Companion Plant Guide
Cucumber
Trap crop for aphids.
Flower · Nasturtium family
Nasturtium companion plants
Tropaeolum majus
What to plant with nasturtiums, what to keep apart, and how to grow them — sun, spacing, soil and the reason behind every pairing.
Photo: Marine Le Gac on Unsplash
Overview
Growing nasturtiums beside the right neighbour
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is a flower in the Nasturtium family. Vibrant flower that serves as trap crop for aphids.
A sacrificial crop — let the aphids have it and they will leave the rest alone.
Give plants 12–18 in in sun or part shade. Aim for well-draining, poor to moderate fertility. In most gardens the crop sits in USDA zones 2-11 (annual) and is ready in about 30-40 days.
Grows well with
What to plant with nasturtiums
The best companion plants for nasturtiums in this guide are Cucumber, Squash, Kale, and Pumpkin. Each pairing below is a reason to share a bed — pest masking, roots that do not compete, or insects that hunt the pests drawn to nasturtiums.
Squash
Pest deterrent for garden.
Kale
Trap crop for cabbage worms.
Pumpkin
Trap crop that pulls aphids and squash bugs off the vines.
Nasturtium is also a good companion for
Tomato — Trap crop that pulls aphids away from the plants.
Pepper — Trap crop that pulls aphids off the plants.
Radish — Draws aphids and flea beetles away from the row.
Broccoli — Trap crop for aphids and caterpillars.
Turnip — Trap crop for aphids and flea beetles.
In the bed
How to grow nasturtiums
| Sun | Sun or part shade |
|---|---|
| Spacing | 12–18 in |
| Soil | Well-draining, poor to moderate fertility |
| Hardiness | Zones 2-11 (annual) |
| Days to maturity | 30-40 |
These notes sit beside the companion lists — they are how nasturtium actually occupies the bed, not a substitute for local climate.
- Excellent trap crop for aphids
- Edible flowers and leaves
- Tolerates poor soil
- Attracts beneficial insects
Questions
Nasturtium companion planting FAQ
What can I plant next to nasturtiums?
Plant Cucumber, Squash, Kale, and Pumpkin beside nasturtiums. Cucumber: Trap crop for aphids. Squash: Pest deterrent for garden. Kale: Trap crop for cabbage worms. Pumpkin: Trap crop that pulls aphids and squash bugs off the vines.
What should I not plant with nasturtiums?
Nasturtium has no recorded antagonists in this guide — it gets on with most of the bed.
How much sun do nasturtium plants need?
Nasturtium plants want sun or part shade. Space them 12–18 in apart in well-draining, poor to moderate fertility.
How long do nasturtium plants take to mature?
Most nasturtium plants are ready in about 30-40 days. Nasturtium grows in USDA hardiness zones 2-11 (annual).
Compare every pairing at a glance
Open the guide, pick nasturtium, and see what thrives alongside it — and what quietly holds it back.
Open the pairing guide