Tropaeolum Empress of India - Dwarf Nasturtium Organic Seeds

Tropaeolum majus 'Empress of India' is a dwarf variety whose particularly bluish rounded foliage beautifully displays its bright vermilion red flowers. This compact annual is ideal for pots and hanging baskets. It also works well in borders in small gardens. The flowers and foliage are edible, with a peppery flavour.

Tropaeolum majus belongs to the Tropaeolaceae family. It is a climbing or creeping annual plant, native to South America. It has given rise to many varieties and forms, some of which are compact, single-flowered, or double-flowered. Nasturtiums bear pretty flowers with bold colours, ranging from yellow to red, and beautiful round leaves. 'Empress of India' develops a compact, trailing habit and quickly forms a 30cm (12in) clump in all directions. Its parasol-like bluish-green leaves are covered with trumpet-shaped flowers of a vibrant scarlet-red.

Nasturtiums are very easy to grow. The seeds can be sown directly in place in spring. Nasturtiums grow quickly. They bloom from June to the first frost, covering the ground or cascading from pots and baskets. The foliage is very ornamental, and looks wonderful at the edge of or in the foreground of flower beds. The foliage is quickly covered with an abundance of blooms. Combine nasturtiums with other flowering plants such as lavender or asters, and other annuals such as cosmos, zinnias, and marigolds.

All parts of the plant are edible. The leaves, seeds, and flowers can be eaten in salads.

Aphids are fond of nasturtiums. Use this to your advantage by planting them in the vegetable garden and orchard, where they will act as a diversion (while hosting valuable food for ladybird larvae) and thus protect your crops.