Emily ParkerBy Emily Parker

Updated November 2026

Companion planting nasturtiums with vegetables is one of the simplest ways to add flowers, draw in beneficial insects, and give pests a decoy target. In this guide you will learn which vegetables pair well with nasturtiums, how far apart to plant them, and what to watch for so the flowers help your harvest rather than crowding it out.

Why Nasturtiums Work as a Companion Plant

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are fast, cheap to grow from seed, and very attractive to aphids. Many gardeners use them as a trap crop, planting them near vegetables so aphids settle on the nasturtium leaves instead of on beans, brassicas or squash. The open, single-flower types also draw hoverflies and other predatory insects that feed on aphids. Their peppery leaves and flowers are edible, which makes them useful in salads as well.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 3 Best Companion Planting Books for Vegetable Gardeners (2026).

How to Plant Nasturtiums Next to Vegetables

  1. Sow after the last frost. Nasturtium seed does not tolerate cold soil. In most of the US, direct sow 1/2 inch deep once soil reaches about 60°F, usually two to three weeks after your last frost date.
  2. Choose the right spot. Pick a location with full sun to light shade and average, well-drained soil. Rich, heavily fertilized soil produces lots of leaves and few flowers.
  3. Space plants 8 to 12 inches apart. Trailing types need more room. Leave at least 12 inches between a nasturtium and any vegetable it shares a bed with.
  4. Plant at the edges or between rows. Place nasturtiums at the ends of rows, around the perimeter of a raised bed, or in gaps between plants that need fast-growing cover.

Best Vegetable Partners

Nasturtiums pair most reliably with crops that attract aphids or cabbage pests. Good partners include:

  • Cucumbers and squash, where nasturtiums may draw aphids and cucumber beetles away from the vines
  • Broccoli, cabbage and kale, where they can help distract aphids and cabbage whiteflies
  • Tomatoes, where they can attract predatory insects, though they should stay well clear of the root zone
  • Beans and peas, which benefit from aphid-trapping flowers nearby

Spacing and Layout in Raised Beds and Rows

In a raised bed, plant nasturtiums along one or two edges rather than in the middle, so they do not shade taller crops. A 4 by 8 foot bed has room for two or three nasturtiums along the south-facing edge, where they will not block sunlight. In a row garden, sow a short strip every 10 to 12 feet along the row ends. Keep them out of the root zones of heavy feeders like squash, since nasturtiums compete for water and nutrients when crowded.

Managing Nasturtiums So They Help, Not Hurt

Nasturtiums are vigorous. Pinch back trailing stems once they start sprawling into neighboring crops, and deadhead spent flowers if you want more blooms rather than seed. Let some aphids colonize the nasturtiums, then remove heavily infested leaves or the whole plant before the colony spreads to vegetables. Check the plants every few days during peak growing season.

Harvest and pest-check tools make the routine of monitoring nasturtiums easier.

  • Pruning shears with a fine-point blade: useful for pinching back trailing stems and removing aphid-covered leaves without damaging nearby vegetables. View on Amazon
  • A hand lens or magnifier: helps you spot aphid clusters early, before colonies spread. View on Amazon

Common Mistakes

  • Planting nasturtiums too close to vegetables, which leads to competition for water and light.
  • Sowing seed before the soil warms, causing rot and poor germination.
  • Overfertilizing, which produces lush leaves but very few flowers to attract beneficial insects.
  • Letting aphid colonies spread from nasturtiums to nearby crops without removing the infested leaves.
  • Assuming nasturtiums will deter every pest. They help most with aphids and some cabbage pests, not with every problem.

For more ideas on pairing flowers with crops, see Flowers Companion Planting Vegetables: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners and Companion Planting with Nasturtium: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners. If you want a broader pairing reference, Vegetable Gardening Companion Planting: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners covers the basics.

FAQ

Do nasturtiums really keep aphids off vegetables?

They often draw aphids away from nearby crops because aphids prefer nasturtium leaves. The effect is strongest when you monitor the plants and remove heavily infested growth before the colony spreads.

Can I eat nasturtium flowers and leaves from the garden?

Yes, both the flowers and leaves are edible and have a peppery flavor. Only harvest from plants you have not treated with pesticides, and rinse them well before eating.

When should I plant nasturtiums with vegetables?

Sow seed directly in the garden after the last frost, once soil reaches about 60°F. Planting them at the same time as your warm-season vegetables helps them establish together.

Conclusion

Companion planting nasturtiums with vegetables works best when you place them at the edges of beds or between rows, keep them away from crowded root zones, and check them regularly for aphids. With a little pruning and monitoring, they can protect your crops, attract helpful insects and add color to the garden all season.

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Emily Parker

About Emily Parker

Emily Parker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our vegetable & edible gardening guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.