THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT  
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Sunday, July 21, 1996                 TAG: 9607180109
SECTION: HOME                    PAGE: G1   EDITION: FINAL 
COLUMN: REMINDERS
SOURCE: ROBERT STIFFLER
                                            LENGTH:   22 lines

NASTURTIUMS TASTE ALMOST AS GOOD AS THEY LOOK

Nasturtiums are one of the easiest and most adaptable summer annuals to grow from seed. They're not only colorful, but they're one of the few flowers safe to eat. They have spicy-scented flowers, and the leaves and blooms taste like a mild radish and can be used for garnish or in salads.

Nasturtiums come in a variety of bright shades including yellow, orange, red, mahogany, cream and bicolor. It self-sows but isn't aggressive.

Seeds should be planted in early spring in full or part sun and will grow in containers, trailing over walls or as an edging plant. Nasturtiums grow about 1 foot high and climb or spread 2 feet or more, although dwarf varieties will remain compact. ILLUSTRATION: Color photo

ROBERT STIFFLER by CNB