Empress of India – Nasturtium Seed

Victorian era heirloom.
Scarlet flowers stand out amid the dark blue-green foliage of this old-fashioned favorite. The compact, mounded plant habit makes it especially suitable for containers or as an edging plant. Also known as garden nasturtium and Indian cress.

• Edible Flower: Use the flowers as garnishes, or stuff with soft cheese. The flowers can be minced and added to butters and the immature seed heads can be pickled. Nasturtiums are a popular choice for adding color to salad mix. Peppery-flavored foliage is also edible.

Ht. 16-20". Avg. 200 seeds/oz. Packet: 50 seeds.

DAYS TO GERMINATION: 7-14 days at 60-65°F (16-18°C).

SOWING: Direct seed (recommended): Sow 2 weeks before last frost, 8-12" apart, 1/2-1" deep. Cover seed as they require darkness to germinate. Thin when seedlings have the first true leaves. Transplant: Sow 3-4 weeks before the last frost. Plant 2 seeds 1/2-1" deep in individual cells or pots. Cover seeds as they require darkness to germinate. Thin to one plant per cell or pot. Harden off and transplant outside after the danger of frost has passed. Trellising is needed for climbing varieties and they will need assistance to climb.

LIGHT PREFERENCE: Sun/Part Shade.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Well-drained, but not especially rich soil. High nitrogen levels promote more foliage than flower production.

PLANT SPACING: 8-12". Thin to 3-5 plants in hanging baskets or 10" containers.

HARDINESS ZONES: Annual.

HARVEST: Edible flowers: Harvest when the flowers are fully open.Edible leaves: Harvest at any time.

USES: Bedding plant. Excellent in containers and hanging baskets. Edible.

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Tropaeolum spp.

ALTERNATE NAMES: Garden nasturtium, Indian cress