Yes, tortoises can eat nasturtium, and it is often considered a safe and healthy plant for many tortoise species. Both the leaves and flowers of nasturtium are edible and can provide variety and enrichment in a tortoise’s diet when offered alongside other greens and plants. A beautiful plant as well to keep in the yard, and a natural bug repellant.
For a complete diet guide, check out What Do Tortoises Eat
Are Nasturtiums Safe for Tortoises?
Nasturtiums are commonly grown in gardens and are well known for being edible for both humans and animals. Many tortoise keepers offer nasturtium leaves and flowers as part of a varied feeding routine.
Nasturtiums provide:
• natural plant variety
• hydration from fresh leaves
• vitamins and plant nutrients
• enrichment through edible flowers
Their bright flowers and soft leaves make them appealing to many tortoises. Learn more on What Vegetables can Tortoises Eat Everyday and set yourself up with a good routine.
What Parts of Nasturtium Can Tortoises Eat?
Most parts of the nasturtium plant are safe for tortoises.
Safe parts include:
• nasturtium leaves
• nasturtium flowers
• tender stems
These parts can be offered fresh as part of a mixed meal of greens and plants. I try and grow it every year and have little luck. I will try again in the spring.
Benefits of Nasturtium for Tortoises
Edible flowers like nasturtium can help add variety to a tortoise’s diet. Offering different plants can encourage natural grazing behavior.
Benefits include:
• dietary variety
• added plant nutrients
• enrichment through natural feeding behavior
• encouraging tortoises to explore food
Many tortoise keepers grow nasturtium plants directly in outdoor enclosures. Here is a Food Chart for Beginners I made to get ya started and it is great to book mark as a quick reference.
Avoid Treated Garden Plants
One of the most important things to remember when feeding plants is to avoid chemicals.
Never feed nasturtium that has been exposed to:
• pesticides
• insecticides
• fertilizers
• garden chemicals
Always make sure plants are grown naturally and chemical-free.
For a full list, check out Best Flowers for Tortoises
What Tortoise Species Can Eat Nasturtium?
Most commonly kept tortoise species can eat broccoli occasionally, including:
• Russian tortoises
• Sulcata tortoises
• Leopard tortoises
• Hermann’s tortoises
• Greek tortoises
• Red-footed tortoises
Always adjust portions based on species and diet requirements, Here is a Species Profile that goes over each species briefly.
FAQ Section
Yes, tortoises can safely eat nasturtium flowers. Many tortoises enjoy the bright flowers as part of their diet.
Yes, the leaves of the nasturtium plant are also safe for tortoises and can be offered along with the flowers.
Nasturtiums can be a healthy addition to a tortoise’s diet because they provide plant nutrients and add variety to meals.
Yes, baby tortoises can eat nasturtium. The soft leaves and flowers can be chopped into smaller pieces to make them easier to eat.
Conclusion
Nasturtium is a safe and enjoyable plant that tortoises can eat when offered as part of a varied diet. Both the leaves and flowers are edible and can provide variety alongside grasses, weeds, and leafy greens.
Growing edible plants like nasturtium in tortoise enclosures can help encourage natural grazing behavior and create a more enriching environment.
You can also read our guides on Can Tortoises Eat Hibiscus, Can Tortoises Eat Turnip Greens, and What Do Tortoises Eat to learn more about safe plants for tortoises.
Next Step
If you’re new to tortoise keeping, start with our Beginner’s Guide to Tortoise Care before choosing your species.
- Full Care Guide →
/care-guides/ - Diet & Nutrition →
/diet/ - Habitat & Enclosures →
/habitat/ - Gear Reviews →
/gear-reviews/
You can also explore more tortoise feeding guides to build a safe and balanced diet:
• Can Tortoises Eat Kale
• Can Tortoises Eat Sweet Potatoes
• Can Tortoises Eat Blueberries