Plants Start With N

Starting new plants is one of the most rewarding parts of gardening. If you’re looking for plants start with n, you have some wonderful options to bring into your garden. These varieties offer unique beauty, fragrance, and resilience. This guide will help you choose, plant, and care for them successfully.

From classic flowers to useful herbs, ‘N’ plants fit every garden style. They can fill empty corners, attract pollinators, and even provide food. Let’s get your green thumb working with these excellent choices.

This list covers annuals, perennials, and shrubs. Each one brings something special to your outdoor space. Consider your climate and sunlight when making your selections.

Popular Garden Plants Beginning with N

Here are some top picks to consider for your beds and borders.

Nasturtium: These cheerful flowers have edible leaves and blooms. They thrive in poorer soil and come in trailing or bush forms.
Nicotiana (Flowering Tobacco): Known for their star-shaped flowers and sweet evening fragrance. They are great for adding height to plantings.
Nepeta (Catmint): A tough perennial with gray-green foliage and lavender-blue spikes. It’s a magnet for bees and cats alike!
Narcissus (Daffodil): Reliable spring bulbs that return year after year. They are deer-resistant and symbolize new beginnings.
Nemesia: A cool-season annual packed with small, colorful flowers. Perfect for pots and edgeing with a long bloom time.
Nerine: Offers stunning late-season pink or red blooms on tall stalks. They do well in sunny, well-drained spots.

How to Plant and Grow Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are foolproof and fast-growing. You can sow seeds directly in the ground after the last frost.

Choose a site with full sun to partial shade. Too much rich soil will produce more leaves than flowers.
Soak the hard seeds in water overnight to improve germination rates.
Plant seeds about half an inch deep and 10 inches apart. Cover lightly with soil.
Water gently but thoroughly. Seedlings should emerge in 7-10 days.
Once established, they need minimal care. Just water during very dry spells.

You can eat the peppery leaves and flowers in salads. They also help repel some common pests from your vegetable patch.

Caring for Nepeta (Catmint)

Nepeta is a low-maintenance perennial that thrives on neglect. It’s drought-tolerant once established.

Plant it in full sun for the best flowering. It can tolerate light shade but may become floppy. Well-draining soil is absolutly essential to prevent root rot.

After the first major bloom in early summer, shear the plant back by about half. This encourages a second, tidier flush of flowers and prevents excessive self-seeding. Divide large clumps every 3-4 years in spring to keep them vigorous.

Common Issues with Nepeta

Floppiness: Usually means too much shade, water, or rich soil. Staking or shearing can help.
Powdery Mildew: Improve air circulation around the plant. Avoid overhead watering in the evening.
Cats: They may roll in it! Consider a protective cage when the plant is young.

Planting Narcissus (Daffodil) Bulbs

Fall is the time to plant these spring treasures. The process is simple and guarantees a joyful display.

Select firm, healthy bulbs from a reputable supplier. Larger bulbs often produce more flowers.
Plant in a spot with well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Dig a hole 3 times deeper than the height of the bulb. For a standard daffodil, this is usually about 6-8 inches deep.
Place the bulb pointy-side up. Cover with soil and pat down firmly.
Water once after planting. They need little additional water until growth appears in spring.

Allow the foliage to die back naturally after blooming. This lets the bulb store energy for next year. Do not braid or cut the leaves while they are still green.

Incorporating Nicotiana into Your Garden

Nicotiana adds vertical interest and wonderful scent. Some newer cultivars stay open during the day, not just at night.

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Press the tiny seeds onto the surface of moist seed starting mix, as they need light to germinate. Transplant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

Space plants about 12-18 inches apart. They prefer rich, moist soil and regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers throughout the season.

Essential Care Tips for All ‘N’ Plants

While each plant has specific needs, some general rules apply. Following these will set you up for success.

Watering: Check soil moisture before watering. Most prefer consistent moisture when young but are more drought-tolerant later. Overwatering is a common mistake.
Mulching: Apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around plants. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature.
Feeding: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time. For heavy feeders like Nicotiana, a mid-season liquid feed can be beneficial.
Observation: Regularly check for pests or signs of disease. Early intervention is always easier, so keep a close eye on your plants health.

Design Ideas Using These Plants

Think about how these plants can work together in your space.

Use trailing Nasturtiums in hanging baskets or to spill over a wall. Plant a drift of Nepeta along a sunny path for soft, flowing color. Group Narcissus bulbs in clusters of at least 10 for a natural look in the lawn or under trees.

Place fragrant Nicotiana near seating areas or open windows where you can enjoy its scent. Use Nemesia to fill gaps in spring containers before summer plants take over.

FAQ: Plants Starting with the Letter N

Are there any vegetables that start with N?
Yes! Napa cabbage (Chinese cabbage) and New Zealand spinach are two great examples for the edible garden.

Which plants begining with N are good for shade?
Nicotiana can handle partial shade. Forget-me-nots (Myosotis) are sometimes called “Scorpion-grass” but their common name doesn’t start with N, though their blue flowers are shade-tolerant.

Is there a tree that starts with N?
Yes, the Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) and the Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) are two common examples. The latter can be invasive in some regions, so check local guidelines.

How do I stop my cat from destroying my Nepeta?
You can try placing chicken wire flat on the soil around the plant until it gets established. Providing an alternative, like a small patch of catnip in a pot, might also distract them.

Can I grow Nerine in a pot?
Absolutely. Use a deep pot with excellent drainage and a gritty potting mix. They like their roots crowded and prefer to be left undisturbed for several years.

Adding these plants to your garden brings diversity and interest. They are generally easy to care for and provide long-lasting rewards. With the right placement and basic care, your garden will thrive with these wonderful “N” selections. Remember, gardening is a learning process, so don’t worry if everything isn’t perfect the first season. Each year offers a new chance to grow.