These annuals also go by a variety of other names, including Indian cress, canary bird flower or Scottish flamethrower. Plant a few seeds in the ground and they ll spring forth rapidly, covering a relatively large area with gorgeous flowers in a variety of jewel-like colors. Check out nurseries for seedlings. Most greenhouses carry them. Read labels carefully.
Some nasturtiums climb like a vine while others sprawl like a groundcover.
Some have plain green leaves while others have leaves with fancy green or light cream markings. Flower colors also vary from cream to rich reds, yellows and golds. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Check regularly for aphids, which appear as tiny white blobs on stems and underneath leaves. Pull up and discard plants in autumn, once frost has felled the plants.