(Tropaeolum majus)
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.   

 

ANNUAL

Spring/summer/fall bloom

Frost tender

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.

Seed Count: 30 - 35 / Weight: 4 gms