Nasturtium

Nasturtium

Scientific Name:
Tropaeolum minus

Family:
Tropaeolaceae

Varieties:

• Kaleidoscope (ID: 221)
• Empress of India (ID: 55)

Introduction

Tropaeolum minus, commonly known as Nasturtium, is a species within the genus Tropaeolum and family Tropaeolaceae. It is one of the many species of annual and perennial herbaceous flowering plants native to South and Central America. Nasturtiums are renowned for their vibrant, showy flowers and distinctive, peltate leaves. The name “Nasturtium” comes from the plant’s production of an oil similar to that of watercress (Nasturtium officinale). Varieties like ‘Empress of India’ and ‘Kaleidoscope’ are popular for their ornamental value and ease of cultivation.

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. The ‘Empress of India’ variety is noted for its dwarf, bushy habit and dark purplish-blue foliage with crimson-scarlet flowers.
• 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. Fertilization should be avoided as it encourages foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
• 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.

Why is this crop useful for space?

Nasturtiums could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several factors: - Edibility: All parts of the plant (leaves, flowers, seeds) are edible and have a peppery flavor, making them a potential food source in space missions. - Low Maintenance: Nasturtiums are easy to grow and require minimal care, which is advantageous in controlled environments like space habitats. - Air Purification: Like many plants, nasturtiums could contribute to air purification by removing CO2 and releasing O2, though specific studies on their efficiency in space environments are needed. - Psychological Benefits: The vibrant colors and ease of growth could provide psychological benefits to astronauts by enhancing their living environment.

History of Cultivation in Space

There is no specific information available on the cultivation of Tropaeolum minus in space. However, various plants have been grown in space for research purposes, such as lettuce and radishes, to study plant growth in microgravity and to develop sustainable food systems for long-duration space missions. The characteristics of nasturtiums make them a potential candidate for future space cultivation experiments.