Why haven't my nasturtiums flowered?

Sue Partridge

I have grown some nasturtiums from seed in a few containers with very old  compost in. I haven't fed them at all. The plants are of a good size but no flowers yet. Please help!

Desi_in_London

Perhaps post some photos of your pots and plants. I haven't grown them this year , but while it is indeed true that they do best with minimal or zero feeding in the ground, in pots , partic with old compost , they may need some feed?

Other than that , are they in a sunny enough position?

philippasmith2

There are different varieties of Nasturtiums - some are a bit later to flower.  The basic jobs should be flowering now.  
You say "very old compost" but you don't mention what it actually is ( or was ) or the size of your containers and where they are sited.  Even Nast. need a bit of help in pots.  
Do you see any flower buds at all ?

Sue Partridge

Hi to you both. It was multi purpose peat free compost which has been used for at least 1 if not 2 years with bedding plants-pansies etc in it. 2 of the containers are long trough-style and face north. The others are round and face south-very sunny. The variety is Tom Thumb mixed. I only planted them about 6 weeks ago when we moved into our new house. Perhaps they need a bit longer?

Sue Partridge

PS I used old compost and haven't fed as I read that if you feed Nasturtiums all you get is a load of leaf and no flowers.

Desi_in_London

6 weeks from seed ( i'm assuming unless you bought plants?)  sounds like a bit soon - mine generally took about 3 months ( although that was a part shade vs a full sun position in pots --they prefer full sun albeit presumably not in 40 degree heat)
The hills icon ( above the bit where you type message) should allow you to post a photo.
Your pot size sounds ok , unless you have too many plants in there.

edit to add - agree re feeding , but if in a month or two you dont have flower buds poss worth feeding v lightly with sulfate of potash ( so potassium only)

Fran IOM

I must be lucky as I just pushed seeds into old compost in a hanging basket and they have now flowered no thanks to me. 

Sue Partridge

Thanks to all-will just leave them a bit longer and see-too impatient!