Garden Nasturtium, golden (Tropaeolum majus), fam. Tropaeolaceae.
   Grown sometimes in the garden beds of the city. This is an annual plant, blooms during summer and early autumn. However, in its motherland, the piedmont tropical districts of South America, it can flower almost independently on the time of the year. Shortly after blooming, the tricuspid capsule fruits grow up, sitting on convoluted stems.
   All the parts of the plant are succulent and fragile, so you should care for them accurately. In the beginning of their growth, after planting the seeds in late spring, abundant and regular watering is essential. However, when the nasturtium starts to bloom, they should be watered only in case of drying of the soil: if it is wet all the time, the plants will green lushly, but bring few flowers. Analogously, too fertile soil is not desired, though it definitely should not be completely poor.
   The leaves, flowers and unripe fruits are edible, contain vitamins and phytoncides. Unfortunately, garden nasturtium is not grown in sufficient quantities for culinary use in Kyiv. The taste of the plant is rather pungent and peppery, similar to many members of the Crucifer (Brassicaceae) family, including cabbage and mustard; nasturtium is a distant relative to them. It has antiseptic, stimulant properties, helps at long-term respiratory diseases and angina.

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