flowers for different occasions and recipients. Use this section as a practical checklist: where they grow and what to keep in mind regarding toxicity and sensitivity.
Toxicity
Nasturtiums are generally regarded as non-toxic and are even used as edible flowers, but very large quantities may cause mild stomach upset in sensitive individuals or pets.
| Risk area | Level | Practical advice |
|---|---|---|
| Children | Low | Safe if a few petals or leaves are nibbled, but discourage large amounts and teach children not to snack on garden plants unsupervised. |
| Pets | Low to mild risk if ingested in excess | Small tastes are usually harmless, but prevent pets from eating large quantities and monitor for vomiting or diarrhoea. |
| Skin contact | Low | Most people tolerate handling well, though very sensitive skin may develop mild irritation after prolonged contact; rinse skin if discomfort occurs. |
If a child or pet eats an unusually large amount and shows worrying symptoms, contact a medical professional or veterinarian promptly.
Allergenicity
Nasturtiums usually cause few allergy problems indoors, as their pollen is relatively heavy and their fragrance is fresh but not overpowering for most people.
| Factor | Level | Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Pollen | Low to moderate | Generally suitable for hay fever sufferers, but place a little farther away if someone is very sensitive to flower pollen. |
| Fragrance | Light, peppery scent | Most people find the scent gentle; in very scent-sensitive households, keep arrangements smaller and in well-ventilated rooms. |
| Best placement | Flexible, with simple precautions | Ideal for bright kitchens, balconies or living rooms; keep out of bedrooms if anyone has strong pollen or scent sensitivities. |
Color Taboos
Colour meanings for nasturtiums can vary by region and culture, so this table offers simple examples of combinations that may feel sensitive in certain contexts.
| Color/Combination | Region/Culture | Common Association | Occasions to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure white arrangements | Many European and East Asian contexts | Often linked with funerals, mourning or remembrance rather than celebration. | Birthdays, weddings, baby showers and upbeat congratulations. |
| Very dark red with black accents | Some Western and Latin cultures | Can feel heavy, intense or suggest anger and conflict. | Professional gifting, apologies, hospital visits and light-hearted celebrations. |
| Neon mixed colours | General Western business gifting | Seen as very playful and casual, lacking formality. | Serious corporate events, formal sympathy and conservative ceremonies. |
| Orange and red only, no greenery | Certain conservative cultures | May appear loud or aggressive instead of warm and joyful. | Formal religious events, solemn memorials and high-protocol official occasions. |
| Bright orange with strong blue wrapping | Various regions | Can look sporty or juvenile rather than elegant. | Elegant weddings, luxury corporate gifts and traditional anniversaries. |
Growing & tools
Growing tips
Nasturtiums are easy, fast-growing flowers that suit beginners, thriving with sun, modest watering and reasonably well-drained soil in beds, pots or hanging baskets.
| Aspect | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Light | Provide full sun for best flowering, though they will tolerate light partial shade in hot climates. |
| Water | Water regularly but allow the top of the soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogged conditions. |
| Soil | Grow in well-drained, moderately poor to average soil; overly rich soil encourages leaves rather than flowers. |
| Temperature | Prefer mild temperatures and are sensitive to frost, so plant after the danger of frost has passed. |
| Care level | Low-maintenance; remove faded flowers and trim back straggly stems to encourage fresh growth and blooms. |
| Feeding | Use little or no fertiliser, as excessive feeding reduces flowering and can promote lush foliage. |
For abundant blooms, choose a sunny spot with well-drained, not-too-rich soil and avoid overwatering or heavy fertilising.
Recommended tools
- Hand trowel - helps plant nasturtium seeds or young plants at the right depth and spacing in beds, borders or containers.
- Watering can with rose - provides gentle, even watering that avoids washing away seeds or compacting the soil around young roots.
- Pruning shears - trims trailing or leggy stems cleanly to keep plants tidy and encourage bushier, more floriferous growth.
- Support stakes or trellis - offers climbing support for vining nasturtium varieties, preventing stems from tangling on the ground.
- Gloves - protect hands from soil and minor irritation when planting, training vines or pulling self-seeded plants.
- Well-draining pots or hanging baskets - give nasturtiums good drainage and attractive trailing displays on balconies or patios.
- Organic mulch - helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds and keep root zones cooler in hot weather.
- Clean vase - for cut nasturtium stems, keeps water fresh and supports better vase life with regular water changes.