Nasturtium occidentale Greene: Overview
Nasturtium occidentale Greene is native to North America and is commonly known as western watercress or moccasin flower. This perennial plant belongs to the Brassicaceae family and is found in wetlands, streams, and ponds in the western United States.
Appearance
Nasturtium occidentale Greene has round, lobed leaves that float on the water’s surface, with long stems that grow up to 60 centimeters in length. The leaves have a pungent smell and taste like horseradish. The flowers are white or pink, with four petals and yellow stamens. The plant can bloom from late spring to mid-summer.
Uses
Nasturtium occidentale Greene is edible and can be used as a substitute for watercress in salads, sandwiches, and soups. The roots and leaves can be boiled and used to treat coughs, colds, and sore throats. Native American tribes used the plant's roots to make a poultice for treating snake bites and insect stings. In addition, the plant is also an ornamental plant, and its leaves and flowers add color and texture to water features and ponds.
Overall, Nasturtium occidentale Greene is a versatile and useful plant that provides both practical and aesthetic benefits.
Light Conditions
Nasturtium occidentale Greene thrives in full sun exposure. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight each day to grow healthy. Insufficient light exposure may result in stunted growth and poor bloom production.
Temperature Conditions
The plant prefers a mild climate with a temperature range of 15 - 25°C (59 - 77°F). It can withstand moderate frosts, but prolonged exposure may damage or kill the plant. In high-temperature areas, it performs well as a cool season crop, either in fall or spring when temperatures are relatively low.
Soil Requirements
The plant does well in well-drained soil types with moderate fertility levels. The soil should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6 - 7.5. It can grow in different soil textures, ranging from sandy loam, loam, to clay loam soils. However, it’s advisable to improve sandy soils with organic matter to enhance water retention and nutrient levels. Excessively rich soils may reduce bloom production and favor vegetative growth.
Cultivation
Nasturtium occidentale Greene can be grown in a wide range of soil types. The ideal soil should be well-drained, fertile, and moisture retaining. The plant can be propagated by seeds, which should be planted in the spring after the risk of frost has passed. The seeds should be sown 1 cm deep in the soil and should be kept moist until germination.
Once the plant has germinated, it should be transplanted outdoors. The transplanting should occur once the seedlings have grown to at least 5 cm tall. The plants should be spaced about 30 cm apart to allow for sufficient room for growth.
Watering Needs
Nasturtium occidentale Greene requires consistent moisture to grow successfully, but care should be taken not to overwater the plant, which can lead to waterlogging and root rot. The soil should be kept evenly moist, and the plant should be watered deeply once or twice a week during the growing season. In dry climates or during prolonged dry spells, it may be necessary to water more frequently, depending on the soil type.
Fertilization
Nasturtium occidentale Greene is not a heavy feeder and can grow well in soil that has not been heavily fertilized. However, adding a slow-release fertilizer to the soil can provide the plant with essential nutrients. The fertilizer should be applied at the beginning of the growing season, as well as halfway through the season.
Pruning
Nasturtium occidentale Greene does not require much pruning beyond removing any dead or damaged foliage. If the plant begins to take on a straggly or unkempt appearance, it may be trimmed back to encourage fuller growth. Deadheading spent flowers can also promote continuous blooming throughout the growing season.
Propagation of Nasturtium Occidentale Greene
Nasturtium occidentale Greene, also known as western watercress or mountain watercress, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. The plant is native to North America and can be found growing in streams, springs, and wetlands at higher elevations.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagating Nasturtium occidentale is by seeds. The seeds can be harvested from the plant after the flowers have wilted and turned into seed pods. The seed pods should be left on the plant until they are brown and dry. Once the pods are dry, they can be collected and the seeds can be extracted.
The seeds should be soaked in water for about 24 hours before planting. This will help to soften the seed coat and allow for faster germination. The seeds can then be planted in a nursery bed or directly into the ground.
If planting in the nursery bed, the seeds should be covered with a light layer of soil and kept moist until they germinate. Once the seedlings are large enough, they can be transplanted into their final location.
Propagation by Cuttings
Nasturtium occidentale can also be propagated by cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, established plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and taken from the tips of the plant.
The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. The cuttings should be placed in a cool, shaded area and protected from direct sunlight.
It may take several weeks for the cuttings to root and begin to grow. Once they have established a root system, they can be transplanted into their final location.
Propagation by Division
Nasturtium occidentale can also be propagated by division. This method works best for mature plants that have become overcrowded. Dig up the entire plant and divide it into smaller sections, making sure each section has roots and stems.
The divided sections can be replanted in their final location and watered well. It may take several weeks for the plants to establish themselves and begin to grow.
In conclusion, Nasturtium occidentale can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, and division. Choose the method that works best for your situation and enjoy growing this beautiful, native plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Nasturtium occidentale Greene
Nasturtium occidentale Greene, also known as Western Indian cress, is a hardy plant that is resistant to most common diseases and pests. However, it is still vulnerable to a few diseases and pests that can cause damage.
Common Diseases
Crown rot is a common fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, leading to wilting and eventual death. The best way to prevent crown rot is to ensure that the soil is well-draining and does not become waterlogged. If crown rot is already present, the affected plants should be removed and destroyed.
Downy mildew is another fungal disease that can affect Nasturtium occidentale Greene. Symptoms include yellowing or browning of the leaves and a white, powdery mold on the underside of the leaves. Spraying the plants with a fungicide can help to control downy mildew.
Black spot is a bacterial disease that appears as black spots on the leaves of the plant. The affected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be sprayed with a copper-based fungicide to prevent further spread.
Common Pests
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that can cause damage by sucking the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. They are easily controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Cabbage worms are small, green caterpillars that feed on the leaves of the plant. They can be manually removed or controlled with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause webs to form on the underside of the leaves, leading to yellowing and wilting of the plant. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Preventative Measures
The best way to prevent diseases and pests from affecting Nasturtium occidentale Greene is to plant them in well-draining soil and provide adequate moisture without overwatering. Maintaining proper spacing between plants can also prevent the spread of diseases.
Regularly inspecting the plants for signs of diseases and pests can help to catch problems early before they become severe. Removing and destroying affected plants can prevent further spread.
Overall, Nasturtium occidentale Greene is a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases and pests. However, taking preventative measures and quickly identifying and managing any issues can ensure a healthy and thriving plant.
