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Nasturtium · Tropaeolum majus

Why is my nasturtium not producing any flowers?

Nasturtiums are famous for their bright blooms, so it is frustrating when they stay green. The most common culprit is soil that is too rich or a spot that is too shady.

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Check these first

  1. Count the hours of direct sun the plant gets.
  2. Check if you have been adding fertilizer.
  3. Look for signs of aphids on the stems.

Likely causes

  1. Too much fertilizer

    Most likely

    How to tell: The plant looks very lush and leafy but has zero buds. High nitrogen levels tell the plant to grow foliage instead of flowers.

    What to do: Stop all fertilizing immediately. Nasturtiums actually prefer poor soil, so do not add compost or plant food.

  2. Insufficient sunlight

    Most likely

    How to tell: The stems are stretching toward the light and the plant looks thin. Nasturtiums need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun to bloom.

    What to do: Move your container to a sunnier spot or prune back nearby plants that might be casting shade. If it is in the ground, ensure it is not blocked by taller shrubs.

Other plants that won't flower

Find out what's wrong with your nasturtium

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

If the plant has been in full sun for weeks without any buds, it may be struggling with soil conditions. It is normal for young plants to take a few weeks to start blooming.

Stopping it coming back

Plant in average, well draining soil and avoid adding any extra fertilizer.

Nasturtium: not flowering? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your nasturtium and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Can I use a bloom booster fertilizer?
It is usually best to avoid it. Nasturtiums are very sensitive and often react better to neglect than to extra nutrients.
Do nasturtiums bloom better in pots?
Yes, keeping their roots slightly crowded in a container can actually encourage more flowers.

More problems with Nasturtium

Back to the Nasturtium guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.