nasturtium

noun

nas·​tur·​tium nə-ˈstər-shəm 

na-

: any of a genus (Tropaeolum of the family Tropaeolaceae, the nasturtium family) of herbs of Central and South America with showy spurred flowers and pungent edible seeds and leaves

especially : either of two widely cultivated ornamentals (T. majus and T. minus)

Illustration of nasturtium

Examples of nasturtium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For the best blooms, grow nasturtium in poor to average soil because too much fertilizer results in fewer flowers. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 Apr. 2026

As a bonus, nasturtium flowers are edible, giving beginners an extra reason to grow them. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026

There’ll also be seasonal quesadillas with nasturtium and epazote, plus possibly ramps next spring. —Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026

Growing nasturtiums next to dahlias will keep this insect at bay. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 10 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, a cress

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

nasturtium

noun

nas·​tur·​tium nə-ˈstər-shəm 

na-

: any of a genus of herbs with showy flowers and edible sharp-tasting seeds and leaves