Troubleshooting
Nasturtium officinale problems — and how to fix them
Nasturtium officinale (Nasturtium officinale) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Toxic to pets
ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs and horses (GI irritants), causing mild vomiting and diarrhoea. Site home crops out of pets' reach and discourage grazing, even though the leaves are a human food.
Wild-harvest contamination
Wild watercress in streams grazed by livestock can carry the liver-fluke parasite Fasciola hepatica and waterborne pathogens. Eat only cress grown in clean, controlled water, or cook foraged stems thoroughly.
Bolting and bitterness in heat
Warm temperatures and long days make it flower and turn bitter and tough. Grow in the cool seasons, provide afternoon shade, and harvest young for the mildest, crispest leaves.
Rot in warm, stagnant water
Still, warm water causes stems to yellow and rot and encourages algae. Keep water cool, clean and moving or change it frequently to keep the plant fresh and healthy.
Prevent nasturtium officinale problems before they start
Most nasturtium officinale issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for the species overview? Nasturtium — the full care guide.
Nasturtium officinale problems — FAQ
Why is my nasturtium officinale toxic to pets?
ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs and horses (GI irritants), causing mild vomiting and diarrhoea. Site home crops out of pets' reach and discourage grazing, even though the leaves are a human food.
Why is my nasturtium officinale wild-harvest contamination?
Wild watercress in streams grazed by livestock can carry the liver-fluke parasite Fasciola hepatica and waterborne pathogens. Eat only cress grown in clean, controlled water, or cook foraged stems thoroughly.
Why is my nasturtium officinale bolting and bitterness in heat?
Warm temperatures and long days make it flower and turn bitter and tough. Grow in the cool seasons, provide afternoon shade, and harvest young for the mildest, crispest leaves.
Why is my nasturtium officinale rot in warm, stagnant water?
Still, warm water causes stems to yellow and rot and encourages algae. Keep water cool, clean and moving or change it frequently to keep the plant fresh and healthy.