Editing Nasturtium (section)

== Characteristics ==

* '''Physical Characteristics''': Nasturtiums have brightly colored flowers, typically ranging from yellow to red, and sometimes with darker blotches at the base of the petals. The leaves are palmately compound and peltate, meaning they have a central stem attachment<ref>https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/tropaeolum</ref>. The ‘Empress of India’ variety is noted for its dwarf, bushy habit and dark purplish-blue foliage with crimson-scarlet flowers<ref>https://monticelloshop.org/products/empress-of-india-nasturtium-seeds-tropaeolum-minus-cv</ref>.
* '''Growing Conditions''': Nasturtiums thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, though flowering may be reduced. They prefer well-drained soil and can grow in poor soil conditions, which actually promotes flowering over leaf growth<ref>https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/nasturtium-tropaeolum-majus</ref><ref>https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/tropaeolum</ref>. Fertilization should be avoided as it encourages foliage growth at the expense of flowers<ref>https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/nasturtium-tropaeolum-majus</ref><ref>https://theunconventionalgardener.com/blog/growing-nasturtiums</ref>.
* '''Lifecycle''': Nasturtiums are typically grown as annuals, completing their lifecycle from seed to flower within a single growing season. They can be started indoors and then transplanted or directly sown in the garden after the last frost<ref>https://monticelloshop.org/products/empress-of-india-nasturtium-seeds-tropaeolum-minus-cv</ref><ref>https://theunconventionalgardener.com/blog/growing-nasturtiums</ref>.

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