Empress of India Nasturtium is a stunning Victorian-era heirloom known for its unique deep blue-green foliage and vibrant vermilion-red blossoms. These easy-to-grow flowers have graced gardens for hundreds of years, attracting hummingbirds to their long-spurred blooms. With a neat, mounded habit, this variety is perfect for adding a pop of color to garden beds, borders, baskets, or as an elegant edging along garden paths.
Beyond its ornamental beauty, Empress of India Nasturtium offers edible flowers and leaves with a spicy, watercress-like flavor. Ideal for garnishing green or seafood salads, mixing with cream cheese, or adding to rice dishes, this versatile plant is both a visual and culinary delight. Introduced circa 1889, this heirloom variety continues to charm gardeners with its historical significance and practical uses.
* SCROLL DOWN FOR DETAILED GROWING INFO *
All Nimble NiteCap Seeds are:
• Heirloom
• Organic
• Non-GMO
• Open Pollinated
• Untreated
• US Grown
• Growing instructions included
• Regular testing is conducted to uphold the highest germination standards, all the while employing appropriate seed storage techniques.
Sustainable Packaging & Shipping:
• NimbleNitecap seeds are packed in eco-friendly, compostable seed packets. Seed packets are printed in house with vegetable-based inks on biodegradable, recycled materials. (Small plastic bags are infrequently used to prevent the loss of very small seeds.)
• All orders are carefully packed and shipped with tracking via USPS First Class (or Priority, if selected) in padded ECOENCLOSE recycled and reusable mailers, or recycled boxes to protect your items in transit.
Most orders ship out the same or next business day! Please note that this time may be extended during peak season.
• FREE SHIPPING on all orders of $35 or more. Flat Rate shipping no matter how many packets you order.
* DIRECTIONS *
Common Names: Empress of India Nasturtium
Latin Name: Tropaeolum majus
Type: Flowering Vine
Life Cycle: Annual in most climates; tender perennial in USDA zones 10 and warmer
USDA Zones: 2 - 11 (grown as an annual in most zones)
Stratification: Not required
Germination Ease: Easy
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Moisture: Prefers well-drained soil; drought-tolerant once established
Soil: Average garden soil with loose, light texture
Height: 12-16 inches
Spread: 12-18 inches
Color: Deep blue-green foliage with vermilion-red flowers
Bloom Season: Late spring to frost
Companion Plants: Supports growth of tomatoes, cucumbers, and kale by repelling insects like aphids and beetles.
Potential Toxicity: Non-toxic to humans and pets
Climate Adaptability: Adaptable to a range of climates; frost-sensitive
~ Sowing ~
When to Start Outside: 1-2 weeks after your average last frost date, when soil temperature is 55°F or warmer.
When to Start Inside: Not recommended; direct sowing is preferable.
Pre-Sowing Treatment: For best results, soak seeds in water for 12-24 hours before planting to soften the seed coat and encourage faster germination.
Planting Depth: Sow seeds ½ inch deep.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Light and Temperature: Nasturtiums prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Germination: Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days.
~ Transplanting Seedlings Outdoors ~
Timing: Direct sowing is recommended, but if starting indoors, transplant after the risk of frost has passed.
Location: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
Spacing: Space plants 10-12 inches apart to allow for adequate growth and air circulation.
Transplanting: Gently transplant seedlings into the prepared soil, ensuring the root ball is covered and the plant is stable. Water well after planting.
~ Growing ~
Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Nasturtiums prefer drier conditions once established but may need additional water during prolonged dry spells.
Fertilizing: Avoid fertilizing as this encourages foliage growth over flowers.
Pest and Disease Management: Nasturtiums are generally pest-resistant but can attract aphids. Use organic pest control methods such as neem oil or insecticidal soap if necessary.
Maintenance: Remove spent flowers to prolong blooming. Plants will spread and fill in large spaces, but because they lack tendrils, they should be guided if grown vertically.
~ Harvesting ~
When to Harvest: Harvest flowers, leaves, and seeds as needed throughout the growing season.
How to Harvest: Pinch off flowers and leaves as needed, taking care not to damage the plant. Harvest seeds when they are mature and firm.
Edible Uses: Both the flowers and leaves are edible and add a peppery flavor to salads, sandwiches, and garnishes. Seeds can be pickled as a substitute for capers.
Drying and Storing: Nasturtium seeds can be dried and stored for future planting or culinary use.
~ Seed Saving ~
Allow the seeds to mature on the plant before harvesting. Once dry, store the seeds in a cool, dry place for future planting.
~ Additional Information ~
Forage for Pollinators: Nasturtium flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Origin: Native to South America, particularly the Andes region.
Nomenclature: The common name "nasturtium" comes from the Latin words for "nose-twister," reflecting the plant’s peppery flavor.
History: Nasturtiums have a long history of being used for both culinary and medicinal purposes, with the entire plant, including flowers, leaves, and seeds, being edible.
Potential Toxicity: Non-toxic and safe for consumption by humans and pets.
Climate Adaptability: Thrives in warm climates and can be grown as a tender perennial in USDA zones 10 and warmer.
