Origin
Nasturtium elongatum E.Mey. ex Burtt Davy, commonly known as the Cape pennycress, originates from the Cape Province of South Africa. This plant is a member of the mustard family (Brassicaceae).
Common Names
Aside from Cape pennycress, Nasturtium elongatum can also be referred to as Cape cress, Cape mustard, South African cress or watercress
Uses
Nasturtium elongatum E.Mey. ex Burtt Davy is used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. The leaves and flowers of the plant have a peppery taste and are commonly used as a garnish or added to salads. Additionally, Nasturtium elongatum has a variety of health benefits, including its ability to reduce inflammation and improve skin health.
General Appearance
Nasturtium elongatum is a flowering annual herb that can grow up to 80 cm tall. The plant has a sprawling habit and produces elongated, lobed leaves that are approximately 2-6 cm long. The flowers of Nasturtium elongatum are small and can be either yellow or white. They bloom from spring to summer and are followed by elongated seed pods. The plant can thrive in a variety of environments but prefers moist soil and partial shade.
Light Requirements
Nasturtium elongatum E.Mey. ex Burtt Davy prefers partial shade to full sun. It can be grown in areas that receive between 3-8 hours of direct sunlight a day. In areas that receive intense sunlight, it is recommended to provide some shade during the hottest parts of the day to prevent leaf scorching.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but prefers moderate temperatures between 20-25 °C. Nasturtium elongatum E.Mey. ex Burtt Davy is not frost tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures below 0 °C. In hot climates, the plant may go dormant during the summer months but will resume active growth during cooler months.
Soil Requirements
Nasturtium elongatum E.Mey. ex Burtt Davy prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 -7.5. The plant can tolerate poor soils and is often grown in rocky or sandy soils. The soil should be rich in organic matter to support healthy growth. The plant requires regular watering to maintain soil moisture but does not tolerate waterlogged soils.
Cultivation methods for Nasturtium elongatum E.Mey. ex Burtt Davy
Nasturtium elongatum E.Mey. ex Burtt Davy is a beautiful flowering plant that grows well in many regions of the world. To cultivate this plant successfully, you should begin by selecting a location that gets plenty of sun and has well-drained soil. Placing your plant in an area that receives sunlight for at least six hours a day is ideal. The plant can grow in almost any type of soil, but it prefers soil that is slightly acidic. You can start this plant from seeds or from cuttings.
Watering needs for Nasturtium elongatum E.Mey. ex Burtt Davy
To keep your Nasturtium elongatum E.Mey. ex Burtt Davy healthy and vibrant, you should water it regularly. Ideally, the plant should be watered once a week. However, be careful not to overwater. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can kill your plant. You should check to see if the soil is dry at a depth of an inch or two before watering. If the soil is dry, then it is time to water the plant. You can also add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
Fertilization of Nasturtium elongatum E.Mey. ex Burtt Davy
Provide nutrients to Nasturtium elongatum E.Mey. ex Burtt Davy regularly to help promote healthy growth and flowering. You should fertilize it once a month using a balanced fertilizer. A balanced fertilizer has equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizer, as the amount may vary depending on the brand.
Pruning of Nasturtium elongatum E.Mey. ex Burtt Davy
Nasturtium elongatum E.Mey. ex Burtt Davy does not require frequent pruning, but it can help to promote healthy growth and flowering. You should prune the plant regularly by removing any dead or damaged leaves or stems. This will not only make the plant look neater but also prevent diseases from spreading. Additionally, if you notice that your plant is getting too tall and spindly, you can pinch off the tips of the stems to encourage the plant to branch out and become fuller.
Propagation of Nasturtium Elongatum E.Mey. ex Burtt Davy
Nasturtium elongatum E.Mey. ex Burtt Davy, commonly known as the long-spurred nasturtium, is a species of flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae. It is a herbaceous perennial plant native to South Africa that typically grows up to 2 meters in height.
There are several methods to propagate Nasturtium elongatum, including:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Nasturtium elongatum is through seeds. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and placed in a sunny location. Germination can occur within two weeks, and the seedlings should be thinned out to ensure proper growth spacing.
Cuttings Propagation
Nasturtium elongatum can also be propagated through stem cuttings. This method involves taking stem cuttings from healthy plants and placing them in a rooting hormone. The cuttings should then be placed in a well-draining soil mixture and kept in a warm, humid location until roots develop. Once roots have formed, the cutting can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the garden.
Division Propagation
Division is another method of propagating Nasturtium elongatum. This method involves dividing the root clumps of mature plants and replanting the divided sections into a well-draining soil mixture. Each section should have several healthy shoots and roots.
Propagation of Nasturtium elongatum can be done in various ways, depending on the gardener's preference. Regardless of the propagation method chosen, proper care and attention should be given to the newly propagated plants to ensure healthy growth and development.
Disease Management
Nasturtium elongatum E.Mey. ex Burtt Davy is a hardy plant that is not susceptible to many diseases. However, there are a few diseases that can affect this plant. The most common disease is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew appears as a white or gray powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, you can prune affected leaves and stems and apply a fungicide. Another disease that can affect this plant is downy mildew. Downy mildew appears as yellow or brown spots on the leaves and can cause the plant to wilt. To manage downy mildew, you can prune the affected leaves and stems and apply a copper-based fungicide.
Pest Management
Nasturtium elongatum E.Mey. ex Burtt Davy is also relatively pest-resistant, but there are a few pests that can cause damage to the plant. The most common pest is aphids. Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, you can use a strong stream of water to wash them off the plant or apply an insecticidal soap. Another pest that can affect this plant is slugs and snails. These pests feed on the leaves and can cause large holes in the foliage. To manage slugs and snails, you can use a beer trap or apply a slug and snail bait.
