This old heirloom variety, Empress of India nasturtium seeds from West Coast Seeds, produces stunning crimson flowers that rise above cascading, deep green leaves, perfect for hanging baskets or planters. These flowers create a striking contrast that attracts attention and matures to a height of 30cm (12"). Hardy and drought-tolerant, nasturtiums are ideal for xeriscaping. The edible flowers are brightly colored, adding visual appeal and a peppery kick to salads. Fresh seeds can be pickled to make excellent capers, and the plants can be grown as microgreens.
Key Features:
- Heirloom Variety: Produces stunning crimson flowers.
- Hardy Annual: Drought-tolerant and ideal for xeriscaping.
- Versatile Use: Great for hanging baskets and planters.
- Edible Flowers: Bright red, perfect for salads and garnishes.
- Compact Growth: Grows to 30cm (12") tall.
Growing Information:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Season & Zone: Full sun to partial shade
- Exposure: Hardy annual
Timing: Sow indoors in peat or coir pots 2-4 weeks before the last frost date. For better results, direct sow from 1 week after the last frost and repeat at 2-week intervals into early summer. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 12-18°C (55-65°F). Seeds will sprout in 7-12 days, possibly longer outdoors.
Starting Instructions:
- Sow seeds 5mm – 1cm (¼”-½”) deep.
- If starting indoors, provide darkness during germination, followed by bright light.
- Space smaller varieties 15-30cm (6-12″) apart and larger varieties 60-90cm (24-36″) apart.
Growing Tips: Nasturtiums thrive in poor to average, slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Keep watered during dry weather and do not fertilize. If aphids infest nasturtiums, cut off the infested tip and destroy it, or use a quick jet of water to dislodge aphids.
Companion Planting: Nasturtiums are excellent trap crops for aphids and deter whiteflies and cucumber beetles. They also attract predatory insects and are good companions for Brassicas, cucumbers, melons, radishes, and tomatoes.
Add a splash of vibrant color and unique flavor to your garden with West Coast Seeds Empress of India Nasturtiums. Perfect for health-conscious gardeners and culinary enthusiasts, these nasturtiums are a beautiful and versatile addition to any garden.
Selected page contains no content. Add content to this page in the page editor.
This old heirloom variety, Empress of India nasturtium seeds from West Coast Seeds, produces stunning crimson flowers that rise above cascading, deep green leaves, perfect for hanging baskets or planters. These flowers create a striking contrast that attracts attention and matures to a height of 30cm (12"). Hardy and drought-tolerant, nasturtiums are ideal for xeriscaping. The edible flowers are brightly colored, adding visual appeal and a peppery kick to salads. Fresh seeds can be pickled to make excellent capers, and the plants can be grown as microgreens.
Key Features:
- Heirloom Variety: Produces stunning crimson flowers.
- Hardy Annual: Drought-tolerant and ideal for xeriscaping.
- Versatile Use: Great for hanging baskets and planters.
- Edible Flowers: Bright red, perfect for salads and garnishes.
- Compact Growth: Grows to 30cm (12") tall.
Growing Information:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Season & Zone: Full sun to partial shade
- Exposure: Hardy annual
Timing: Sow indoors in peat or coir pots 2-4 weeks before the last frost date. For better results, direct sow from 1 week after the last frost and repeat at 2-week intervals into early summer. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 12-18°C (55-65°F). Seeds will sprout in 7-12 days, possibly longer outdoors.
Starting Instructions:
- Sow seeds 5mm – 1cm (¼”-½”) deep.
- If starting indoors, provide darkness during germination, followed by bright light.
- Space smaller varieties 15-30cm (6-12″) apart and larger varieties 60-90cm (24-36″) apart.
Growing Tips: Nasturtiums thrive in poor to average, slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Keep watered during dry weather and do not fertilize. If aphids infest nasturtiums, cut off the infested tip and destroy it, or use a quick jet of water to dislodge aphids.
Companion Planting: Nasturtiums are excellent trap crops for aphids and deter whiteflies and cucumber beetles. They also attract predatory insects and are good companions for Brassicas, cucumbers, melons, radishes, and tomatoes.
Add a splash of vibrant color and unique flavor to your garden with West Coast Seeds Empress of India Nasturtiums. Perfect for health-conscious gardeners and culinary enthusiasts, these nasturtiums are a beautiful and versatile addition to any garden.
Selected page contains no content. Add content to this page in the page editor.