Nasturtium seeds - Tropaeolum majus

Common name: Flower of Abu Khunjar (Climber) - Nasturtium Scientific name: Tropaeolum majus Also called: Large Nasturtium - Indian Cress - Sabolot - Ladan - Latin Flowers. It is considered a winter annual plant, spreading ground cover. It has pale green, lobed leaves, and is a dense, climbing plant from the genus Nasturtium, belonging to the Tropaeolaceae family. Uses and benefits: • Grown in agricultural beds or hanging baskets and used to decorate balconies. • Rich in minerals and vitamin C. • Acts as a pest repellent by deterring insects from nearby plants. • Leaf extracts are used as an insecticide. Original habitat: • Native to western South America, in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. It is cultivated in Saudi Arabia, Gulf countries, and the Arab world. The flower: • Its flowers contain five beautiful, crown-shaped petals in vibrant colors including yellow, red, and orange. • Blooms at the end of spring and continues flowering until October. Suitable climatic conditions and soil for cultivation: Climatic conditions: • Abu Khunjar does not tolerate frost, so it must be protected during frost. • High temperatures affect its flowering; in hot areas, it is grown in shaded places receiving two to five hours of sunlight. • In Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries, Abu Khunjar is considered a winter annual plant, and it is recommended to grow it in shaded areas receiving one to two hours of sunlight during sunrise or sunset to reduce heat stress. • In the Levant region, it is considered a perennial plant, protected from frost in winter. Suitable soil: • All types of soil with good drainage and aeration. • Light sandy soil is preferred. • Can be planted in peat moss mixed with sand. Method and timing of planting: • Propagated by cuttings and seeds. When planting, it is preferable to soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 12 hours to facilitate and speed up germination. • Seed planting time: in autumn, in September, October, November, flowering occurs in January and lasts until May. • Cutting planting time: from October to the end of March.