Definition

Noun 1. A fast-growing annual climbing plant: A plant (Tropaeolum majus) characterized by vigorous growth over a single season, often using stems to climb. It is cultivated for its showy, spurred flowers and rounded, shield-shaped leaves. 2. A plant with edible components: Its brightly colored flowers and seeds are edible. The seeds are frequently pickled and used as a substitute for capers.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The garden nasturtium quickly covered the fence with a blanket of vibrant orange and red blossoms.
  • She added the peppery leaves and flowers of the garden nasturtium to her summer salad.
  • We pickled the seeds from our garden nasturtium to use in sauces and dressings.

Advanced Usage

• As a companion plant: In gardening, the garden nasturtium is often used to attract aphids away from more valuable vegetable crops.
  • Planting garden nasturtium near your tomatoes can help protect them from pests.

Variants and Related Words

• Nasturtium (noun): A common shortened name for , though this can sometimes cause confusion with the genus which includes watercress.
• Indian cress (noun): An alternative common name for the same plant.
• Tropaeolum majus (noun): The formal botanical Latin name for the species.

Synonyms

• Nasturtium (in common horticultural use)
• Indian cress

Related Phrases/Idioms

• To grow like a nasturtium: (Informal gardening phrase) To grow very quickly and vigorously.
  • These vines are growing like a garden nasturtium; I need to train them already!

Noun

1. strong-growing annual climber having large flowers of all shades of orange from orange-red to yellowish orange and seeds that are pickled and used like capers