Quick Info
April - June
March - July
Full sun or partial shade
3 - 4 inches apart 1 inch deep
9 - 12 days
Heirloom Nasturtiums
Empress of India
Empress of India
(Tropaeolum majus)
Quick Info
April - June
March - July
Full sun or partial shade
3 - 4 inches apart 1 inch deep
9 - 12 days
These easy to grow heirloom flowers with their unique deep blue-green foliage and vermilion-red blossoms have graced gardens for hundreds of years. Their glowing color attracts hummingbirds who love to visit the long-spurred blossoms. As a wonderful bonus, both the bright flowers and leaves are deliciously edible with a spicy watercress-like taste. Empress is my favorite for garnishing green or seafood salads, chopped and mixed with cream cheese or added to rice dishes.
Seed Count: Approx. 30-35 / Weight: 4 g
- SKU:5041
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Special Features
Quick Info
April - June
March - July
Full sun or partial shade
3 - 4 inches apart 1 inch deep
9 - 12 days
GROWING INSTRUCTIONS
ANNUAL
Spring/summer/fall bloom
Frost tender
EASY TO START OUTDOORS
Sow seeds in spring once all danger of frost is over in full sun (or part shade in hot climates). Nasturtiums need no added fertilizer in most soils. Poke seeds into well-worked soil about 1 inch deep and 3 to 4 inches apart. Press soil firmly over the seeds and keep moist. When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin to 10 inches apart as mounding plants need ample room.
TO START EARLY INDOORS
Sow 2 seeds each in individual 4-inch pots of well-drained seed starting mix 3 weeks before last expected frost date. Cover 1 inch deep. Provide a strong light source. When seedlings have several sets of leaves, pinch out the weaker seedling, leaving 1 per pot. After weather is evenly above 50°F (10°C), gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions. Transplant seedlings into the garden 10 inches apart in full sun.
GROWING NOTES
These mounding nasturtiums are reliable and easy to tuck into any well-drained spot. They are a perfect disguise to cover fading bulb foliage in late spring. Their softly draping leaves and wonderfully colored flowers will quickly fill garden beds or containers. In mild winter climates, sow seeds again in early July for late summer blooms. Leaves and flowers are tasty additions to salads and sandwiches.